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Monthly Archives: July 2021
Acts 15- Council of Jerusalem Part 2
Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Acts 15:12-18
We continue to look at the event known as the “Council of Jerusalem” . This is an important event to the Church, why? Because the Apostles answered some major questions and doctrines that are still disputed today. We noticed that the Apostle Peter originally spoke , followed by the Apostle Paul and Barnabas. Now we are hearing the knowledge of the Apostle James. Anyone who disputes the verdict of the Council of Jerusalem, is disputing the Apostles and the New Testament
One of the main points of the Council of Jerusalem is the New Covenant. That salvation has been given to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ. Many Jews had a hard time accepting this, even many Jews today still can’t comprehend this, that Gentiles are now Children of God through Christ
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: Acts 15:19-22
The Apostle James went on to teach that we are not to trouble the Gentiles with holding The Law. Then James went on to list the expectations of the Gentiles who are grafted into the family of God. Abstain from Idolatry, sexual immorality, and from false gods. There is still much confusion today among Christians about what is expected from them , remember Jesus said Love God and Love your Neighbor, (Matthew 22:37) this is the fulfillment of the Law.
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. Acts 15:28-31
The news of this Council was then sent out to a letter to all the Churches, notice the list, it was the same one I mentioned previously. Also notice who authorized this, the Holy Spirit. There are many today who argue about this Council of Jerusalem, but you would be arguing against the Holy Spirit.
Instead of arguing, the Churches of the first century rejoiced! Because Jesus has set us free from the Law and delivered us under grace by his blood Amen!
Acts 15- The Council of Jerusalem Part 1
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. Acts 15:1-4
Acts Chapter 15 has turned into one of the important chapters in the New Testament, why? Because of the Council of Jerusalem, as we see from the opening scripture “certain men were teaching unless you are circumcised , you can’t be saved” This is the beginning of heretical teachings within the Church and the removal of Gods grace through Jesus Christ
Unfortunately we still see this alot today, many teaching you must perform certain “works” in order to obtain salvation. As we know its not by our works we are saved, but by grace through our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9) This setup the meeting of the Council of Jerusalem, so the Apostles can correct these false teachings based on the true teaching of Jesus Christ
But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; Acts 15:5-8
The religious leaders stated “the Gentiles must be circumcised to obtain salvation” This was quickly refuted by the Apostles, however sadly there are still some who believe this today. Ask yourself, are those who are circumcised and reject Christ still saved? Absolutely not, circumcision was a sign of the Abrahamic Covenant but it doesn’t obtain salvation for you. It’s only through Christ that you can be saved, period
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Acts 15:9-11
Peter rebuked this teaching of the Pharisees and said “Why put the yoke of The Law on the neck of the Gentiles? The same yoke that the Jews were unable to carry”? Why do some Christians today still want to put themselves under The Law when we are under Grace?
As Peter stated “Its the Grace of The Lord Jesus that we are saved” its not our works, its not circumcision, its not keeping The Law, which nobody has been able to do. Its only through Christ alone we can be saved Amen!
Justified By Grace
Acts 14- The Building Of The Church
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. Acts 14:21-23
Now we are starting to see the structure of the Church take place, the gospel is being preached and spread far and wide. Many people are coming to Christ and small communities of believers are starting to crop up everywhere. Notice what the disciples say to the Church “We must endure many hardships and tribulations to enter the Kingdom of God” Wow talk about an entirely different message than we hear the modern day Church preach today
As Jesus said “Those who endure to the end, will be saved” (Matthew 24:13) Many Christians today don’t relate being a Christian with suffering. The early Church did, as stated, we must endure tribulation. Many people who claim to be a Christian today, once anything goes wrong in their life, they abandon their faith. This is signs of a false conversion.
And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. Acts 14:24-26
Earlier we noticed the Church began to put their leadership in order. As it says “they ordained elders in every Church” the structure was beginning to take place. And the Church continued to preach and spread the gospel everywhere, and the Church continued to grow
And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples. Acts 14:27-28
Notice the Church gathered together, as many Christians today refuse to assemble at Church anymore. The early Church felt it was important to gather and they shared all that God has done for them! Imagine that, there was no gimmicks to get people at Church, no light shows or fog machines, it was just about glorifying God
It’s all about the New Covenant, God has opened the door for Gentiles to be his Children through the blood of Jesus Christ! Glory to God in the Highest , Amen!
Blessed Hope
Acts 14- All Glory to God
And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. Acts 14:8-11
As Paul and Barnabas continued to preach the gospel wherever they went, it caused a great divide, just as Jesus taught us it would. As Jesus said “ I came not to send peace on Earth, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34) The gospel message of Jesus Christ will divide you, you either receive Christ or reject Christ, there is no in between
As the disciples continued to preach, they also healed a crippled man, notice the man had faith to be healed. However when the Greeks witnessed this, instead of giving glory to God, they thought Paul and Baranabas were actual gods. Its important to remember , whatever you do or accomplish for Christ, all glory and power comes from God and is his glory , not our own
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Acts 14:12-15
The Greeks believed that Barnabas was the god of Jupiter and Paul was the god of Mercury, because of the healing that occurred. They even brought animals to be sacrificed to them. Once Paul and Barnabas realized what was going on, they tore their clothes and rebuked the people. Tearing your shirt or coat, was a sign of total disgust or disagreement with a statement someone had made
Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. Acts 14:16-20
The situation became volatile, as the Jews also stirred up the crowd against Paul and Barnabas, eventually they thought they stoned Paul to death. Paul tried to teach the Greeks about the one true living God, but this plan was sabotaged by the Jews.
Eventually the disciples came and rescued Paul out of the city, everyone perceived Paul was dead so they didn’t take notice he got away. However this event would not deter Paul and the disciples from continuing to preach and spread the gospel, all glory to God Amen!
By Our Fruit
Acts 13- Light of The Gentiles
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Acts 13:44-46
Paul and Barnabas began preaching in the synagogues for the next couple of weeks. It says the Jews began to be jealous of the multitude converting to Christ and began to speak blasphemy against the gospel. This event made Paul realize his ministry was directed to the Gentiles, not just Israel.
As Paul said “Since you reject the Word of God and don’t consider yourselves worthy of salvation, they are turning to the Gentiles” Paul is now understanding the fulfillment of the New Covenant. Israel’s Messiah bring salvation to those who become Born Again, Jew and Gentile
For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. Acts 13:47-49
Paul quotes Isaiah “I have made you a light of the Gentiles” (Isaiah 49:6) The New Covenant is not a modern day invention, this was prophesied throughout the Old Testament. God would not only save the Jewish people, but He will also graft in the Gentiles through Jesus Christ! As it says the gospel was spread throughout the entire region
But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. Acts 13:50-52
Obviously persecution was coming for Paul, Barnabas , and all the Christians for preaching boldly about Jesus. However, notice what they did “They shook the dust off their feet” , sound familiar? Yes the same words Christ used (Matthew 10:14) If anyone willingly rejects the gospel , move on as Christ said
Notice even during the persecution is says “The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” There was no pity party for the early Church, they enjoyed serving Christ the Lord and fulfilling the great commission Amen!
Last Days
Unashamed of Jesus 