Acts 15:6-21
GETTING STARTED:
- A big problem arises in the church because there are converted pharisees who have a strong belief that Gentile believers need to become converted Jews who follow Christ. They want them to keep the law and to practice circumcision.
- This does not follow with what God is doing – how Gentiles are being saved and filled with the Spirit and how God is doing miracles in their midst. If this practice succeeds it will become a huge setback to the Gospel – the Gospel that cannot be stopped. These false teachers were called Judaizers and were the reason Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians.
- So the church at Antioch Syria sends Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to talk to the leaders and a meeting takes place to resolve this issue. Let’s read it.
THE HOLY SPIRIT RAISES UP GODLY VOICES TO SPEAK.
- First – Peter speaks and explains how God visited the Gentiles with salvation and how it was witnessed by the Holy Spirit. They were filled and spoke in tongues.
- Peter declares that we are all saved by the undeserved grace of Jesus Christ.
- Next – Paul and Barnabas give reports of how God has been saving Gentiles and that this has been witnessed by signs and wonders. Again – the witness of the Holy Spirit has been present in their salvations.
JAMES ADDS THE WITNESS OF THE PROPHETS.
- Now it is not just the witness of Spirit led disciples – it is also the witness of the scriptures. James quotes from Amos and Isaiah.
- The judgment is that it would be wrong to make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. They are asked to stay away from the vulgar things of idolatry. Things like food offered to idols – sexual immorality – the meat of strangled animals and consuming blood. This is call to set the Gospel apart from immoral idolatry. God is changing lives and is not just another idol to add to the list.
AN OFFICIAL LETTER IS SENT TO THE GENTILES. Acts 15:22-35
- The church acknowledges that the men who had brought false teachings were not sent out by the church and that they were wrong.
- Now official representatives of the church – Judas and Silas – are sent with the official response. Paul and Barnabas are present to affirm the Gentiles.
- Verse 28 – It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us. This line reveals the strong leadership of the Holy Spirit in the church. The Holy Spirit is bringing direction into this situation. We will see this direction again next week.
- The message brought great joy – this is the witness of the Holy Spirit.
- Then – Judas and Silas – both prophets – used their gift to encourage and strengthen the believers. More Holy Spirit confirmation.
FINAL THOUGHT – The Holy Spirit leads the church, and the Gospel keeps advancing.