38. The Jerusalem Council - Pt. 2

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Wednesday night chapel

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Highlight from camp so far?

Vs. 12-14

Recap: Conflict originating in Jerusalem concerning the salvation of Gentiles

Disagreement: Method of salvation for the Gentiles; Salvation by grace alone without works of the Law? Or salvation gained through grace + observance of Mosaic law?

Objection: Paul & Silas (Recounting God’s works); Peter (Reminds people of God’s acceptance of the Gentiles)

Conclusion: We spoke of the essentials of the faith, and the non-essentials. The essentials are the truths in Scripture that separate believers from unbelievers.

Today we’re going to keep going in that vain of thought as our debate continues in Acts 15.

Paul and Barnabas step up here again in vs. 12,

Acts 15:12 NKJV

12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles.

They do the same thing as last time, and just share everything that God has done through them to impact the lives of so many Gentiles.

Was this a peaceful conflict? (“Then all the multitude kept silent and LISTENED to Barnabas and Paul)

Is it easy to listen to someone you disagree with?

In a debate… Everything in you wants to speak up… Cut them off, disagree, etc

But this wasn’t the environment here, they listened!

Canadian parliament meetings…

What does this example teach us about how we should handle conflict? (We listen to all sides, even the ones we disagree with)

Kudos to the Jewish Christians here for listening…

Who steps up in vs. 13? (James)

Who is James?

Jesus’ half-brother

Pastor of Jerusalem church

He was well respected by Jews (Believers and unbelievers). He was known for being a godly guy who tried to follow the law to his best ability while still being a Christian.

What impact can he have in this debate? (His opinion carried a lot of weight)

James is a jewish guy, loved by many, and an authoritative voice…

How do you think the Jews felt when he got up to speak? (They were probably relieved, hopeful! “Yes! a guy who can speak for us!”)

They were going to be shocked with his response…

Acts 15:14 NKJV

14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.

Vs. 15-18

Now he gives Scriptural support to Peter’s words.

Acts 15:15–17 NKJV

15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: 16 ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; 17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’

Look up your cross references, what OT passage did he quote? (Amos 9:11-12)

Everyone turn there…

Prophecy: The tent of David = Jesus. Israel has been destroyed because the Jews were living in rebellion from God, but God is going to rebuild the nation again one day. And when He does that, He’s going to include someone else…

Who gets included in the rebuilt kingdom? (Gentiles)

What does it say about them? (They are called by His name, God has CHOSEN Gentiles, incredible!)

Amos is saying that the Gentiles will be brought into God’s plan through the destruction of David’s offspring. In other words, Jesus is going to bring the Gentiles into God’s family.

I think this is where Paul is inspired to write Galatians 3:28…

Galatians 3:28 NKJV

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

(Galatians written right about the same time)

Then he ends it off with this mic drop of a quote,

Acts 15:18 NKJV

18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works.

“Guys, I think God knows what He’s up to. He’s told us His plan, it’s in His Word and it’s been planned forever.”

When we are in conflict with others, why is it important that we use Scripture? (It’s our authority! Emotions are at a high in conflict, that’s why we need an unbiased authority to guide us.)

Vs. 19-21

“Therefore I judge” = Because of everything Scripture says…

Acts 15:19 NKJV

19 that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God,

Paul and Barnabas exhale, “Phew!”

Consensus: No additional ceremonies will be imposed on the Gentiles, they are accepted as 100% believers.

But the conversation is not over…

Acts 15:20–21 NKJV

20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

What does he bring up?

Abstain from eating meat offered to idols

2. Abstain from sexual immorality

Understandable, this makes a person unclean, impure.

3. Don’t eat blood or meat that was strangled

What’s the deal with this one?

Strangled meat = Way to keep blood contained in animal. Blood was sacred to the jews, to drink it would make you unclean.

James just said not to burden the Gentiles with more stuff… Why then do you think he suggests this?

Other than the sexual immorality, are the things listed moral or ceremonial? (Ceremonial, you’ll be unclean if you do these things…)

Can a Jewish person fellowship with an unclean person? (Not with a clean conscience)

Illustration:

- Parents outlaw coffee in your house, don’t let you hang out with people who drink coffee because they might influence you to drink some…

- This is a big stumbling block to your friend…

These are all things the Gentiles did on a regular basis…

Can you see what he’s getting to? (He desired fellowship between Jewish and Gentile Christians, the Gentiles needed to give up a few things to make that possible)

Vs. 22-29

Acts 15:22 NKJV

22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

How did the conflict end? (They agreed with James)

Business meetings do work!!!

Whenever we’re humble and open to the Spirit’s guidance, the church is going to be unified…

So, the Jerusalem leaders decide to send an official letter to the believers in Antioch with Paul and the others.

Acts 15:23–29 NKJV

23 They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment— 25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pause.

Why does that fact matter? (This is legit, the church isn’t playing tricks on Antioch)

Acts 15:23–29 NKJV

27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

Can you spot the key word here? (NECESSARY)

We’re choosing not to add anything to your salvation. You were saved through the same grace of God that we were saved.

Since we live in God’s grace, we don’t impose our traditions on each other. But there’s another side to this coin…

Since we live in grace, we’ve got to be willing to give up some freedoms in love for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Acts 15:23–29 NKJV

29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

Vs. 30-35

So, they deliver the letter, and the Christians in Antioch are rejoicing.

Judas, Silas encourage the believers there

Paul, Barnabas & Silas stick around

Application

Weak vs. Strong on whiteboard

Definitions:

- Weak: A believer with a very strict conscience, usually because they don’t understand their freedoms described in Scripture.

Mindset: If the Bible doesn’t address it, I should not do it.

Outcome: Feel guilt over actions the Bible doesn’t speak about.

- Strong: A believer with a better informed understanding of their freedoms according to the Bible.

Mindset: If the Bible doesn’t prohibit it, I am free to do it.

Outcome: No guilt over actions the Bible doesn’t speak about.

What are some examples of things the bible doesn’t talk about? (Dress, tv/movies, working on Sundays, music)

Temptation for the weak: Force unbiblical rules on the strong

- “If you wear jeans you are not pleasing God”

Temptation for the strong: Go too far in freedoms, become a stumbling block to the weak.

Application for the weak: Don’t condemn those you disagree with, pick your battles; some hills just aren’t worth dying on!

Application for the strong: Don’t become a stumbling block to the weak, limit your freedoms in love for them!