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In these verses, Paul gives a historical account of his early days as a Christian, and then fourteen years later as a minister. What does the travel history of an Apostle have to do with you and me thousands of years later?
Paul’s autobiography highlights two essential practices for a Christian: personal growth and corporate accountability.
Typically Christians prefer one more than the other. Some Christians view their relationship with God as entirely personal. They struggle to stay committed to a church because they feel stifled or resist feedback or accountability. Other Christians seem only to experience God during a church service or learn God’s word from a pastor’s sermon.
Paul’s actions are the perfect example of how Christians should know God personally but follow Him collectively.
Paul had to return to Jerusalem fourteen years later because some church leaders were claiming he was teaching a false message. We know now that Paul was, in fact, teaching the truth, and he believed it too, but it does beg the question: When two Christians believe differently, how do we know who is right? Thankfully, God gives us the church and church leaders to confirm we believe the truth and correct us when we are in error.
Irenaeus, an early church leader and apologist in 200 A.D, said that for a Christian, there are three pillars to confirm the truth: the scriptures, the tradition handed down from the apostles, and the teaching of the apostles' successors. We could paraphrase it like this: Did Jesus teach it? Did Jesus model it? Does the church accept it? This came to be known as orthodoxy, the beliefs of the church, and practices of Christians that are passed down through the generations.
What we read in Acts 15 (Paul’s journey to Jerusalem) is the beginning of the church forming its orthodoxy. Similar to our forefathers constructing the constitution, the early Church leaders had to wrestle with the traditions and truths that guided them then and still guide us today. We get the benefit of the Bible, theologians, and thousands of years of practice as we strive to stay true. We should use those resources and our church leaders to make sure we believe the truth and are not led away by subtle false beliefs.
Question
What is an example of a false belief you had about God or the Bible that another Christian or church leader helped you correct?
About this Plan
Take 18 days and study the letter to the Christians in Galatia from the Apostle Paul. In this six chapter book, the Apostle Paul points out the false belief that better behavior makes you a better Christian, and reminds all of us of the truth of the Gospel message.
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