Read:  Acts 21:17-26

Open

What were some of the “rules” in your household growing up?  Were there rules that exasperated you as a child or teenager?  Were there rules that you look back on and are now thankful for?

Dig

Look again at vs. 20-25.  What is the concern of James and the Jewish elders?  Are they concerned about what people perceive Paul is saying to Jews or to Gentiles (v. 21)?  How is this different from the issue the Church dealt with at the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15?

Paul agrees to fulfill the Nazirite vow of Deuteronomy 6 to satisfy the request of the Jewish elders.  Why is he willing to satisfy that request but he absolutely refuses to compromise on requiring Gentiles to be circumcised or keep kosher laws?

In the sermon we were told that Paul was following the “Weaker Brother Principle” [WBP] of Romans 14—love compels us to go along with the one who has the greater scruples.  The WBP is one that gives us freedom to give in when it involves non-essentials.  Can you think of an example of when you have seen the WBP used in real life?

The sermon mentioned several threats to the unity of the Body, e.g. jealousy, appreciation of only people like us, presumption that I am not needed, choosing to complain rather than to commit, and especially an unwillingness to forgive.  What do you see as primary threats to the unity of the Body of Christ?

Reflect

We were reminded that the key to our unity is found at the Communion table—none of us are worthy and all of us are welcome.  Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive or from whom you need to seek forgiveness?  Can we as a group support you as you seek to give or receive forgiveness?