Acts 14–15

INTRODUCTION

Acts 14–15 deepen and define the early church’s mission:

• Paul & Barnabas continue preaching and strengthening new churches
• Persecution and miracles continue

A major theological issue arises: Must Gentiles keep the Law of Moses?

The Jerusalem Council settles the issue:

Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus — not by the Law.

This section shows how doctrine protects unity and mission.

I. STRENGTHENING THE CHURCHES (Acts 14:1–28)

• Preaching in Iconium (14:1–7)

1 In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a way that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brothers. 3 Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be performed by their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, while others, with the apostles.

5 And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to treat them abusively and to stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region; 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.

Acts 14:1 — “They spoke in such a manner that a great multitude believed.”

But opposition rises.

Acts 14:4 — The city is divided.

They flee to Lystra and Derbe and preach the gospel there.

Teaching Notes

The Word brings division — some believe, some resist.

The mission continues despite hostility.

Application

Faithfulness is measured by obedience, not popularity.

Christians must expect mixed responses.

B. Healing of the Lame Man in Lystra (14:8–18)

8 In Lystra a man was sitting whose feet were incapacitated. He had been disabled from his mother’s womb, and had never walked. 9 This man was listening to Paul as he spoke. Paul looked at him intently and saw that he had faith to be made well, 10 and he said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet!” And the man leaped up and began to walk. 11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have become like men and have come down to us!” 12 And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, since he was the chief speaker. 13 Moreover, the priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.

14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men, of the same nature as you, preaching the gospel to you, to turn from these useless things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything that is in them. 16 [In past generations He permitted all the nations to go their own ways; 17 yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 And even by saying these things, only with difficulty did they restrain the crowds from offering sacrifices to them.

A man crippled from birth is healed.

Acts 14:9 — Paul saw he had faith to be made well.

Acts 14:10 — “Stand upright on your feet!”

He leaps and begins to walk.

The people think Paul and Barnabas are gods:

• Barnabas = Zeus
• Paul = Hermes

They offer sacrifices to them, but the apostles tear their garments and protest.

Acts 14:15 — “We are also men of the same nature as you…”

Teaching Notes

Miracles must point to Jesus, not the miracle worker.

Pagan culture misunderstands spiritual power.

Application

Beware of giving glory to people.

God alone is worthy of worship.

C. Stoning and Perseverance (14:19–23)

19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking that he was dead. 20 But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. 21 And after they had preached the gospel to that city and had made a good number of disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God.” 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Opposition becomes violent.

Acts 14:19 — Paul is stoned and dragged out of the city, presumed dead.

Acts 14:20 — “But while the disciples stood around him, he arose…”

They continue to strengthen disciples, appoint elders, and encourage perseverance.

Acts 14:22 — “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

Teaching Notes

A healthy church needs both evangelism and eldership.

Tribulation is normal for believers.

Paul gets up and keeps going — remarkable courage.

Application

Christianity is not escape from hardship.

Trials build perseverance and faith.

D. Return to Antioch (14:24–28)

24 They passed through Pisidia and came into Pamphylia. 25 When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been entrusted to the grace of God for the work that they had [p]accomplished. 27 When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all the things that God had done with them and [q]how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they spent [r]a long time with the disciples.

The missionaries report back:

Acts 14:27 — They related how God opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.

Teaching Notes

Missionaries need sending churches and accountability.

God alone opens doors.

Application

Strengthening churches is as important as planting them.

Testimony builds faith and unity.

II. THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL — THE GOSPEL DEFINED (Acts 15:1–35)

A. The Issue: Must Gentiles Keep the Law? (15:1–5)

1 Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

2 And after Paul and Barnabas had [a]a heated argument and debate with them, the brothers determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue. 3 Therefore, after being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they were bringing great joy to all the brothers and sisters. 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise [b]them and to direct them to keep the Law of Moses.”

Some from Judea claim:

Acts 15:1 — “Unless you are circumcised… you cannot be saved.”

Paul and Barnabas debate sharply with them.

The church sends them to Jerusalem to consult the apostles and elders.

Teaching Notes

The gospel is at stake:

Is salvation by grace alone or grace + works?

Application

False teaching threatens the church from inside, not just outside.

Doctrine matters.

B. The Council Meets (15:6–21)

6 The apostles and the elders came together to [c]look into this [d]matter. 7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “[e]Brothers, you know that [f]in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.

8 And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; 9 and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 Since this is the case, why are you putting God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our forefathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”12 All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles.

• James’ Judgment

13 After they stopped speaking, [g]James responded, saying, “[h]Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has described how God first concerned Himself about taking a people for His name from among the Ge ntiles. 15 The words of the Prophets agree with this, just as it is written:16

• ‘After these things I will return,
• And I will rebuild the fallen [i]tabernacle of David,
• And I will rebuild its ruins,
• And I will restore it,
• 17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
• And all the Gentiles [j]who are called by My name,’

18 Says the Lord, who [k]makes these things known from long ago.

19 Therefore, it is my judgment that we do not cause trouble for those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them that they abstain from [l]things contaminated by idols, from acts of sexual immorality, from what has been [m]strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since [n]he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

• Peter Testifies

Acts 15:11 — “We believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus…”

• Paul & Barnabas Report

Miracles among Gentiles confirm God’s work.

James Concludes

Acts 15:19 — “We should not trouble those who are turning to God.”

They give four recommendations to foster unity, not to earn salvation.

Teaching Notes

One gospel for Jew and Gentile.

Salvation is by grace through faith.

Unity requires sensitivity and love.

Application

Hold fast to the gospel.

Be gracious in secondary issues.

C. The Decision Published (15:22–35)

22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 and they [o]sent this letter with them: “The apostles and the brothers who are elders, to the brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles: Greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some [p]of our number to whom we gave no instruction have confused you by their [q]teaching, upsetting your souls, 25 it seemed good to us, having [r]become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have [s]risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:

29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from acts of sexual immorality; [t]if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.”30 So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and after gathering the [u]congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its [v]encouragement. 32 Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, [w]encouraged and strengthened the brothers and sisters with a lengthy message. 33 After they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brothers and sisters in peace to those who had sent them out.[x] 35 But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

A letter is sent to Gentile believers — a message of freedom and unity.

Acts 15:31 — “When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.”

Teaching Notes

Clarity brings joy and strength.

The Spirit and Scripture agree.

Application

The church must speak gently but clearly in doctrinal issues.

III. PAUL & BARNABAS PART WAYS (Acts 15:36–41)

36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return and visit the brothers and sisters in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. 38 But Paul was of the opinion that they should not take along with them this man who had deserted them [y]in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Now it turned into such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.

40 But Paul chose Silas, and left after being entrusted by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Paul proposes returning to the churches.

A dispute arises over John Mark.

Acts 15:39 — “There arose a sharp disagreement…”

They separate:

• Paul takes Silas
• Barnabas takes Mark

Teaching Notes

Even godly leaders differ.

God uses separate paths for greater mission.

Application

Disagreements do not stop God’s work.

Reconciliation later: Mark becomes useful to Paul.

CONCLUSION

Acts 14–15 reveal:

• Discipleship and perseverance
• Leadership and eldership
• Miracles and persecution
• Doctrine and unity
• Mission and multiplication

The gospel is clearly defined:

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.