Not-So-Quiet-Time: Acts 15
At-Home Bible Guide for the Week of 1/11
Day 1: Verses 1-5
It might seem strange that some early believers were saying, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (15:1). But circumcision had been the sign of God’s covenant for 2000 years. And the Law of Moses made it clear that to come into God’s covenant community, outsiders needed to have this sign (Ex 12:48). Therefore, it was understandable that some in the early church were misunderstanding circumcision. And misunderstandings still arise today. Pray that God’s Spirit would guide our understanding so that we can follow Christ rightly.
Day 2: Verses 6-11
Outspoken Peter brought wisdom to the table here. He reminded the leaders that God “cleansed their hearts by faith,” not by circumcision or other actions (15:9). All who are saved are “saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus” (15:11). In one of his letters, Paul would later write, saying, “those of faith… are the sons of Abraham” and God had always planned to save the nations by faith (Gal 3:7-8). It all comes down to faith: trust in the Lord with all your heart (Prov 3:5).
Day 3: Verses 12-21
Pointing to Scripture, James wisely stated: “We should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God” (15:19). Those in leadership are not called to burden those who they lead. Rather, they call the church to holiness and fruitfulness according to the Word. This does mean staying away from evil. This does mean living differently than the outside world. But because Jesus fulfilled the Law, “we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 2:16).
Day 4: Verses 22-35
There had been a great deal of debate and discussion among the elders about circumcision and the Law. However, they trusted the Word and they were led by the Spirit. God worked through this process to bring joy to those who had been struggling. When they read the elders’ letter, “they rejoiced because of its encouragement” (15:31). Ask God to work in your life through his Word and Spirit to direct your path, to correct errors, and to bring encouragement to others.
Day 5: Verses 36-41
Barnabas and Paul had been an effective team for the gospel. However, they had different convictions about Mark. This led them to go minister in different places in different ways. Even those who share core beliefs can differ on important convictions. At times, this can lead to division. However, this kind of division can be led by God to accomplish his purposes. Pray that God would direct your convictions and use them to direct you wherever He wants you to go.
Catechism Connection: WSC 86, 30, 33
Being right with God all comes down to faith: “a saving grace by which we receive and rest on him alone for salvation” (WSC 86). God saves us by “creating faith in us” (WSC 30). And we are made right with Him “only because of the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, received by faith alone” (WSC 33).
Monthly Memory: 1 John 1:8-9
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Day 1: Verses 1-5
It might seem strange that some early believers were saying, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (15:1). But circumcision had been the sign of God’s covenant for 2000 years. And the Law of Moses made it clear that to come into God’s covenant community, outsiders needed to have this sign (Ex 12:48). Therefore, it was understandable that some in the early church were misunderstanding circumcision. And misunderstandings still arise today. Pray that God’s Spirit would guide our understanding so that we can follow Christ rightly.
Day 2: Verses 6-11
Outspoken Peter brought wisdom to the table here. He reminded the leaders that God “cleansed their hearts by faith,” not by circumcision or other actions (15:9). All who are saved are “saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus” (15:11). In one of his letters, Paul would later write, saying, “those of faith… are the sons of Abraham” and God had always planned to save the nations by faith (Gal 3:7-8). It all comes down to faith: trust in the Lord with all your heart (Prov 3:5).
Day 3: Verses 12-21
Pointing to Scripture, James wisely stated: “We should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God” (15:19). Those in leadership are not called to burden those who they lead. Rather, they call the church to holiness and fruitfulness according to the Word. This does mean staying away from evil. This does mean living differently than the outside world. But because Jesus fulfilled the Law, “we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 2:16).
Day 4: Verses 22-35
There had been a great deal of debate and discussion among the elders about circumcision and the Law. However, they trusted the Word and they were led by the Spirit. God worked through this process to bring joy to those who had been struggling. When they read the elders’ letter, “they rejoiced because of its encouragement” (15:31). Ask God to work in your life through his Word and Spirit to direct your path, to correct errors, and to bring encouragement to others.
Day 5: Verses 36-41
Barnabas and Paul had been an effective team for the gospel. However, they had different convictions about Mark. This led them to go minister in different places in different ways. Even those who share core beliefs can differ on important convictions. At times, this can lead to division. However, this kind of division can be led by God to accomplish his purposes. Pray that God would direct your convictions and use them to direct you wherever He wants you to go.
Catechism Connection: WSC 86, 30, 33
Being right with God all comes down to faith: “a saving grace by which we receive and rest on him alone for salvation” (WSC 86). God saves us by “creating faith in us” (WSC 30). And we are made right with Him “only because of the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, received by faith alone” (WSC 33).
Monthly Memory: 1 John 1:8-9
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
March
September
October
November
2024
September
October
November
No Comments