The “Business” Meeting that Mattered
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.” Acts 15:1-2 ESV
It all began with Peter, but had to be settled some time later as Paul’s ministry to Gentiles began to expand. The question was, Can Gentiles be saved without at least being circumcised and better yet following the law?
After the Gentile “Pentecost” at the house of Cornelius Peter returns to give a report to the Church. It came as a result of him being criticized for “eating with Gentiles.” Peter carefully recounts all that had taken place and at the end lays out his greatest defense by asking a rhetorical question: “If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17 ESV)
The Church responded as you would hope for those who are open to God’s Spirit and work, “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.’” (Acts 11:18 ESV)
But when more and more Gentiles were coming to faith in Christ it was a cause of dissension and trouble in the Church. The leaders did what should be done. They held a “meeting” to address the issue and to come to a resolution.
Some of those who came to faith in Christ were Pharisees, like Paul, but they unlike Paul they held to their spiritual superiority attitude, “some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, ‘It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.’” (Acts 15:5 ESV)
Peter shares his experience. Paul and Barnabas recount miracles and the impact of the gospel among the Gentiles. Peter makes a compelling argument, “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” (Acts 15:10,11 ESV)
James, the brother of Jesus, is in the “seat of judgment” listening and offers the final verdict. “Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.” (Acts 15:19,20 ESV)
The Church responds positively and the issue as far as the leaders and mature believers are concerned is resolved. However, as Paul’s letters reveal. some would not accept the wisdom of the process, and continue to make circumcision as a requirement for salvation an issue.
My observations and “take-a-ways.”
1 – When facing a challenging environment, don’t go alone. (Peter took six other me with him to Cornelius’ house)
2 – Be open to God pushing us outside of our comfort zones and stretching our beliefs and traditions
3- Confronting problems and controversy is challenging but always best
4 – The Lord provides the confirmation of the wisdom manifested through Godly people.
5 – There will always be those who will stay stuck in their own traditions and views
Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You give wisdom and direction to move the gospel forward. You care about practical matters, because they have a spiritual impact. Help us to be more open to Your leading and Spirit then our own opinions, traditions and ideas.