Where did these certain men come from? What were they teaching the brethren?
Who disputed with them? What did they decide? Who did they plan to discuss this question with?
Who sent Paul and Barnabas off? What two places did they pass through on the way? What happened there?
What did Paul and Barnabas report to the apostles in Jerusalem when they arrived?
Were the Pharisee dissenters Christian believers?
What two things did the Pharisee group think the Gentile Christians needed to do?
Who came together to consider this matter?
Who spoke next?
Who did he say God had chosen to speak to the Gentiles a while ago?
How did God acknowledge the Gentiles’ faith?
Did God make any distinction between the Gentile and Jewish converts to Christianity?
How did Peter say they (the Pharisee Christians) were testing God?
How did Peter believe the Gentiles would be saved?
Who spoke next? What did they report?
Who then gave the closing argument?
What did James quote to support the idea that God had visited the Gentiles as well?
What was James’ final conclusion that they should tell the Gentile Christians? What four things would they ask the Gentiles not to do?
What was his final line of reasoning?

Thought Questions

What do you think the Pharisee Christians’ basis for their belief was? Were they trying to cause trouble, or did they have a reason for believing what they did?
Do you think the apostles handled the situation well? How do you think it would have played out in your church?
Does the conversion of non-Christians give you great joy? Why or why not?
Is it ever ok to dispute matters in the church? How can you dispute matters differently from how it is often done in the world?
What are some characteristics of the way the apostles handled this particular dispute that you can learn from?
Give examples from this chapter of how the apostles used the following in their discussion: personal opinions, Scripture quotations, and testimonies.
What four things were the Christians not allowed to do (verse 20)? Why did they choose those things? Do you think they were fair? What might be the application for our society today?
Do you think the restrictions imposed on you as a Christian are good, or do you fight them? Why?
How much do you respect the councils and authorities of your church body? Why or why not?

My prayer is:
That I would follow the example of the apostles in prayer, study of the Scriptures, and testimony of experience when working to handle disputes;
That I would have respect for the authorities of my church, and pray that they are seeking to solve disputes in the same manner;
And that I would understand that, even though we are freed through Christ, there are still certain lifestyle restrictions which are for my benefit and health, and that I should honor them to please God.