ACTS 15. COMING TO SPIRITUAL CONCLUSIONS In the work of the Lord, those involved often have different opinions about some issues. Some of them may be of little consequence, so accommodating each other’s opinion and a course of action can be acceptable, even though there are minor differences. When a matter is of fundamental importance, such as, “How is a person born again?” or “Are works necessary for a person to be saved?” then the matter needs to be addressed with open Bibles, open hearts, open minds, and humble spirits. Some believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have come from religious backgrounds that have not been committed to the word of God as the only source of divine guidance regarding salvation.
Certain men “of the sect of the Pharisees,” who had believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, went from Jerusalem to Antioch and insisted that Gentile believers be circumcised. In other words, they had to become Jewish proselytes by circumcision and law-keeping. That would mean the New Testament church would be an extension of Judaism and Israel, at least in religion.
Unfortunately, that idea continues among some Christians today who believe and teach that the church is spiritual Israel. Consequently, they have substituted infant sprinkling in the place of infant circumcision of Jewish boy babies at eight days. Law-keeping is an important part of salvation to another group of Christians. They say you must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and do your best to please God. Then He will save you when you die. Others say you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, but you will be lost if you don’t keep the law. That same mindset started in the early church as a carry-over from the former religion of Jewish believers.
Gentile believers had heard the Gospel preached and had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven.” Then, along came “certain men from Judea,” who told them they must become Jewish proselytes to be saved. They may have been well-meaning Jewish believers who believed the church was the true Israel linked by covenant to God. The fact that Gentiles were professing to be saved in more significant numbers than Jews caused great consternation among those in Judea. The impact of Peter’s first message, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!” had not been truly grasped. The result of a stubborn opinion created dissension and dispute among the believers in Antioch about that matter. It side-tracked the whole work of God and had to be dealt with.
The Cause of the Dispute, v.1-2. Those “certain men from Judea” argued insistently that circumcision was necessary for salvation. In other words, they were implying that salvation, plus works, was needed for a person to be forgiven of their sins. That would have meant they didn’t believe all those Gentiles who heard the Gospel and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord were even saved! Paul and Barnabas had seen “the grace of God” at work among the Gentiles, and they opposed this attempt to bring Gentile believers into the bondage of Judaism/Christianity. There are those today who, for personal or religious reasons, set their own opinions, or opinions of others, as fundamental truth. They accept the words of “church fathers” as important as the words of the Bible.
You can know them when they say, “Well, I don’t see it like that. I believe it is this way.” The Bible, to them, is just a book of information, not the words of the living God. So, they have “a different way of looking at things.” They are not known as soul-winners, nor do they have a deep desire to see precious souls saved from hell. Rather, they want to be known as “students of the word.” Many will know Greek or Hebrew, or both languages, so they can give the “tenses” to words skillfully and tell what they mean in “the original,” but find it hard to accept the statements of scripture that are easily understood, so that we can act upon what God Himself says to us, instead of just reading a book.
Sadly, these controversies have residual effects long after they have been dealt with. Paul wrote a letter to all the churches of Galatia and said in Galatians 5:2, “that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.” That action, if it is done for religious purposes, indicates the work of Christ on the cross for our redemption was insufficient. If possible, those with spiritual minds and hearts will want to right the wrongs. Those unwilling to take the time to hear another view of the matter from the scriptural point of view are not usually satisfied until everyone agrees with them and accepts their opinion as the final truth.
The Conference at Jerusalem, v.2-21. It is helpful to know that assemblies in different places can retain their autonomy and still be in fellowship with each other. Differences can be resolved when holy men, with grace in their hearts, come together to seek God’s guidance through searching the scriptures and submitting to the direction of the Holy Spirit. It is reasonable to expect a consensus among them when they are yielded to the common Source of divine instruction, and all know the will of God, for the church of God, demonstrating the grace of God. Then, the power and wisdom of God will be unmistakable as decisions are made.
Paul and Barnabas and some other believers recognized the need to go to Jerusalem to explain God's work among Gentile believers in other areas. To tell of the work of God in distant places to local assemblies is a good thing. Describing the work God is doing through His servants and telling how people were being saved by grace alone in distant cities brought joy to the assemblies they stopped at in Phoenicia and Samaria. Joy and fellowship go well together and create an interest beyond our normal life. It may be that other people might be motivated to go further with the Gospel in their own areas or to go to other areas where they have personal interests or contacts.
The pattern of that conference is a good one to follow so that humility, integrity, dignity, and order will be maintained when there are differences of opinion. First, Antioch sent a delegation to help seek a solution to the problem. Second, they met with elders of the Jerusalem assembly and gave reports as to what God had done and was doing. Third, Peter stated his personal experience relating to the door of the Gentile being opened to the Gentiles through him. He concluded his personal testimony with his last words, quoted in the book of Acts. “We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” Fourth, Paul and Barnabas testified to God’s work among Gentiles in many different cities in their missionary journey. They also had returned to confirm the Holy Spirit's work done among the Gentiles by faith alone. Fifth, James, a respected leader in the Jerusalem assembly, summarized the reports and articulated the decision based on the word of God he quoted. A vote of those present did not make the decision. Sixth, there was an agreement with qualifying statements that were dogmatic. They were not open to questions or discussions.
Gentiles who had been worshippers of idols had practices that were not consistent with holiness that represented the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Gentiles must stay away from all idols and idolatrous practices. That included not eating certain things or participating in sexual practices that were associated with idolatry. Seventh, they put in writing the conclusion of the matter, so there would be no second-guessing or questions as to the decision made.
James's words and teachings are of great importance to the whole conference. James knew the scriptures and what they said and meant and could point out the salient points that applied to the matter. First, the people for “His name” were taken out of the world system at large by preaching the Gospel. Second, the Lord Himself was going to return. Third, Israel would not be returned and restored to their former status until after His return. Fourth, after He returns, the millennium will begin. Therefore, at the present time, Jews and Gentiles should not be concerned about forms and traditions that were not consistent with faith in God alone for salvation and usefulness in service for Him. Anything that would dishonor our Lord, of whatever nature it is, or whatever excuse you might have, must be abstained from.
The Conclusion and Results, v.30-35. Freedom from unnecessary restrictions imposed by human opinions brings joy as we experience salvation by grace alone. Our joy is in God, not in our ambitions and efforts to make ourselves acceptable to God. Seeking counsel when differences can potentially cause division is a good thing. Wise counsel from wise counselors who are proven men by the experiences they have been through themselves will help settle disagreements that can divide believers. Resolving problems and preserving unity is worth a mighty effort. It will take time, and certain changes may have to be made by all involved, but the fellowship and unity of saints are worth the time and effort.
The “goodness of the Holy Spirit” is not always considered when differences arise. The word of God, given by the “inspiration of God,” when “the Holy Spirit moved holy men of old,” and the indwelling Holy Spirit who “guides us into all truth,” are the solutions to the matter. The objective, when there are any differences, is to find out about the mind of God. Then, when it is made plain to us, we act upon it and do what is needed. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
Personal Disagreements, v.36-41. God sometimes works His will through disagreements and human disputes. God can work through human weakness to open doors we overlook or have not considered. The disagreements between them cannot hinder what God intends to do. The difference between Paul and Barnabas was that Mark opened up two missionary endeavors and added another worker who became a vital part of the outreach work in Europe.
Barnabas and Mark returned to Cyprus and likely would have strengthened the work in assemblies there. Paul and Silas went on foot into Galatia and followed up on the work in the churches of God there before going further in outreach to regions beyond.
Time has a way of dealing with differences that are not doctrinal or fundamental. Some problems can be settled by agreeing to disagree on a particular matter. In those cases, God brings the desired results without our interference. The work of God in certain areas and aspects does not leave room for us to be too sentimental about those who participate or their own personal way of doing things. Not everyone fits the same task, and not everyone’s personality can be accommodated. There has to be flexibility to adapt to others we work with, but it is not always possible for two people to work together and maintain the vision that just one had. It is wise to know when to separate and go about two different areas of work and yet be able to have fellowship and joy in what each other is doing.
RECRUITING LABORERS