In The Word
Read: Acts 15:13-34
James’ Judgment
13 After they stopped speaking, James responded, saying, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has described how God first concerned Himself about taking a people for His name from among the Gentiles. 15 The words of the Prophets agree with this, just as it is written:
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,
17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,’
18 Says the Lord, who makes these things known from long ago.
19 Therefore, it is my judgment that we do not cause trouble for those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, 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. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
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, 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.
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,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. 27 Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: 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.”
30 So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and after gathering the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers and sisters with a lengthy message. 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.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
After James, the Lord’s brother and chosen leader of the Jerusalem Council, had listened to the testimony of Paul and Barnabas and remembered the testimony he had heard from Peter concerning Gentile conversions, he quoted Amos 9:11-12 proving that God was calling a people by His name from the Gentiles. By the testimony of these and the Word of God, James decided there should be no requirement of new converts being subjected to Mosaic Law. He did conclude, knowing that Jewish believers would be present in this new expanding church (Acts 15:21), that there needed to be some respect for certain laws important to the Jewish believers. A letter was sent and read before the church at Antioch, and the people rejoiced at the encouragement of the letter (Acts 15:31).
It is encouraging to read of a positive outcome to a disagreement, which, if not handled correctly, could have ended in a worse way. We have much to learn about church leadership and the handling of disagreements in our reading today. First, that disagreements, if not resolved between two parties, should be brought to church leadership. The New Testament has many references on how believers should not seek judicial decisions at local government, but should seek advice from church leadership. Second, that church leadership should make decisions based on the testimony of more than one person and use the Word of God for reference and answers. Jesus addresses this in Matthew 18:15-17. Remember Paul’s instruction on disagreements in I Corinthians 6 and try to resolve the issue yourselves. Remember one day you’ll judge angels!