The book of Acts has so far followed the program established by Jesus' words in Acts 1:8. The apostles had become his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and since Acts 10, had begun a mission to the gentiles which would indeed stretch to the ends of the earth. But this rapid expansion and generous welcome of gentiles into the Christian faith was not without its problems. Soon a faction was demanding that gentiles must become circumcised Jews before they could become Christians. The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) was called to resolve this issue. Both the decision made, and the process followed, profoundly shaped the way in which Christianity changed the world over the following centuries. (Please note, bible study questions relating to the sermon can be accessed by clicking on the paperclip icon, found on the right).