Agreeing on the Basics - Acts 15:1-35 - July 29, 2007
Sunday School Lesson – Agreeing on the Basics – July 29, 2007
This is lesson five (5) in our series of study.
Our background scripture is Acts 15:1-35.
Our focus scripture is Acts 15:1-5; 6-15a; 23-29.
Disagreements occur in many churches. How disagreements are handled is critical. I think the LORD allows disagreements to test the heart of the leadership and the congregation. Sometimes they end in a church splitting which does not send a good message to the community. But when issues are fundamental to the faith they need to resolved or members need to reevaluate their continued membership in that church.
It is critical that all issues be evaluated using the Bible and seeking the guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT through prayer and possibly fasting.
The issue facing the early church is very critical. It involves the issue of what does it take for a person to be a Christian? This question is particularly relevant to a Gentile becoming a Christian. The church had Gentiles who were proselytes. They had been circumcised and obeyed the Jewish laws and rituals. In Antioch and the churches Barnabas, Paul and others had established involved Gentiles who had not come through the Jewish religion. As a result they had not been circumcised nor did they follow the Jewish rituals.
We must keep in mind that the Apostle Paul was trained as a Pharisee before he was converted to CHRIST. So Paul is well versed in the knowledge of the Pharisees. Also we must keep in mind that these are Christian Pharisees.
Let’s see the issue they needed to resolve.
Let’s read Acts 15:1-5:
1 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, they 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!”
Paul and Barnabas take issue with these Christian Pharisees coming to Antioch and telling the new Gentile believers that they had to be circumcised in order to be saved. Notice that up to this point, Dr. Luke had used Barnabas first, now he mentions Paul first. Paul is the resident Christian Pharisee and defends their rational for not requiring the new believers to be circumcised or following the Jewish rituals.
The issues could not be resolved, so they went to Jerusalem to place the issues before the apostles and the elders.
The Apostle Peter is recognized as the leader of the Apostles and represents the Jews. The Apostle Paul is recognized as an apostle because he had seen CHRIST when he was converted. Paul is recognized as the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Elders were likely the older men who are recognized for their wisdom. It is believed that JESUS’ brother James is likely the head of this group of elders. James was the head of the Christian church in Jerusalem.
The Christian Pharisees cut to the chase and state the issue. These new gentile converts need to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses (likely meaning the rituals) because it was understood that Christians, Jew and Gentile alike, should obey the Ten Commandments.
Let’s read Acts 15:6-15a:
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,[1] Other mss read us 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[2] Other mss add them 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 Why, then, are you now testing God by putting on the disciples’ necks a yoke that neither our forefathers 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[3] Simon (Peter) 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,
We again see why the Apostle Peter’s heart had to be changed regarding how he viewed Gentiles. GOD dwelt with him on this issue in our earlier lesson on Cornelius. Peter addresses the assembly and shares what GOD has revealed to him.
It is so important that the leadership of a church or body not play politics but to be honest to what GOD has revealed to them.
Pay special attention to verse 11. Peter says we are all saved by grace. Both Jew and Gentile are saved by grace. We know that grace is something we cannot earn. It is something we do not deserve. It is a free gift from GOD to us for being obedient by acknowledging that GOD’S SON, JESUS, died on the cross for our sins. We must ask HIM to forgive our sins and to come into our hearts and lives. When we do miracle takes place in our lives. We are born-again in our spirit and we become children of GOD. We receive the free gift of eternal life and the assurance of salvation by the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT in our lives as born-again believers.
We all receive grace, GOD’S unmerited favor, because we all fall short of what GOD wants for us. Our human nature interferes with our complete commitment to the LORD. So GOD cuts us some slack as HE perfects us through circumstances in life. We all are on a lifelong growth and maturing process of being perfected into the image of CHRIST. When we die and behold HIM, we will be like HIM.
Notice that Barnabas is listed first and then Paul. This assembly knows Barnabas, plus Barnabas was appointed as the lead representative to go to Antioch. Barnabas chose Saul (Paul) to go with him. So Barnabas takes the lead. When he finishes his discourse, James, the brother of JESUS, speaks up. James refers to Peter as Simeon and reminds the assembly of Peter’s experience with the Gentiles. We must keep in mind that fellow Jews accompanied Peter when he went to meet Cornelius. So there are several witnesses who confirm the events on the day of the Gentile Pentecost.
James ties the Gentile event with scripture, which again confirms the authenticity of the Gentile Pentecost. These uncircumcised Gentiles received CHRIST with the manifestation of the HOLY SPIRIT, the same as the circumcised, law abiding, ritual observing Jews.
Confirming matters with scripture is vital when we have issues come before the church. This is vital today. I know we try to sweep some issues under the rug, so-to-speak, but what is written is still true today as it was the day GOD gave it to us.
The assembly agrees on a solution. So they record their decision in a letter.
Let’s read Acts 15: 23-29:
23 They wrote this letter to be delivered by them:[6] Lit Writing by their hand: From the apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers from among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. 24 Because we have heard that some to whom we gave no authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts,[7] Other mss add by saying, “Be circumcised and keep the law,” 25 we have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our beloved 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.[8] Lit things through word 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. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell.
The letter addresses four (4) issues that they consider important. Circumcision is not listed as one of the issues. The four (4) issues are:
1) Abstain from food offered to idols.
2) Abstain from blood.
3) Abstain from eating anything strangled.
4) Abstain from sexual immorality.
These things are likely related to the worship of idols and pagan practices. The pagan temples had temple prostitutes. The pagan temples had plenty of food. So it was cheap eats to drop by the pagan temple to get a meal cheap and possibly be tempted to spend some time with a temple prostitute.
Such practices can lead one to compromise their stand as a new believer in CHRIST. It sends a confusing message to others, such as “Does this new Christian following approve of pagan practices? Is it part of idol worship?” There is also the health issue with consuming blood and sexual immorality. GOD always wants to preserve HIS children and keep them from harm.
The practice of consuming blood was especially offensive to the Jewish Christians. The Jews recognized and understood that the life of an animal was in its’ blood and blood was associated with sin.
So even through the Gentiles had the freedom not to follow these Jewish practices, the Jerusalem assembly was asking the Gentiles to follow them. Three (3) of the practices the assembly requested the Gentiles to abstain from are ritualistic and one (1) is moral. If the Gentiles would follow these four (4) practices it satisfied the Jerusalem Assembly.
The assembly confirms their decision in a letter but they send representatives, Judas and Silas, to confirm the contents of the letter. They want to show that this serious matter has been resolved. Following these requirements will bring harmony among the new believers, Jew or Gentile. Unity among believers is vital. Unity sends a healthy and positive message to all who are on the outside looking in. It also helps the body of believers to focus on growth in the LORD.
This is lesson five (5) in our series of study.
Our background scripture is Acts 15:1-35.
Our focus scripture is Acts 15:1-5; 6-15a; 23-29.
Disagreements occur in many churches. How disagreements are handled is critical. I think the LORD allows disagreements to test the heart of the leadership and the congregation. Sometimes they end in a church splitting which does not send a good message to the community. But when issues are fundamental to the faith they need to resolved or members need to reevaluate their continued membership in that church.
It is critical that all issues be evaluated using the Bible and seeking the guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT through prayer and possibly fasting.
The issue facing the early church is very critical. It involves the issue of what does it take for a person to be a Christian? This question is particularly relevant to a Gentile becoming a Christian. The church had Gentiles who were proselytes. They had been circumcised and obeyed the Jewish laws and rituals. In Antioch and the churches Barnabas, Paul and others had established involved Gentiles who had not come through the Jewish religion. As a result they had not been circumcised nor did they follow the Jewish rituals.
We must keep in mind that the Apostle Paul was trained as a Pharisee before he was converted to CHRIST. So Paul is well versed in the knowledge of the Pharisees. Also we must keep in mind that these are Christian Pharisees.
Let’s see the issue they needed to resolve.
Let’s read Acts 15:1-5:
1 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, they 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!”
Paul and Barnabas take issue with these Christian Pharisees coming to Antioch and telling the new Gentile believers that they had to be circumcised in order to be saved. Notice that up to this point, Dr. Luke had used Barnabas first, now he mentions Paul first. Paul is the resident Christian Pharisee and defends their rational for not requiring the new believers to be circumcised or following the Jewish rituals.
The issues could not be resolved, so they went to Jerusalem to place the issues before the apostles and the elders.
The Apostle Peter is recognized as the leader of the Apostles and represents the Jews. The Apostle Paul is recognized as an apostle because he had seen CHRIST when he was converted. Paul is recognized as the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Elders were likely the older men who are recognized for their wisdom. It is believed that JESUS’ brother James is likely the head of this group of elders. James was the head of the Christian church in Jerusalem.
The Christian Pharisees cut to the chase and state the issue. These new gentile converts need to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses (likely meaning the rituals) because it was understood that Christians, Jew and Gentile alike, should obey the Ten Commandments.
Let’s read Acts 15:6-15a:
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,[1] Other mss read us 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[2] Other mss add them 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 Why, then, are you now testing God by putting on the disciples’ necks a yoke that neither our forefathers 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[3] Simon (Peter) 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,
We again see why the Apostle Peter’s heart had to be changed regarding how he viewed Gentiles. GOD dwelt with him on this issue in our earlier lesson on Cornelius. Peter addresses the assembly and shares what GOD has revealed to him.
It is so important that the leadership of a church or body not play politics but to be honest to what GOD has revealed to them.
Pay special attention to verse 11. Peter says we are all saved by grace. Both Jew and Gentile are saved by grace. We know that grace is something we cannot earn. It is something we do not deserve. It is a free gift from GOD to us for being obedient by acknowledging that GOD’S SON, JESUS, died on the cross for our sins. We must ask HIM to forgive our sins and to come into our hearts and lives. When we do miracle takes place in our lives. We are born-again in our spirit and we become children of GOD. We receive the free gift of eternal life and the assurance of salvation by the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT in our lives as born-again believers.
We all receive grace, GOD’S unmerited favor, because we all fall short of what GOD wants for us. Our human nature interferes with our complete commitment to the LORD. So GOD cuts us some slack as HE perfects us through circumstances in life. We all are on a lifelong growth and maturing process of being perfected into the image of CHRIST. When we die and behold HIM, we will be like HIM.
Notice that Barnabas is listed first and then Paul. This assembly knows Barnabas, plus Barnabas was appointed as the lead representative to go to Antioch. Barnabas chose Saul (Paul) to go with him. So Barnabas takes the lead. When he finishes his discourse, James, the brother of JESUS, speaks up. James refers to Peter as Simeon and reminds the assembly of Peter’s experience with the Gentiles. We must keep in mind that fellow Jews accompanied Peter when he went to meet Cornelius. So there are several witnesses who confirm the events on the day of the Gentile Pentecost.
James ties the Gentile event with scripture, which again confirms the authenticity of the Gentile Pentecost. These uncircumcised Gentiles received CHRIST with the manifestation of the HOLY SPIRIT, the same as the circumcised, law abiding, ritual observing Jews.
Confirming matters with scripture is vital when we have issues come before the church. This is vital today. I know we try to sweep some issues under the rug, so-to-speak, but what is written is still true today as it was the day GOD gave it to us.
The assembly agrees on a solution. So they record their decision in a letter.
Let’s read Acts 15: 23-29:
23 They wrote this letter to be delivered by them:[6] Lit Writing by their hand: From the apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers from among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. 24 Because we have heard that some to whom we gave no authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts,[7] Other mss add by saying, “Be circumcised and keep the law,” 25 we have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our beloved 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.[8] Lit things through word 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. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell.
The letter addresses four (4) issues that they consider important. Circumcision is not listed as one of the issues. The four (4) issues are:
1) Abstain from food offered to idols.
2) Abstain from blood.
3) Abstain from eating anything strangled.
4) Abstain from sexual immorality.
These things are likely related to the worship of idols and pagan practices. The pagan temples had temple prostitutes. The pagan temples had plenty of food. So it was cheap eats to drop by the pagan temple to get a meal cheap and possibly be tempted to spend some time with a temple prostitute.
Such practices can lead one to compromise their stand as a new believer in CHRIST. It sends a confusing message to others, such as “Does this new Christian following approve of pagan practices? Is it part of idol worship?” There is also the health issue with consuming blood and sexual immorality. GOD always wants to preserve HIS children and keep them from harm.
The practice of consuming blood was especially offensive to the Jewish Christians. The Jews recognized and understood that the life of an animal was in its’ blood and blood was associated with sin.
So even through the Gentiles had the freedom not to follow these Jewish practices, the Jerusalem assembly was asking the Gentiles to follow them. Three (3) of the practices the assembly requested the Gentiles to abstain from are ritualistic and one (1) is moral. If the Gentiles would follow these four (4) practices it satisfied the Jerusalem Assembly.
The assembly confirms their decision in a letter but they send representatives, Judas and Silas, to confirm the contents of the letter. They want to show that this serious matter has been resolved. Following these requirements will bring harmony among the new believers, Jew or Gentile. Unity among believers is vital. Unity sends a healthy and positive message to all who are on the outside looking in. It also helps the body of believers to focus on growth in the LORD.
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