Bible Quiz 11
(How well do you know the New Testament?)
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Dan Corner
55. The only church council found in the Bible is in Acts 15. What transpired beforehand which led to that church council and its important doctrinal decision?
Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. (Acts 15:1, 2)
Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.” (Acts 15:5)
(A serious doctrinal conflict between the Lord’s Apostles [Paul and Barnabas] and others arose because a false teaching regarding salvation was being taught to Gentiles Christians.)
56. Were various Apostles present at the Jerusalem Council and who made the final decision regarding that Gentile issue and circumcision?
After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. (Acts 15:7-12)
It is my [James] judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. (Acts 15:19)
(Yes, various apostles were present. James made the final decision.)
57. Does that show by implication that Peter was NOT the head of the apostles or first Pope, as Catholicism teaches?
(Yes. If Peter was the visible head of the church, he certainly would have presided over that important church council and made the final decision, but he did NOT. That doesn’t mean James was the Pope though! There was no Pope.)
58. When Peter spoke his relevant experience and message at the Jerusalem council, he revealed at what point God accepted the Gentiles and purified their hearts. Again, we read:
After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15:7-11)
Who were the Gentiles Peter referred to there?
(Cornelius and those gathered with him, Acts 10.)
59. At what point did God show Peter that he accepted Cornelius?
“Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith....” (Acts 15:7-9)
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. (Acts 10:43-48)
(When Cornelius and the others with him were given the Holy Spirit. According to Acts 10:43-48 that was evident when they spoke in tongues, just as the 120 gathered in the Upper Room on Pentecost did. That also means he repented and placed his faith in JESUS for his salvation.)
60. At that same point (when God accepted Cornelius and the others) were their hearts spiritually purified too?
He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. (Acts 15:9)
(Yes.)
61. How were their hearts purified?
He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. (Acts 15:9)
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. (Acts 10:43)
(Faith, that is, faith in JESUS, according to Acts 10:43.)
62. Were their hearts purified by FAITH IN JESUS before, during or after Cornelius and the others were water baptized?
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. (Acts 10:43-48)
(Before. Their hearts were purified by faith in Jesus before they were water baptized. That is crystal clear in showing water baptism does NOT bring about forgiveness of sins. Do NOT be deceived about that.)
63. The aforementioned proves beyond reasonable doubt that one is forgiven and accepted by God (saved) instantly at the point of faith in Jesus Christ. (True or False)
(True. There is only one way to be saved. Cornelius wasn’t saved at a different point than we are today. Also, other Scriptures would further show the faith in Jesus Christ needed to get forgiven and saved is a TRUSTING AND SUBMITTING FAITH. The fact that forgiveness and salvation come before water baptism is destructive and reveals the dangerous poison of teaching water baptism is the point of forgiveness. Such refutes various groups including: Catholicism, Church of Christ, Mormons, Lutherans and others.)
64. Getting back to what Peter said in Acts 15:7-11, he made a clear distinction between what the false teachers were saying (as mentioned in Acts 15:1; 15:5) and saving “grace.” True or False.
We [apostles] believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we [Jews] are saved, just as they [Gentiles] are. (Acts 15:11)
(True. The false teachers were not teaching grace.)
65. What was it that Peter excluded from saving grace?
Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. (Acts 15:1, 2)
Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.” (Acts 15:5)
(Circumcision and the law of Moses, meaning the dietary and ceremonial aspects of the law.)
66. When Paul mentioned the clear and powerful contrast between his “gospel” and what “grace” was in Galatians and elsewhere, did he get specific about what was in the law of Moses that he taught against and was not relevant for Christians?
But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! (Gal 4:9,10)
Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. (Gal 5:2-4)
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. (Col 2:16)
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal 5:19-21)
(Yes. It was the ceremonial and dietary laws—not the moral law. Like Moses, Paul and others taught (under grace) do not murder, commit adultery, steal, etc. NOTE: The moral is part of New Testament grace.
The Mosaic ceremonial and dietary laws are NOT something Christians need to be concerned with and must NOT think they have anything to do with their salvation.)
67. How does that truth of God relate to us today?
(It shows the spiritual danger behind certain Messianic groups, who think Christians must observe the Jewish feast days and dietary laws. Christians who get ensnared by that will fall from grace to where Christ will be of no value to them, just as Paul warned the Galatians [Gal. 5:2-4.] Hence, that is a lethal false teaching.) For more information related to this read http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/galatianism.htm )