Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “A Seeker for Truth”, pages 131-142; “Jew and Gentile”, pages 188-200, in The Acts of the Apostles. “The council which decided this case was composed of apostles and teachers who had been prominent in raising up the Jewish and Gentile Christian churches, with chosen delegates from various places. Elders from Jerusalem and deputies from … Continue reading –>
We have been avoiding discussing some issues within the church that are probably the reason why we are having this series of studies on unity in the first place. We have held back comments specifically on women’s ordination because we have seen discussions in other forums on this topic descend into very unchristian verbal battlegrounds. … Continue reading –>
It took some level of trust from the church at Antioch to send representatives to Jerusalem in order to seek the best solution to their conflict. However, after hours of discussion between the apostles and elders, James, the brother of Jesus, who appears to be the leader of the assembly, made a judgment about what … Continue reading –>
Read Acts 15:1-2 and Galatians 2:11-14. What are the two issues that caused serious conflict in the early church? The threat to church unity faced by early Christians was real and difficult. Some Jewish Christians thought that salvation was possible only for those who belonged to the covenant people of God, and this implied that circumcision was a … Continue reading –>
We are to make know our request “Lead on, O King Eternal”, Hymn 619 “When Conflicts Arise”. This hymn introduces our lesson study this week. We are told to “Give Me The Bible”, Hymn 272, to resolve tensions (Sabbath afternoon). This will give a resting place for our faith in Hymn 523, “My Faith Has Found … Continue reading –>
When Conflicts Arise. Aren’t you glad you belong to a Christian church that never has to confront conflict? Ah, so. You don’t belong to such a church? Look at this quote from the Bible passage chosen as a theme for this week: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: The early church was threatened by internal conflicts, but the church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit was able to resolve these conflicts. November 17, 2018 1. Have a volunteer read Acts 6:1-6. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. What were … Continue reading –>
Reports of what happened in Caesarea with Cornelius soon reached the leaders of the Christian community in Jerusalem, and they asked Peter to give an account of what happened. They were offended by what Peter had done because, according to their Jewish understanding of the Law of Moses, faithful Jews were not allowed to eat … Continue reading –>
The conversion of Gentiles to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is an event in the book of Acts that sets the stage for the greatest conflict in the life of the early church, one that would threaten its existence and mission. Read Acts 10:1-23. What elements in this passage indicate that the Holy Spirit was at … Continue reading –>
Read Acts 6:1. What issue in the early church caused people to complain about the fair and equitable distribution of food to widows? Some early Christians appeared to be prejudiced against the widows of Greek heritage in their midst and provided them with less food than the widows of Hebrew heritage. This perceived favoritism caused a rift in … Continue reading –>
