The Christian Church Faces it's First Theological Controversy

We continue through the Book of Acts this morning with the turning point in the story. How are Gentiles (non-Jews) saved? How can they belong in the Pentecost-church of Jesus? This was the church's first theological controversy...and it remains one today.

1. THE CONTROVERSY OF "SOME MEN...FROM JUDEA" (VV.1–5)
   o The teaching of some men (vv.1,5)
   o Debate & delegation (v.2) > Note the response on the way & in Jerusalem (vv.3–4)

2. THE CONSIDERATION OF "THE APOSTLES AND ELDERS" (VV.6–20)
   o The gathering & debate (vv.6–7a)
   o Peter's speech (vv.7b–11) > Note the response (v.12a)
   o Barnabus & Paul's speech (v.12b)
   o James's speech (vv.13–21)

3. THE CONCILIAR LETTER (VV.22–29)
   o This unauthorized teaching (v.24)
   o The authorized instruction (vv.28–29) > food sacrificed to idols, blood, strangulation, sexual immorality

4. THE CONGREGATION IN ANTIOCH'S RESPONSE (VV.30–35)
   o "they rejoiced because of its encouragement" (v.31)
   o The Jerusalem delegation "encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words" (v.32)
   o Antioch's teachers "remained...teaching and preaching the word of the Lord" (v.35)