The Pilgrim Path---Acts 15: 6 – 22a 

The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and dais to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by mu mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the LORD Jesus, just as they will.”

And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

“’After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.’

Therefore, my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas…

AFTER THERE HAD BEEN MUCH DEBATE…

The Jerusalem Council convened in Acts 15 to sort out the matter of whether Gentiles needed to behave “like” Jews to be saved. Did they need to add conformity to the Mosaic code (including circumcision) to be justified before Almighty God? Was faith “in” Jesus Christ alone enough for them to be declared righteous before God? This was a Big Deal!

There was considerable debate (verse 6). Take note that men of significance within Christ’s Church were used of the Spirit to “settle” the situation. Paul and Barnabas tag-teamed, speaking of the LORD’S extraordinary endeavors toward the Gentiles in their ministry. Then, the Apostle Peter reminds the brothers that God used him as an agent of the Gospel among the Gentiles. He spoke at the home of Cornelius---the Spirit came in power---And indwelt the Gentiles in power (Acts 10). Peter says to those in the assembly, “We could not keep the Law for the sake of redemption---Why would we think Gentiles are supposed to keep it for salvation?” Then James the Just speaks. He was the moderator of the Jerusalem Council. He was respected and his word was “ready” to be heard by all those in attendance. Interestingly, he says, “Listen to me” (the only particular form of that usage in the Greek Text in the New Testament). “Give me a hearing now.” And the brothers listened to this man. What he did was simply “bring home” a Messianic Text from the Old Testament---the Book of Amos. The theme being--- that The Son of David (King Jesus)---would have His Domain include the remnant of mankind---from all the Nations (Gentiles). His point was: “We must welcome all these Gentiles who trust the Savior Jesus by faith alone---the Prophets told us of this!” That is the gist of his brief message. Knowing that he is dealing with an ethnically diverse Church---he offers some skillful guidance to grow sensitivity “toward” culturally watchful Jewish Christians: “Let our Gentile friends be told”---

---abstain from things polluted by idols (see I Cor. 10: 14).

---abstain from immorality (see I Cor. 6: 9, 18).

---abstain from what has been strangled (Lev. 17: 13).

---abstain from blood (Gen. 9: 4; Lev. 3: 17; 17: 10, 13—14).

A wise man is Brother James! He closes by reminding the “concerned” Jewish Believers---that the Old Testament could be heard more thoroughly by Gentiles in any synagogue---every week! What an example is brother James: a commitment to truth---a commitment to grace through faith alone---a commitment to harmony!

“I therefore, a prisoner for the LORD, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit---just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call---one LORD, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4: 1 – 6

From John Duncan: The position of believers, as children, is not founded on obedience, but grace.

From John Chrysostom: Whoever agrees with Scripture, he is the Christian; whoever fights against Scripture, he is far from the rule of belief…

HYMN

Christ is made the sure foundation,

Christ the head and cornerstone,

Chosen of the LORD and precious,

Binding all the church in one;

Holy Zion’s help forever,

And her confidence alone.

Laud and honor to the Father,

Laud and honor to the Son,

Laud and honor to the Spirit,

Ever Three and ever One,

One in might, One in glory,

While unending ages run.

Latin, 7th century / translated by John Mason Neal, 1851

Alt. in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason