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
(Acts 15:1-31). *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, corrupted, and have essentially no hope for ever
faithfully 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 out 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 (Acts 15:32-41). *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
No comments:
Post a Comment