- Today’s reflections from Acts chapter 15 address how the early church handled the insistence of some believers that Gentiles had to follow the law of Moses in order to be a Christian. Their response in Acts 15 gives us a small window into the wider topic of how we interact with the Old Testament law.
- Acts 15 essentially has 4 main movements: (1) Controversy brews in Antioch (15:1-3); (2) the Jerusalem Council (15:4-21); (3) the Council’s letter and emissaries (15:22-35); and (4) the disagreement and separation of Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41).
- Today’s episode will primarily focus on the Council in Jerusalem and their conclusions regarding whether the Gentiles needed to be circumcised and follow all the laws from the first five books of the Old Testament. We will also briefly look at the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas.
- And I must begin by stating that this episode is not a full treatment of the question regarding how Christians relate to the Old Testament law — our goal here in the episode is to look at how it is unfolded simply in Acts 15.
Part 1: Controversies and Conclusions
- As the Gentile church continued to grow, there were men from Judea (remember, Christians in this area are predominately Jewish Christians) who came and started teaching the believers that they must be circumcised in accordance with the Old Testament laws.
- Paul and Barnabas had a significant disagreement and dissension with these teachers from Judea. And so, they, along with a few other members of the congregation went to Jerusalem about this question. Upon arrival they shared all that had happened on their journeys and all that God had done.
- Specifically, those who were believers who also belonged of the party of the Pharisees rose up and argued that these new Gentile believers needed to follow the law of Moses (15:5).
- What happens next is that we see three key parties arise as the apostles and elders gathered and considered the matter: Peter, Barnabas and Paul, and James
- Ultimately it was Peter who started the conversation, reminding the council of what happened in Chapter 10 with Cornelius and how the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles just as He did upon them.
- His concluding argument is worth hearing – “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 our Lord Jesus, just as they will” (15:10-11).
- This is significant — In these two verses, we see Peter establish some huge points:
- (a) he shows that perfect obedience to the law cannot be achieved — neither by the Gentiles, nor anyone present in the council;
- (b) Peter does not degrade or dismiss the law as unimportant;
- (c) that by commanding the Gentiles to observe the Mosaic law (that is, what we read about in the Pentateuch, or the first five books of the Old Testament) — by commanding them to observe the Mosaic Law as necessary to their faith and practice — this would be placing a yoke upon them they cannot bear — that is to say, those belonging to the Pharisee party were saying they could not be saved apart from adherence to the law — and Peter is saying that it is not possible;
- (d) in contrast to verse 10, verse 11 points out that all believers will be saved, not by works of the law, not by their ability to follow the commands given in the first five books of the Bible — RATHER — they will be saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus.
- With Peter’s point presented we move to the second party’s defense.
- Second, we see Barnabas and Paul speak. I think it is significant that Barnabas is listed first here. Most of chapters 13, 14 and 15 have Paul listed first as the leader of the group. However, here, in the context of the gathered believers, we see Barnabas taking the lead in the conversation.
- It could be that Barnabas would have been received more readily as originating with these believers in Judea (it was Barnabas that introduced Paul to the group – 9:27) — or it could be that Barnabas was slightly softer spoken that Paul when it came to debates (as we learn from the book of Galatians). Whatever the case, Barnabas takes the lead. He tells them of the work that God did through them among the Gentiles.
- Third, we see a new figure in the Jerusalem leadership — James, the brother of Jesus. We see James mentioned in 12:17 as a key member, and we learn from 1 Corinthians 15:7 that Jesus appeared to him – but here in Acts 15 is the first time we see James acting in a leadership role.
- As a bit of a side note — if you are into learning history — two ancient historians mention James in their writings: Josephus in the work Jewish Antiquities (in Book 20, chapter 9 — https://amzn.to/3o9mTm6) and Eusebius in the work Ecclesiastical History (in Book 2, chapter 23 — https://amzn.to/3aMognH). These two historians have a value from an apologetics standpoint in that they provide very early documentation about things going on during the time of the early church.
- James quotes the prophets as a defense for Peter’s statement and a precedent for Barnabas and Paul’s testimony.
- James concludes with a suggestion for how Gentiles and Jews could remain in fellowship with one another without creating a burden for the Gentiles.
- The ESV Study Bible has a great note on James’ comments – which I have summarized here. Gentile Christians would still have contact with Jewish Christians who were still keeping the ceremonial provisions — to include laws about sacrifices, festivals, unclean food, circumcision etc.
- James’ instruction would pave a way for Gentile Christians to still have fellowship with Jewish Christians without giving unnecessary offense. Three requirements given by James seem to be sensitive to specific circumstances and contexts — namely to abstain from “things polluted by idols,” from blood, and from strangled meat (the last two talking about meat with blood in it) – see 15:20.
- Paul will, in other circumstances, permit believers to eat various foods, see 1 Corinthians 8-11.
- The other requirement was to abstain from sexual immorality — this command is repeated throughout the New Testament by virtually every author. This needed emphasis in the days of the Early Church as much as it needs emphasis in our own day!
- Our consciences have been so influenced by the culture and our eyes so incessantly bombarded in this hyper-sexualized day that a high standard of sexual purity is indeed rare! Furthermore, this aspect of James’ instruction reminds us that the moral standard of the Old Testament still points believers to live in accordance with the calling to which we are all beckoned! Sexual purity – though it may be a battle – is a vital mark of Christains in this broken world.
- Ultimately it was Peter who started the conversation, reminding the council of what happened in Chapter 10 with Cornelius and how the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles just as He did upon them.
- Well that was a whole lot of information. What difference does it make? Acts 15 is an important development in how the early church addressed (a) the inclusion of the Gentiles, (b) the demands of Old Testament laws on believers, and (c) how they came to that conclusion on the basis of (1) the work of the Holy Spirit among the Gentiles, (2) the validation of that work through the eye witness testimony and personal involvement of the church’s key Apostles, and certainly not least, (3) the witness of the Scriptures.
- So what happens next?
Part 2: Letters and Couriers
- Verses 22-35 describe what happens after the church held their council. “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 … with [a] letter” (15:22, 23).
- It is interesting to see how they were of “one accord” – united in their actions and thoughts. Mature Christian wisdom, reasoning, and dependence upon the Lord — this resulted in an unanimous decision.
- So, the church decided to send a letter along with some key representatives to share their conclusions with the church in Antioch. When they arrived at Antioch, they gathered the whole congregation together and read the letter. The people rejoiced because of its encouragement. Then, Judas and Silas, who were among the couriers bringing the letter, “encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words” (15:32).
- I would like to briefly point out three things: (1) doctrine matters — it mattered to the church in Jerusalem, it mattered to the church in Antioch; (2) good or sound doctrine should be a cause for rejoicing; and (3) the goal of these couriers or emissaries from Jerusalem was not only to share the conclusion of the matter, but to strengthen and encourage the believers.
- Their goal in delivering this letter was not only to provide instruction — but to bring encouragement and strengthen believers who have already experienced a measure of persecution. Undoubtedly the believers from Jerusalem would have shared about their similar sufferings in Judea, just as Peter would share in his letter to the scattered churches (see 1 Peter 1).
- As a matter of application, when we come to any kind of specific position on a particular doctrinal issue, when we share that position with others, is the purpose and goal of that discussion to encourage and strengthen them in their faith? Or just to show your knowledge?
- We turn now to …
Part 3: When Godly Men Disagree
- In verse 36 we see Paul talking with Barnabas about following up with the new churches that were started during their first missionary journey. The encouragement which the church in Antioch received surely should be spread to these other believers!
- Also, as we see in Paul’s letters, his on-going burden was that these believers were growing in their knowledge of, love of, obedience to Christ. In short – he cared about their maturity in Christ.
- Barnabas wanted John Mark to come along with them — but Paul would have none of it — for John Mark had withdrawn from them when they were in Pamphylia and not gone on with them in the work (15:38). Perhaps Paul was worried that John Mark would not be a reliable travel companion.
- Whatever Paul’s underlying reason, a sharp disagreement arose between Paul and Barnabas such that they separated from each other. Paul would take Silas with him, and Barnabas would take John Mark.
- Two notes: (1) it is possible to have sharp disagreements with believers — even after moments of tremendous unity (e.g. the council); (2) the mission did not suffer from the two parting ways. In fact, in God’s goodness and sovereignty, they were able to cover more ground and both were able to mentor their traveling companions who would go on to have significant ministries in the church.
- So, let me ask you this question — when you have disagreement in your church, does the outcome genuinely result in accomplishing the mission of the church? While Paul and Barnabas disagreed, the mission to strengthen the church was accomplished by both groups.
- Also, consider this, in none of Paul’s letters does he speak ill of Barnabas.
- Furthermore, as a note about John Mark, he would later regain Paul’s favor — see Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; and Philemon 24. Mark would also accompany Peter such that Peter calls Mark his “son” in 1 Peter 5:13.
- Whatever Paul’s underlying reason, a sharp disagreement arose between Paul and Barnabas such that they separated from each other. Paul would take Silas with him, and Barnabas would take John Mark.
- Dear friend, can you have a disagreement with fellow believers that results in both (a) the mission of the church being accomplished and (b) does not result in bitter derogatory remarks towards those with whom you disagree??
- Well, that leads us to the…
Conclusion & Application:
- In this chapter, we have seen both discord and unity. We have seen Gentiles and Jews united in worship, and we have seen dear friends and coworkers in the Gospel part ways. But in all of it, we see that the mission of the church is still accomplished.
- We read in 15:41 that phrase which is repeated throughout the book of Acts “strengthening the churches.” See Acts 14:22; 15:32, 41; 16:5; and 18:23 to name a few.
- Right belief and obedience was very important — but it was not divorced from the goal of building up the church in maturity in her faith! Nor was the church merely encouraged in a “feel good” and “you do you” kind of mentality — they were strengthened, encouraged, built up, established in Christ with that good and sound doctrine.
- And earlier in the chapter we see that through applying the Scirptures, wisdom, reasoning, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, the church was able to have unity in their belief. How are you seeking to apply all of the above in your discussions around the Scriptures?
- And so, I would like to ask you, dear friend — in what way are you being strengthened in the faith? Are you digging deep and fellowshipping with fellow believers around the Word of God? I want to encourage you to not give up this vital aspect of your Christian life!
- Speaking of Digging deep, have you dug into Acts 15 yet? I would love to hear your reflections on the passage. If you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to let me know in the comments below!
“ESV Study Bible” (https://amzn.to/3azWAlJ)
Josephus – Jewish Antiquities (https://amzn.to/3o9mTm6)
Eusebius – Ecclesiastical History (https://amzn.to/3aMognH)
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