Brothers

Scripture Passage: Acts 15:12-21

Paul and Barnabas encouraged the people to accept the Gentiles (non-Jews) as brothers and sisters in Christ. When we believe in Jesus we are all accepted into the family of God and we should accept each other, no matter what anyone's background might be. God has no favourites—He shows His love equally to all. Like Paul and Barnabas, we should rely on the scriptures to guide our discussions. The rules that the leaders decided to give to the Gentiles were to help these new Christians in their faith. We also should accept and encourage new Christians to learn more about God.

Questions:
1. What did Paul and Barnabas tell the whole assembly?
About the miraculous signs and wonders that God had done among the Gentiles through them.
2. What did James remind people that Simon Peter had said about the Gentiles?
That God first showed His concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for Himself.
3. How did James say the Gentiles should be treated?
The Jewish believers should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.


Memory verse: Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.