As modern, western readers of the Bible, it is easy for us to misunderstand the conflict that is happening in Acts 11. But the more that we know about the context of this conflict, the more we know that God’s laws are not arbitrary or legalistic. Rather, God calls his people to be distinct from the world in order to be a blessing to the world.

Discussion Questions

Which ditch are you personally more prone toward: not distinct enough from the world, or too distinct and distant from the world? How can we help one another live in the tension of John 17:15-18.
In Acts 11, we see a handful of specific blessings that come when God's people are distinct from the world: repentance, ethnic reconciliation, Christlikeness, and financial aid. In your group, talk about the myriad of other ways that we can be a blessing to the world when we are willing to be distinct and different from the world?
How was Jesus distinct from the world? How Is that holiness/separation/distinction an indispensable part of the good news? And, how did that distinction enable him to be a blessing to the world?
What specific gifts, talents, or abilities has God given to you personally that he wants you to use to bring the good news of Jesus into the world?

Prayer Points

Pray that we—as individuals and as a church—would live in that tension of being different from the world while still being a blessing to the world.
Pray that we would follow the Spirit on mission to the world with both our words and our deeds. Pray for Jesus to save people and bring them into his newly united family.