Life Together
Acts 15:1-21, 16:4-5
What stood out to you most from the sermon? Did anything challenge or change how you think about church government?
Why was the disagreement over circumcision so serious? What was at stake beyond a difference in cultural practices?
The sermon described the “impulse of the Judean teachers” as requiring other Christians to adopt our customs. What church traditions or preferences are we tempted to treat as marks of genuine Christianity?
Even though Paul was an apostle, the church in Antioch sought help from the wider church. What does this teach us about the limits of local-church independence?
What do you notice about how the apostles and elders reached their decision? What roles were played by debate, personal testimony, Scripture, and collective wisdom?
What are the strengths of having elders govern together rather than giving final authority to one pastor or leader? What difficulties can shared leadership create?
How did the council defend salvation by grace while also asking Gentile believers to make sacrifices for the unity of the church?
According to Acts 16:4–5, how did the churches respond to the council’s decision? What does healthy submission to church authority look like—and what should someone do if they believe church leaders are wrong?
What can churches accomplish together that would be difficult for a local congregation to accomplish alone? Where have you personally benefited from connections with the wider church?
The sermon concludes that “Jesus is running his church,” even through meetings, debates, letters, and imperfect leaders. How does that truth encourage you? How should it shape the way we respond to frustration or conflict in the church?