Sarah Henrich Sessions 1-5 (Oct)

"The Gentiles who turn to God" (15:19):Who were these folks and what did they bring to their new communities?
                  Gentiles were everyone who was not Jewish.  The ancient Mediterranean world was predominantly Gentile--filled with varieties of beliefs, languages, customs, ethnic groups....you name it.  Most of the Mediterranean world was part of the Roman Empire which tolerated variety pretty well as long as taxes were paid and the peace kept.  What did it mean in the midst of all this variety to proclaim another king, a savior other than the emperor, and the worship of one God?   Perhaps we will find some clues for faithful living in our own pluralistic world.