James’ Summary

In verses 13-21, James summarizes the case for simplifying the requirements for Gentiles to join the church.

Barnabas & Paul’s Review

In Acts 15:12, the believers listen to Barnabas and Paul describe their experiences with the Gentiles.

This is more evidence to encourage the council to take a simple stand on how to become a non-Jewish Christian.

Peter’s Vision Review

In verses 7-11, Peter again tells about his vision of the sheet with the unclean animals.

This is more evidence that the early believers should make it easier for Gentiles to join the church.

Debate

In verses 1-6, we read about the struggle the early church went through as they figured out how to include Gentiles.

Wisely, they discuss the opposing points-of-view in a formal council at Jerusalem.

Outline of Acts 15

1. Jerusalem Council: Gentiles don’t need to keep the whole Law
2. This ruling is communicated to the wider church
3. Paul and Barnabas argue about John Mark

Appointing Leaders

In verses 23-28, Luke describes the process that Paul and Barnabas go through when visiting various churches.

They wisely appoint elders in the churches they visit.

At the end, they report their progress to their home church in Antioch.  I wonder if they had a potluck dinner and a slideshow.

I Get Knocked Down

In verses 20-22, Paul and Barnabas “get knocked down, but they get up again; nothing gonna keep” them down!

Put Your Dream to the Test by John Maxwell

“Disappointment is the gap between that exists between expectation and reality.” ~John Maxwell

If you are interested in taking the next step, pursuing the next opportunity, chasing the next dream, then I highly recommend this book.

In it, John Maxwell presents another classic self-management scheme, one that you will find useful.

His goal is not to discourage dreamers, but to give them a rubric to connect their dreams to reality.

I give this book my highest recommendation!

Stoned

The crowd quickly turns against Paul and Barnabas, and they attack Paul with stones.

The abuse is so severe, they leave him for dead.

In fact, this event makes it into Paul’s famous list of trials in 2 Corinthians 11.

Cut It Out!

In verse 14-18, Paul and Barnabas beg the crowd to stop treating them like gods.