By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
AVAILABLE TO ALL
Acts 15:6–11, 24–31
No Distinction (6–11)
Acts is the unfolding story of the people of God, filled with the Spirit of God, engaging in the mission of God. As we share the gospel of Jesus Christ, we need to be clear in our understanding of how a person is saved. As the gospel was shared among the Gentiles, the question arose as to how they could become members of the church. Some of the Jewish leaders taught that the Gentile converts had to be circumcised and keep the Mosaic law if they were to be truly saved and a member of the church.
The apostles and elders gathered in Jerusalem to discuss this important matter. The solution did not come from a new word of revelation from a prophet but through careful reasoning based on Scripture’s teaching. Three speeches that defend the gospel of grace are recorded.
Peter said his preaching to the Gentiles was not his idea but part of God’s sovereign plan. He said God had given the Gentiles the Holy Spirit just as He did to us. This is proof that Jews and Gentiles are equal in Christ. Peter also reminded them that God makes no distinction between Jew and Gentile.
The Gentiles heard the gospel and believed. Therefore God cleansed their hearts by faith. Jewish Christians are saved by believing, just like the Gentiles. That’s the only way anyone is accepted by God. Salvation is by faith alone. It has nothing to do with circumcision or any other human work.
Clear Expectations (24–29)
The entire council agreed, so the apostles, elders and the whole church decided that some leading men should accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to give a report on the meeting. The letter the council sent with the men contained three crucial points. First the council declared that circumcision does not save anyone. Second the messengers, who would not only deliver the letter but also give an oral explanation of the matter, had the council’s full approval and authorization. Third they emphasized the Holy Spirit-directed unanimous decision not to burden the Gentiles with anything such as circumcision but to request that the Gentiles abstain from four particular matters out of respect for their Jewish brothers in Christ. The fellowship matters were not conditions for salvation.
Secure Encouragement (30–31)
Having been sent away with the blessings of the Jerusalem church, the messengers went down to Antioch. The entire congregation in Antioch, which had been anxiously awaiting the news of whether their salvation was genuine, gathered together to hear the apostles’ decision.
The reading of the letter and the report of the messengers resulted in three responses from the believers in Antioch. First they rejoiced. The confirmation that salvation was indeed by grace alone lifted a tremendous burden of worry from their shoulders.
The second response was consolation. They no longer needed to fear that their salvation was not genuine. A third response was faith-building encouragement, as Judas and Silas added their own heartening words to those of the letter.
The apostolic church survived the greatest challenge it had yet faced and established the doctrine of salvation by grace. Satan’s attempt to inject heretical teaching into the church was thwarted. So was his attempt to divide the church along racial and cultural lines.
There are two life-changing realities to ponder as we conclude: we must never abandon the gospel of grace and we must lovingly preserve the unity of the body.
Share with others: