REVISION SHEET FOR SENIORS : For Scripture Exam: Jan 27st, 2019

Dear Children, Please spend some time revising from today . God will bless all your efforts.

Extra Memory Verse: PSALMS 119:1-64

LESSON 1: THE FIRST KING IN ISRAEL’S HISTORY SAUL :1Samuel 8:1-9, 9: 1 -27

Memory verse: But do not be afraid; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt.
You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm with
which the Lord your God bought you out. Deutronomy 7: 18,19

Samuel was the last major prophet to lead Israel. His sons were Joel &Abijah – They were not like Samuel and
were greedy to gain more for themselves by dishonest methods. They accepted bribes and perverted justice.
Samuel was old and his sons did not follow the ways of Samuel. The elders of Israel complained to Samuel and
demanded a king to be appointed like the nations around them. The people of Israel were led out of Egypt
directly by God through prophets but now after many years they were seeking for a human leader rather than
God. Though Samuel was displeased with this, he asked God. God said that the people have rejected him and
Samuel has to warn them about what a king will do, but also to go ahead and anoint a king whom God will
show Samuel. (prophet was also known as a seer in those days)
Saul was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel. He belonged to the small tribe of Benjamin, son of Kish,
he was a handsome young man in all of Israel and a head taller than anyone else. He obeyed his father by
searching for sheep for three days; he searched sincerely and he knew how to respect elders. God showed Saul
to Samuel while he was searching for the sheep.

LESSON 2: DISOBEDIENCE OF SAUL:1 Samuel 13,14& 15

Memory verse: Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as obeying the Lord? To obey is
better than sacrifice and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination and
arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.
I Samuel 15: 22, 23

Saul was 30 years old when he became king and he ruled for 40 years. The Philistines were at war with Israel
throughout the rule of Saul. Once he had to wait for 7 days with his army for Samuel to come to his camp and
start the war with offerings to God. But the men in the army started scattering and so after waiting, Saul himself
did the job of the prophet by giving burnt and fellowship offerings and displeased God. Another time he
disobeyed God by not destroying the Amalekites completely as God had commanded. He kept the best of
plunder and best of the animals and destroyed only the weak and despised. Saul also spared Agag, the Amalek
king. When Samuel questioned Saul, he tried to justify by saying the good ones were kept for sacrificing to
God. God replies that obedience is better than sacrifice. Samuel then conveys that God has torn the kingdom
from Saul and given it to someone better than Saul. (please read chapter 14 for incident with son Jonathan)

LESSON 3: DAVID AND BATHSHEBA:II Samuel 11 & 12

 Memory verse:It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each
of you should learn to control your own body[] in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like
the pagans, who do not know God;…...The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and
warned you before.For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. I thessalonians 22, 23

During war time, David once remained inJerusalem and sent his chief Joab and the entire army to war.
In the evening he walked in the terrace of his palace and saw a beautiful woman bathing. He sent a
person to find out about her. He got informed that she was the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah
Lust& Sinthe Hittite. King David sent messengers to her and she came to the palace. Later she returned but sent
word to David that she was pregnant. Immediately David sent for Uriah from the army and asked him to
go to his home and relax. But Uriah slept in the entrance to the palace along with the servants. David
asked why and Uriah replied “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tentsand my commander Joab
and the army is camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love
to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!” So David tried to get Uriah drunk the next
day but he still slept in the palace. Then David sent a note to Joab saying that Uriah should be posted
where the fighting is fiercest and no support to be given to him so that he will die. Uriah died and his
Bathsheba became the wife of David. This displeased God.
Gods anger &
warning God sent prophet Nathan to David – he told a story to David –“ There was a rich man and poor man.
Rich man had a large number of sheep. Poor man only one little ewe lamb (female lamb) that he loved
like a member of his family. A traveler came to stay with the rich man – so the rich man took the lamb
of the poor man & killed it and served it to the traveler.”

David was angry to hear this and said that the rich man must die! Nathan pointed out that David was the
rich man. Immediately David repented and confessed that he has sinned against God. Nathan said that
repentance of
David the child from Bathsheba will die – so David fasted and laid down in sack cloths to beg for Gods mercy
in front of everyone. The child died and God gave another son to David through Bathsheba named
Solomon or Jedidiah.

LESSON 4: SOLOMON BUILDS THE TEMPLE:I Kings: 6, 7 and 8

Memory Verse:The Lord said to him:“I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have
consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will
always be there.I Kings9:3

Temple beginning date in the 4th year of Solomon’s reigns over Israel

Gods promise to Solomon : As for this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, observe my laws
and keep all my commandments and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to your father. I
will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people, Israel

Temple ending date : In the 11th year, the temple was finished in all its parts and according to all its
specifications. Solomon had spent 7 years in building it.

Solomons prayer of Dedication : He prayed to God for the temple when opening it. He celebrated for 14 days
and gave sacrifices. His prayer for the temple and people covered everything (I kings 8: 22- 61)and he even
prayed for the foreigner who is not of the people of Israel who may come to the temple to worship God. “
When a foreigner has come because of your name and pray, then hear from heaven. Do whatever he asks you so
that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, and know that his house I have built bears
your Name.

Refer workbook pg. 17: 1: Ark of the covenant kept in the inner sanctuary – this contained the 10
commandments and was considered most sacred. 2. 10 movable stands of bronze for offerings 3. 10 bronze
basins 5 in the south, 5 in the north - for cleansing. 4. Golden Table – in the inner sanctuary to keep the bread
of presence. 5. Lampstands of pure gold for the inner sanctuary – 5 to the left and 5 to the right.

The two pillars in front of the temple were huge and he gave them each one name Jakin and Boaz

LESSON 5: DIVIDED KINGDOM :I Kings : 12

Memory Verse: Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am
the Lord. Leviticus 19.32

After Solomon, the kingdom of Israel gets divided into two – Northern kingdom was ISRAEL – formed by 10
tribes & Southern Kingdom JUDAH – formed by two tribes (Judah & Benjamin). The division happened
because of the arrogant behavior of Solomon’s son Rehoboam.

When he was crowned king, the people along with a leader named Jeroboam requested Rehoboam to reduce
the labour and heavy work that Solomon had put on them. Rehoboam asked them to give him 3 days to decide.
He asked the elders advice – they said that he should grant the request of the people and reduce the burden so
that they will always follow him and be their servants.He then asked the advice of youngsters – they said –
make the labour more and tell the people that you are more than your father Solomon.

Rehoboam followed the advice of the youngsters – and so the people rebelled against him. They shouted that
they do not have any share with the house of David anymore & that Rehoboam should take care of his country
by himself. Rehoboam sent Adoniram who was incharge of forced labour to make the people work but the
people stoned him to death. Rehoboam then escaped to Jerusalem. Only two tribes supported him – Judah &
Benjamin. Jeroboam became king of the rest of the tribes (10) and his capital was Shechem.

Rehoboam wanted to fight a war with Jeroboam and regain the kingdom but God’s word came through
Shemaiah that they should not fight with their brothers and go back and this was what God wanted. Rehoboam
obeyed and did not wage a war.

Jeroboam who ruled from the North – was afraid that his people will go to Jerusalem to worship in the temple
and then start supporting Rehoboam. So he made two golden calves and declared to the people that they were
the Gods who bought the people out of Egypt. He set one in a place called Dan and another in Bethel. He also
made high places for sacrifice and appointed priests as he wished. This was a mistake and this lead the people
of Israel away from God.

LESSON 6: NABOTH’SVINEYARD: I King: 21

Memory Verse: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and
widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world James 1: 27

Israelite king Ahab was ruling from Samaria. His palace was in Jesreel. Near his palace was the
vineyard of a man named Naboth. The vineyard was Naboth’s inherited land from his forefathers.
Inheritance was very important to the Israelites and they will not sell the land.
But Ahab the king wanted the vineyard. He asked Naboth, but Naboth refused. King Ahab was upset
and refused to eat. His wife Jezebel decided to take the vineyard from Naboth by force and she reminded
Ahab that he was king and he could have anything he wants.
She then wrote letters in the name of the Ahab to the elders and nobles of Jesreel. She asked to them to
proclaim a fasting and put Naboth in the middle. Also to set 2 men, sons of Belial against Naboth to bear
false witness against him saying that he cursed God and king. Then to stone him that he may die. (sons
of Belial means very wicked and evil persons)
God declared a punishment for Ahab and Jezebel through prophet Elijah : Since Ahab has murdered
and taken possession of land unlawfully, in the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, they shall
lick your blood. I will bring evil upon you and take away thy posterity. Dogs shall eat Jezebel in the wall
of Jezreel.
Ahabs wickedness : The Bible says that there was no one like Ahab who had sold himself to do evil
Murderer, Undue possession of land, provoked God to anger, made Israel to sin
worshipped idols and behaved like the Amorites who God had cast out of Israel.

Ahabs repentance : When he heard the punishment from God, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on
himself and fasted. He slept in sackcloth and behaved humbly.

LESSON 7 : FALL OF SAMARIA :II Kings: 17:1-41

Memory Verse: What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the
living God.As God has said:“I will live with themand walk among them,and I will be their God,andthey will be
my people.”[II Corinthians 6: 16

Samaria was a great capital of the kingdom of Israel –. The Israelites let go all the commands of the LORD their
God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves, and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to
all the different gods and worshiped Baal.They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced
divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.

So during the time of king of Hoshea (last king of Israel), the Assryians led by their king Shalmaneser invaded
the entire land and laid siege for 3 years. After that Shalmaneser sent all the Israelites from their own homeland
to Assyria and instead bought his people from Babylon to stay in Samaria. God sent lions to attack them and
they complained to their king saying that they did not know how to worship the God of Israel and that is why
the lions have been sent. So Shamaneser sent an Israelite priest to teach them how to worship God in Bethel.
The new people followed it and but they did not let go of their own gods too.

pgs. 26 Keep my commandments and my STATUTES

The Lord warned Israel and Judah by every PROPHET and every seer.
Son of Elah HOSEAH (last king of Israel)
Assyrian King – SHALMANESER
SAMARIA was besieged for three years
God has foretold through all his SERVANTS, the prophets
You shall not offer SACRIFICE to other gods.

LESSON 8: PRAYING TOGETHER AND THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT :Acts 1: 21 -26

Memory Verse: Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have
chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and
the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. Acts 1: 24 -26

When Judas Iscariot died after betraying Jesus, the 11 disciples had to choose one person to fill his place. They
decided that the person chosen should have been with them right from the beginning – from the baptism of
Jesus by John till the taking up of Jesus (Ascension). Only then the person can be a witness to all for the
resurrection of Jesus.They chose two perons: Joseph called Barsabbas and Mathias. Then they prayed together
as seen in the verse above with one mind and chose according to lots. The lot fell on the name of Mathias.
When we pray together with one-ness – the holy spirit will guide us.

LESSON 9: BIRTH OF THE CHURCH:Acts 2: 1 -13, I Corinthians 14

Memory Verse: And afterward,I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days. Joel 2: 28,29

On the day of Pentecost, all the disciples came together at one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a
violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed like
separated tongues of fire came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began
to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. At that time many God-fearing Jews from all the nations of
the world were also in Jerusalem. They were all amazed as to how the disciples of Galilee can speak in the
different languages of Parthians, Medes and Elamites; Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and
Asia,Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Rome; Cretans and Arabs—They said to each other “we hear them
declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” The disciples were strengthened and unified by the Holy
Spirit and the 12 disciples stood up and Peter addressed the gathering after which 3000 persons were added to
the group of believers. That marks the origin of the church but they gathered in homes and shared all their
belongings.

After the growth of the church, Apostle Paul in his letter to Corinthians explains that when members of the
church come together they should desire and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit that will build the church. He
recommends that in church – the gift of prophecy is better than speaking in tongues. Paul himself speaks in
tongues but in church he says that he would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten
thousand words in a tongue. Speaking in tongues helps the individual while prophecy helps others come closer
to God he says.If anyone speaks in a tongue, they should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If
there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

Answers for Fill ups in pg 33 & 34: 1- Pentecost; 2-Jerusalem; 3-Joel; 4-Galilee 5- Speaking tongues 6- Gifts
of the spirit & Prophecy; 7-Tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers. 8. Prophecy is not a sign
for unbelievers but for believers.
LESSON 10: PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE COUNCIL :Acts 4: 1 -21

Memory Verse: Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of
Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in Gods eyes – to listen to you or to Him? You be the judges.
As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4: 18-20

Answers for the workbook questions:

1. A short note of the book of Acts : Acts is a book believed to be written by Luke. It interprets the words,
actions, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It talks of the birth of the Christian Church and how the Holy
Spirit inspired, nurtured, guided and comforted the Church.At the time when Jesus was crucified, His disciples
and followers were nearly all Jews. Acts tells how God's covenant with the Jews is now expanded to include all
people of the world. The missionary work of Peter and Paul are described. Acts also records the lives of early
Christians such as Stephen, Cornelius, Barnabas, Philip, Peter and Paul are recorded in Acts of the Apostles.

2. Name the people who inquired Peter and John

Annas – high priest; Caiaphas,John, Alexander and others belonging to the high priests’ family. Also present
were rulers, elders and teachers of law.

3. For what reason Peter and John were arrested : The Jewish leaders were greatly upset that the disciples were
preaching to the people about the resurrection of the dead in Jesus. They also questioned Peter and John about
the authority through which they were doing miracles like healing the lame. Peter and John boldly proclaimed
that Jesus is the only way for salvation.

4. Sadducees (many priests and temple leaders) did not believe in resurrection from the dead.

5. The council (Sanhedrin) of priests was amazed because Peter & John were uneducated, ordinary men but
their speech and actions were very courageous and bold. They also noted that they were with Jesus. They let
them go after warning them not to speak of Jesus. But Peter & John replied that they will obey God and not
them & will continue speaking of what they have seen and heard.

LESSON 11: ANNANIAS AND SAPPHIRA:Acts 5: 1 -11

Memory Verse: Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They
have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own
possessions.Joshua 7:11
1. What was the mistake done by Ananias and Sapphira?
In the early days of the church, from time to time, believers sold their property and laid the sale in the feet of
Apostles for them to distribute to anyone in need. Ananias& wife Sapphira alsosold a piece of property .
Ananiaswith the knowledge of his wife kept part of the money for himself and kept the rest in the feet of the
Apostles. This was the mistake.
2. Peter asked Ananias : Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy
Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? …You have not lied just to
human beings but to God.
3. On hearing this Ananias fell down and died. After three hours his wife also came in and answered Peter that
it was the sum of money collected by selling the property. She too fell and died and the young men who carried
the body of her husband, carried her and buried her too. These events created great fear in the whole church.
4. The commandments they broke were – Do not covet, Do not bear false witness, Do not steal
6. The sin in the minds of Ananias and Sapphira was that they can cheat God. Their intention of selling the
property and giving the money was good. But they could have told Peter that they have kept some for
themselves or requested some for themselves. Instead they resorted to lying for each other even when Peter
questioned them. We also think we can do wrong things secretly and get away with it – sin can be done in secret
but it cannot be hidden from God.

LESSON 12: SEVEN CHOSEN TO SERVE :Acts 6:1 -15

Memory Verse: But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6: 4

1. What was the complaint of the Hellenist Jews? (Greeks) They complained against the Hebraic Jews because
their widows were not being given proper attention for the daily distribution of food.

2. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry
of the word of God in order to serve food on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you
who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give
our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose
Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas.

3.Stephen was a man full of faith, Holy spirit, God’s grace and power. He performed great wonders and signs among
the people. The leaders from the Synagogue began to argue with Stephen but they could not stand up against the wisdom
the Spirit gave him as he spoke. When they made him appear before the council (Sanhedrin),his face was that of an angel.

5. The work of the church is to do both spiritual and social ministry. To pray and choose the right people to look after the
needs of the people – both members and others.

LESSON 13: PETER AND CORNELIUS :Acts 10

Memory Verse: Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritismbut
accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.Acts 10: 34 -35

1. Who was Cornelius? A devout man who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people
and prayed to God always. He was the Centurion in the Italian Regiment at Caesarea of the Roman Empire that was ruling
Judah and Israel at that time. He was not a Jew but a powerful and respected gentile.
2. Vision of Cornelius : When he was praying in the 9th hour, an angel of the Lord appeared and called him by name
saying that his prayers and help to the poor has reached God and he was to send a man to meet Peter who was at place
called Joppa in the house of Simon the tanner.

3. Vision of Peter: Peter went to the rooftop at the 6 th hour to pray and became very
hungry and while the food was being made ready he saw a vision: A great sheet
bound in the 4 corners descended from heaven .It contained all kinds of four-footed
animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Avoice said: Get up Peter kill and eat. Peter
replied: Surely not lord, I have never eaten anything unclean. The voice spoke to
him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean. This
was repeated three times. Just when he was thinking about the vision, the people
sent by Cornelius reached and invited Peter to go to Cornelius’ home. So Peter
 went to Joppa though it was against the law of the Jews to go to the home of a gentile. Peter understood after the vision
that God does not want him to call anyone impure or unclean

4. Message delivered by Peter in the house of Cornelius : Peter said “I now realize how true it is that God does not show
favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” Then he shared the gospel of
Jesus and the holy spirit was poured on everyone present –event the gentiles and they too spoke in tongues. Peter
immediately saw that God has accepted the gentiles too and baptized them in the name of Jesus. This was a revolutionary
event in the church and among Jewish believers.

1 7 11 5 Answers to the puzzle in pg.45

K C L B
4 1. Kill and eat
I T A L I A N A A 2.devout
L 6 3. Joppa
P E T E R P 4.Italian
L 5.Baptized
S G T
6. Peter
A 9 1
J A 0 E W I 7. Casarea
J 8.Hour
N 8 3 9. John
H O U R S J Z
10. Jew
D
H E H O E 11. Large sheet
E 12 Holy spirit
N A E P D
A
E P
T 2
D E V O U T T A
12
H O L Y S P I R I T
LESSON 14: GOOD NEWS TO THE GENTILES ;Acts 13 & 14

Memory Verse; Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am
with you always, to the very end of the age.”Mathew 28: 19-20

1.  Antioch was the place where the believers were first called Christians. At Antioch there were prophets and
teachersnamely Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius ,Manaenand Paul (he was still addressed as Saul)

2. Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the prophets and teachers at Antioch as God instructed them to take the gospel to
other places.
They were led by the holy spirit to go to the island of Cyprus first. They spoke at the synagogues and in a place called
Paphos they came across a false prophet named BarJesus (also known as Elymas the sorcerer ). He was working for an
intelligent Roman leader, Sergius Paulus. When Paul and Barnabas were sharing the faith with Sergius Paulus, Elymas
opposed them. Immediately Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit and he rebuked Elymas and proclaimed that he was a
child of the devil and that he will go blind for some time. It happened at once. The leader Sergius Paulus saw this and
believed in the Lord.

3. Next they went to Antioch in Pisidia - there they preached in the synagogue in detail from Abraham to Jesus and that
Jesus was the promised Saviour - about the crucifixion and resurrection. They were invited to explain again the next
Sabbath. The entire city assembled to listen - this made the Jews jealous. Paul said that they will go the gentiles because
the Jews have rejected them and Gods message and salvation was for all. The Jews incited the powerful people against
them and so Paul and Barnabas left to Iconium and Lystra.

4. At Lystra :Paul and Barnabas met a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never
walked. He listened to Paul & Paul saw that he had faith to be healed and so he he called out, “Stand up on your
feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted
that the gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes.
They were so amazed that the priest of Zeus brought bulls and wreaths and wanted to offer sacrifices to
them.Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting:“Friends,
why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you.
Some Jews from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the
city, thinking he was dead.  But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the
city.

5. To strengthen the souls of believers in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch (in Pisidia) – Paul and Barnabas visited
them again and encouraged them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the
kingdom of God” they said. They also appointed leaders and committed them to the Lord.

Antioch(Syria) to Salamis to Paphos to Perga to Antioch (Pisidia) to Iconium to Lystra to Derbe

Derbe to Lystra to Iconium to Antioch (Pisidia) to Perga to Attalia to Selucia to Antioch (Syria)

LESSON 15: THE FIRST CHURCH COUNCIL :Acts 15:

Memory Verse: After this I will returnand rebuild David’s fallen tent.Its ruins I will rebuild,and I will restore
it,that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name,says the Lord, who does
these things.Acts 15: 16, 17

1. The first church council was held in Jerusalem and James was its leader

2. The reason for conducting the council because there was confusion among the early Christians about the methods
of following Christ. They had to decide whether the Jewish practice of circumcision was to be followed by
gentile believers. Faith and belief in Christ alone is enough for salvation. However since Jesus was Jew and he
had followed the laws given by God through Moses – some of the early Christians who were Jews wanted new
believers to not only follow Jesus but also follow Jewish practices such as Circumcision. This confusion was
caused by some believers who came from Judea started telling the gentile believers that they will not be
saved unless they are circumcised according to the law given by Moses. Paul and Barnabas did not
accept this and a debate and dispute happened between them and the Judea believers. So the church in
Antioch decided to settle the matter by sending Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem and decide with the help
of the apostles and elders.
3. In Jerusalem, the apostles, elders in the church had come together as a council to hear the arguments and
decide about the need to follow Jewish practices by gentile believers. Peter, Paul and Barnabas spoke
about their experiences with the gentiles. James concludes the council by quoting the prophet Amos and
how God will give salvation to all mankind.
James said clearly that by asking the gentiles to undergo circumcision it is making it difficult for
them to turn to God and that it should not be done.
Instead , James wanted the believers to avoid the following four things
food polluted by idols,
sexual immorality,
meat of strangled animals
blood.

The leaders wrote this down in a letter to the gentile believers of Antioch, Syria and Cicilia. They sent
this letter with Paul and Barnabas and also sent Judas and Silas alongwith them to strengthen and
encourage the believers.