Acts 15

In this chapter, we observe that sometime we have to contend for our faith. We may accommodate many things but we can never compromise on the gospel. The gospel is our core of our belief. When the gospel changes, the whole belief changes. When the Jews wanted to add circumcision as one of the requirement for salvation, Paul’s answer was “No!” Our salvation is not only “by faith”, it is “by faith alone.” It is clear in the mind of the apostles that the law is useless in our salvation (15:10). The resolution from the Jerusalem church (15:20) is not a partial acceptance of the law as part of our salvation. It is for the purpose of not putting a stumbling block for others when the Gentiles fellowship with the Jews. That is a principle of Christian liberty that is taught in 1 Cor 8.

Comments

Audrey said…
In the history of the Israel, when gentiles want to worship God with them they have to be proselyted first. In other words they have to become Jews. After Jesus came some of the believers who has pharisee background still holds that v.5. How does the apostles argue with them and let them know that this is changed? Peter uses the example of of the gentile receiving Holy Spirit 15:8 (see 10:45-48 when the household of Cornelius speaks in tongues). In addition, Paul and Barnabas gives the proof of the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles 15:12. What does this tell? The purpose of the tongue, signs and wonders is to convince the Jews that the gentiles can really be saved without becoming proselyte. These signs has a special place in the first century. We certainly do not have the same need today.
May 4, 2007 at 9:20:00 AM CST
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