chap 15

OOOOOOOO Acts 15:1–5 (HCSB) Dispute in Antioch 15 Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved!” 2 But after Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in serious argument and debate, the church arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others of them to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem concerning this controversy. 3 When they had been sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, explaining in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they created great joy among all the brothers.

4 When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. 5 But some of the believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses!”

They are now back in Antioch, Syria, the launch pad for Paul’s ministries towards the Gentiles. They have been run out from different cities and towns by Jews from Jerusalem, Gentiles, rulers. Now they have Jewish Christians from Judea opposing their message of grace. These Christian came without the authority of the Christian church of Jerusalem. They were spiritual vigilantes pursuing or rather purifying the new sect of Jews. To them circumcision was a necessity. The Jewish brothers still carried the pride and tradition of being the chosen people. Others could now join [Gentiles] , but they had to become Jewish. Salvation was through the Jew. So they debated each other and apparently did not reach a consensus.

There may have been an additional concern in that so many Gentiles were joining the faith, that the Jews could be seen as loosing their influence as they were in danger of becoming the minority within this Christian sect.

These discussions must have been highly charged, because news of this reached Jerusalem church arranged that they could come before the apostles and elders there.

The brothers there, including apostles, are not in charge of Paul. Paul is not under their hierarchy, but they are there as brothers in Christ to help on another.

This is situation was elaborated on in Galatians 2:1–5 (HCSB)Paul Defends His Gospel at Jerusalem 2 Then after 14 years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. 2 I went up according to a revelation and presented to them the gospel I preach among the Gentiles—but privately to those recognized as leaders—so that I might not be running, or have run the race, in vain. 3 But not even Titus who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 This issue arose because of false brothers smuggled in, who came in secretly to spy on the freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. 5 But we did not give up and submit to these people for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would be preserved for you.

On their way to Jerusalem, they continued evangelizing.

Once there -they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. They receive an enthusiastic welcome.

...But some of the believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses!” Note that these were Christian pharisees. The pharisees were the ones who believed and adhered to the law, to the entire OT. They agreed with eternal salvation unlike the Sadducees who studied the Pentateuch, and did not believe in miracles nor eternal existence.

But there is a very important question being addressed. The outcome is more than who follows which tradition, or what are the requirements fort salvation. This problem was centered on works versus grace. It the outcome went the way of the complainers then would God’s grace fade into the background , would Christianity and God’s kingdom just be Judaism with a risen Messiah?

See what Paul said later Galatians 5:1–6 (HCSB)Freedom of the Christian 5 Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Take note! I, Paul, tell you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all. 3 Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to keep the entire law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law are alienated from Christ; you have fallen from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision accomplishes anything; what matters is faith working through love. It is our trust in Jesus,; not works of the law that saves us.

OOOOOOOO Acts 15:6–21 (HCSB) The Jerusalem Council 6 Then the apostles and the elders assembled to consider this matter. 7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them: “Brothers, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, testified to them by giving the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples’ necks that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.”

12 Then the whole assembly fell silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul describing all the signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they stopped speaking, James responded: “Brothers, listen to me! 14 Simeon has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for His name. 15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:

16 After these things I will return

and rebuild David’s fallen tent.

I will rebuild its ruins

and set it up again,

17 so the rest of humanity

may seek the Lord—

even all the Gentiles

who are called by My name,

declares the Lord who does these things,

18 known from long ago.

19 Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.”

OOOOOOOO Acts 15:22–29 (HCSB) The Letter to the Gentile Believers 22 Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, decided to select men who were among them and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas, both leading men among the brothers. 23 They wrote this letter to be delivered by them:

From the apostles and the elders, your brothers,

To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

24 Because we have heard that some without our authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts, 25 we have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our dearly loved Barnabas and Paul, 26 who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will personally report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—to put no greater burden on you than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. You will do well if you keep yourselves from these things.

Farewell.

OOOOOOOO Acts 15:30–35 (HCSB)The Outcome of the Jerusalem Letter 30 Then, being sent off, they went down to Antioch, and after gathering the assembly, they delivered the letter. 31 When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 Both Judas and Silas, who were also prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers and strengthened them with a long message. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent back in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. 35 But Paul and Barnabas, along with many others, remained in Antioch teaching and proclaiming the message of the Lord.

OOOOOOOO Acts 15:36–41 (HCSB) Paul and Barnabas Part Company 36 After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. 40 Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers. 41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.