Acts 15 discusses the council at Jerusalem with Paul, Barnabas, Peter and James along with other apostles. There were those who were teaching the brothers “unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses you cannot be saved (v1.)” Upon hearing this Paul and Barnabas were appointed to go to Jerusalem to explore this question with the elders and apostles. Once they came to Jerusalem they were welcomed by the elders, apostles, and the church (v4.) Before the debate begins in verse five it is interesting to note the unity within the church. In verse five and six we read that that the question was put forth and the elders and apostles met to consider this question. In the church today do we allow for this type of healthy debate and dialogue?
It appears from the context as a whole, and specifically verses 6, 12, and 22, that the unity of the church was never a question. There was an issue raised, the church discussed it, and there was resolution; in this case by a letter sent to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. The question being debated in this passage climaxes in verse 11 which states: No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that we are saved just they [Gentiles] are. This comes after Peter has said that God knows the heart, and He has purified them by giving the Holy Spirit and cleansing their hearts. After Peter finishes speaking Paul and Barnabas tell of the miraculous signs and wonders God has done among the Gentiles through them and the whole assembly listened very intently (v 12.) James now stands up and addresses the assembly referencing the Old Testament. The specific context of the Old Testament quote is James using the Amos passage as support for what Peter said in verses 6-11. This is seen in verse 15 which reads: “The words of the prophets are in agreement with this” [this referring back to what Peter has said; see also verse 14.] After he quotes the Amos passage James suggests a solution to this issue of required circumcision by the Gentiles. He proposes that “we [the assembly] should write to them;” which is exactly what is done in verses 23 and following.
1 comment:
Ben,
There was indeed unity in the decision rendered by this council. Do you suppose that the presence of apostles had anything to do with that? Would you use this as biblical support for the ongoing authority of church councils?
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