THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 15
The Council in Jerusalem, James’s Judgment, The Second Missionary Journey
Bible scholars, seminary professors, and many if not most pastors following their formal training, will explain that the book of Acts is the second volume of the good news. They will tell you that this is the sequel to the Gospels. In it, they will tell you that Luke explains Christianity’s amazing growth, perhaps to legitimize the church to civil authorities or to confirm the faith of believers. Luke seems to have wanted congregations to understand the source of conflict between Jewish and Gentile Christians who were brought together through Jesus the Messiah as members of God’s family. The difficulties faced by the early church can serve as an encouragement to us in the present-day church. The disciples’ zeal that took the gospel across ethnic and national boundaries can also inspire us today. The Spirit so active in Acts is the same Holy Spirit that is currently at work today in the church.
However, the truth and ‘the rest of the story’ as Paul Harvey used to say, is that Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the writers of the four Gospels, stumbled along as they followed Jesus. They went from being, at times, skeptical, confused, afraid, to being astounded and finally boldly committed to telling the world about their experiences with Jesus, about Him, and about the Good News, The Gospel of Christ.
All of this should be interesting and perhaps even helpful for the student of Bible history or those interested in following the threads and paths of the early Church development, the personality development of the Apostles, the skirmishes and conflicts within the church and the tensions that existed between Christians, their religious opponents and the unbelieving world. Where this leads the reader or how it aids them in their quest to become “fully devoted followers of Christ”, however, is anyone’s guess. You can gain knowledge being a student of these matters, but please remember that “unapplied or idle knowledge is simply worthless information.
It should be our intention, however, to discover the power of God through a careful and personal study of this letter by digesting His Word; and to allow this Word to transform us by the renewing of our mind so we may prove what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable and perfect. I invite you to come along.
The Council in Jerusalem
Acts 15:1, Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
(Commentary Break): Read what BibleHub.com says about verse one: “Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14) and was later incorporated into the Mosaic Law. It was a physical mark of Jewish identity and religious commitment. The insistence on circumcision highlights the tension between Jewish traditions and the new covenant in Christ, which emphasized faith over law (Galatians 5:6). This issue was central to the early church’s struggle to define the role of the Law in salvation.” To which I say, interesting. Informative. But, for the average “Christian in the pew”, like me, I ask – “So what?” And here is the answer:
This reflected a belief that adherence to the Mosaic Law was necessary for salvation, a view that was challenged by the apostles, particularly Paul, who argued that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). This controversy led to the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:6-29), where it was decided that Gentile believers were not required to follow the entirety of the Jewish Law. This decision was pivotal in shaping the identity of the Christian faith as distinct from Judaism. It, in fact, shaped the unique characteristic of salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, alone! Nothing more is necessary to be saved.
Just like “some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, (that to be saved) “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to keep the Law of Moses”, religious people and institutions in our day – such as the Catholic Church or the Church of Christ – have been adding or trying to add requirements for salvation or to validate your salvation. In other words, it’s Jesus plus something else like being baptized or maintaining good church standing. Others have a myriad of rituals, practices and additional beliefs, but “it is by grace you are saved, through faith, and not from yourselves, for it is a gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” (in their salvation). (See Ephesians 2:8-9),
If this seems too simplistic, then you are both right and mistaken. It is simple to say that you surrender your life to Jesus and accept Him, His Ways and His teachings and commit to follow Him faithfully and dutifully; but it is anything but simple or easy to follow through on that commitment.
Now, ask yourself, “So What?”
Jesus warns us of the “So What?”, saying that in these last days many will come in His Name and will mislead many. Don’t fall for it. And if you are still confused, pray and read The Word; then just Believe and Do! (End Commentary Break).
Verse 2. And after Paul and Barnabas had a heated argument and debate with them, the brothers determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue. Verse 3. Therefore, after being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they were bringing great joy to all the brothers and sisters. Verse 4. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. Verse 5. But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to keep the Law of Moses.”
Verse 6. The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter. Verse 7. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. Verse 8. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; verse 9, and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Verse 10. Since this is the case, why are you putting God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our forefathers nor we have been able to bear? Verse 11. But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”
(Commentary Break): In these last days there are many voices within the Church and they are leading many astray. We, as Christians, have always been faced with choices within the Church. Some are Biblical and necessary; others, and many others, are clothed in religious garb, ritual and language, but they are not of God. They sound similar, but they are counterfeits. And how can you tell the difference between a counterfeit and the Truth? Pray and ask for wisdom and discernment; study the entire Bible in the context of the entire Bible. Watch the fruit of those who practice such things – those things that seem to be close to the Biblical interpretations, but seem questionable or a “derived from” but not “found in” or “plainly contained in” the Bible. And remember: if it sounds cheap, it is cheap. A cheap imitation, a knock-off.
By comparison, the cost of your salvation was and is the death of God’s One and Only Son on your behalf, which is of inestimable value. The cost of your salvation is the death of your ‘self’ and your former life. That cost you everything you once held valuable. The cost of your salvation may have been and may yet be extended to scores of others, who might otherwise perish in the lake of eternal fire, but may find life because of your life as a testimony. There is just no way to put a value on those lives.
This is why Paul and the others were called to Jerusalem; to hear God and to settle these matters for the rest of us. Now, let’s make use of this. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 12. All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles.
James’ Judgment
Verse 13. After they stopped speaking, James responded, saying, “Brothers, listen to me. Verse 14. Simeon has described how God first concerned Himself about taking a people for His name from among the Gentiles. Verse 15. The words of the Prophets agree with this, just as it is written:
Verse 16. ‘AFTER THESE THINGS I will return,
AND I WILL REBUILD THE FALLEN TABERNACLE OF DAVID,
AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS,
AND I WILL RESTORE IT,
Verse 17. SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD,
AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME,’
Verse 18. SAYS THE LORD, WHO MAKES THESE THINGS known from long ago.
(Commentary Break): These preceding verses are taken from Amos 9:11:12, and gives us the example of how we too, are to read, interpret and understand the Word of God – in context of the entire Bible. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 19. Therefore, it is my judgment that we do not cause trouble for those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, verse 20, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols, from acts of sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood. Verse 21. For from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
Verse 22. Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, verse 23, and they sent this letter with them:
“The apostles and the brothers who are elders, to the brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles: Greetings. Verse 24. Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have confused you by their teaching, upsetting your souls, verse 25, it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 27. Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. Verse 28. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: verse 29, that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from acts of sexual immorality; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.”
(Commentary Break): To abstain from food polluted by idols: Is this a custom, from the culture, a superstition or a law from the Old (Testament) Covenant?
In the Greco-Roman world, idol worship was prevalent, and food offered to idols was a common practice. Abstaining from such food was crucial to avoid participating in idolatry, which was strictly forbidden in Jewish law (Exodus 20:3-5).
This directive aimed to prevent Gentile Christians from being associated with pagan rituals and to maintain a clear distinction from idolatrous practices. So this was not just about obeying a law or a rule, it is about attitudes, mindsets and foremost, have a belief in God alone.
To abstain from sexual immorality:
Sexual immorality was rampant in the pagan cultures surrounding the early church. The Greek word used here, “porneia,” encompasses various forms of illicit sexual behavior. This command aligns with the moral teachings found throughout Scripture, such as in Leviticus 18 and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, emphasizing the call to holiness and purity for believers. Many people, then and now, would argue that God was withholding or forbidding a personal pleasure. But again, this was not just about obeying a law or a rule, it is about attitudes, mindsets and foremost, not to be drawn away from the ability to obey and worship the One True God. Sexual perversity or even sexual addictions have the ability to draw a person away from purity, honoring one another and God and destroy ones honesty toward our One God.
To abstain from the meat of strangled animals:
Jewish dietary laws, as outlined in Leviticus 17:13-14, prohibited consuming blood, which included meat from strangled animals since the blood was not properly drained. This instruction was given to respect Jewish sensibilities and promote fellowship between Jewish and Gentile Christians, ensuring that Gentile believers did not offend their Jewish brethren. This was not just about obeying a law or a rule, it is about attitudes, mindsets and foremost, unity in the Body of Christ.
To abstain from blood:
The prohibition against consuming blood dates back to Genesis 9:4, where God commanded Noah not to eat flesh with its lifeblood still in it. This command was reiterated in the Mosaic Law and was significant for maintaining ritual purity. For the early church, this directive served to uphold a standard that would facilitate unity and respect between Jewish and Gentile believers, reflecting the continuity of God’s moral law.
Now, ask yourself, what is more important? Serving God and the Body of Christ, or taking what you think you might deserve?
God placed a capacity within us to do right according to His design. But knowing what is right and not doing it, is sin for the one who does not do it. And as we know, the penalties of sin are many. This is given so we may be made safe, healthy, whole and able to succeed in our purpose in life as God has deemed. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 30. So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and after gathering the congregation together, they delivered the letter. Verse 31. When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. Verse 32. Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers and sisters with a lengthy message. Verse 33. After they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brothers and sisters in peace to those who had sent them out. Verse 35. But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Second Missionary Journey
Verse 36. After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return and visit the brothers and sisters in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Verse 37. Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. Verse 38. But Paul was of the opinion that they should not take along with them this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. Verse 39. Now it turned into such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. Verse 40. But Paul chose Silas, and left after being entrusted by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. Verse 41. And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (End Chapter 15).
Now, please ask yourself, “So what?” How does what I have read in chapter 15 help me? What am I to do about what I have learned, and why? According to Genesis 1:27 God has created us in His image. A careful study of those words (especially in the Hebrew language) you will find that the “image” (tselem), is a “likeness, a form, but a vain show, but only a resemblance and an illusion who is of a dubious character – but with the potential to be made in the likeness of Christ”. And it is the things taught in this and other Books of the Bible that “transform us by the renewing of our mind into what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable and perfect”.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
PREVIOUS: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 14, Acceptance and Opposition
Please bookmark this page or subscribe for coming episodes.
Discover more from Whitestone Fellowship
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
