Backstory: The United (but Divided) Church
Acts 15:1-41 | Session 10
Jim Dalrymple | Ozark Christian College
The Jerusalem Counsel (of apostles & elders)
Threats to Unity:
1. False Doctrines:
● Jesus.
● Jesus + _
Who is responsible for doctrine in the church?
− Apostles / apostles
− Elders (cf. 1 Timothy 3)
▪ Examples
▪ Direction (overseer)
▪ Doctrine (teacher)
▪ Discipleship
▪ Discipline
2. False Freedoms:
● Saved by grace alone (not circumcision & faith)
● Saved by grace, to give grace:
− Abstain from meat sacrificed to idols
− Abstain from sexual immorality
3. Opinions & Personalities
● In Acts 15:36-40, Paul and Barnabas have a “sharp agreement” over John Mark.
Questions:
● Do we ever try to add pre-conditions or obstacles to the gospel?
● Should our allegiance to Christ and love for others cause us to abstain from
some actions, attitudes, etc.?
● Can God use even our differences to carry out his work and word?