Skip to main content

Acts-15

The Council at Jerusalem: A Devotional Study on Acts 15​

Introduction​

The council in Jerusalem of Acts 15 is a pivotal moment in the history of the early Church. It's a meeting that decided the fate of Gentiles wishing to become Christians. As we explore Acts 15 in a devotional setting, we'll consider the spiritual insights and profound truths this passage holds.

Section 1: The Circumcision Issue (Acts 15:1-2)​

Devotional Thought: The issue of circumcision presented itself as Jewish Christians from Judea traveled to Antioch to share the Gospel with Gentiles. Reflect on the importance of cultural sensitivity and how we can adapt our practices to new cultural contexts in spreading the Gospel.

Reflection Questions:

  • What cultural sensitivities do we need to consider in spreading the Gospel today?
  • How can we adapt our practices to be culturally relevant without compromising the truth of the Gospel?

Section 2: The Council's Decision (Acts 15:3-6)​

Devotional Thought: Peter, Paul, and Barnabas presented the case of Gentile conversion to the Council in Jerusalem. The Council affirmed their decision (Acts 15:28), and James, the leader, emphasized the importance of the Gospel's message without cultural traditions. Today, let's reaffirm our understanding of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do we uphold the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ without cultural traditions?
  • What cultural barriers have we seen that have hindered the Gospel's spread?

Section 3: The Letter to Gentile Believers (Acts 15:23-29)​

Devotional Thought: The Council wrote a letter to the existing Gentile churches as a guideline for living and observing the faith. This move, avoiding the required practice of circumcision, encapsulates the Council's mission to facilitate Gospel spread and obedience in new contexts. Today, as we encounter new cultural contexts, let's remember to adapt our practices without compromising the Gospel.

Reflection Questions:

  • What guidelines do we need to create when expanding our missionary outreaches in new cultural contexts?
  • How do we balance adjustments to cultural contexts without jeopardizing the core message of the Gospel?

Conclusion:​

As we close our devotional journey through Acts 15, let's reflect on the foundational message of the passage. The Council of Jerusalem recognized the importance of cultural sensitivity and upheld the central message of the Gospel in a new cultural context. May we take the Council's lead and continue to uphold the relevance of the Gospel in new cultural contexts while remaining faithful to its message.