Acts 15
-The Jerusalem Council is the focus of this important
biblical chapter. It was vital for the early church to come to some kind of
understanding as to the requirements of those coming to faith in Messiah Jesus
from Gentile backgrounds and cultural customs. Obviously there were some
important differences pertaining to what Moses had laid out under the direction
of a Holy God on Mt. Sinai. Pharisaical believers were convinced that new
converts must keep all the requirements of Mosaic Law to fully come into salvific
faith, but the disciples lead by Peter, Barnabas, and Paul who had actually
ministered to the Gentiles expressed a different viewpoint and emphasized
belief over the requirements of the Law. James, the elder, brings the council
into agreement with four basic requirements that deal primarily with the
idolatry Gentiles were being saved from. The council sends out the edict that
they should abstain from: 1) things sacrificed to idols (a requirement Paul
addresses in 1 Corinthians 8), 2) things from blood (the life is in the blood,
Leviticus 17:14), 3) things strangled, and 4) fornication (any sexual sin, it
related to many of the nations idolatrous pagan practices). These requirements
were accepted with great joy because they encouraged the Gentile brothers with
a light load in regards to following the extensive demands of the Mosaic Law.
*Application* Jesus said that He came to fulfill the Law, not to abolish it
(Matthew 5:17). The fact remains that God’s Law is perfect and there is no
contradiction in it for life, love, and happiness. If a society could ever
carry out this Law of the Lord there would be a utopia. But, the reality is
that we are marred and corrupted and have no hope for ever keeping God’s
perfect commands. This is the point that Peter makes here to the council in
stating that the yoke of the Law no man can bear. It is Christ and His work on
the cross that makes a way to God, and we grasp that by faith (Acts 15:10-11).
For a more detailed look at this theology see Galatians 3:5-29 and the entire
book of Romans.
-The church continues to grow and prosper under this new
directive in Antioch. Judas and Silas make their way to this developing center
of Christianity as prophets, preaching the Word of God. After some time
Barnabas and Paul determine to go back west to the churches they had planted on
a second missionary journey to see how things were going. This is where a sharp
disagreement occurs over John Mark and his usefulness to the mission since he had
abandoned them on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:13). Barnabas and Paul
end up separating over the matter as Barnabas takes John Mark to Cyprus, and
Paul takes Silas along the land route through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening
the churches. *Application* Sometimes it is best to separate when there is
dissension and disagreement. Both sides felt they were in the right in this
case, and it proved to be the will of God that they branch out and go different
directions in the Lord’s work. In time they were able to reconcile their
differences and accept each other’s position (2 Timothy 4:11). If you are
having trouble agreeing with a particular spiritual viewpoint, there are times
when it makes sense to break apart and find like-minded believers that are
better connected to the things that are important to you. However, we always
need to maintain the greater unity in the body of Christ and work in love in
all situations. Say good and do good! Love one another (John 13:34-35).
Verses to Memorize:
Acts 15:10-11
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