Acts: Go & Be Chapters 10-18Sample

What is this passage saying?

John MacArthur writes this about this passage, “Throughout its history the Church’s leaders have met to settle doctrinal issues…Yet the most important council was the first one- the Jerusalem council- because it established the answer to the most vital doctrinal question of all: ‘What must I do to be saved? The apostles and elders defied efforts to impose legalism and ritualism as necessary prerequisites for salvation. They forever affirmed that salvation is totally by grace through faith in Christ alone.” In this council there was much dispute, then Peter speaks up. The man this had all started with. The man who had received the vision from God and was in Cornelius’ house as the Holy Spirit indwelled gentile believers. Peter’s speech in verse 7-11 silenced the arguing. Them James, the brother of Jesus, speaks to the council, he quotes Amos 9:11-12 affirming that extending salvation to the Gentiles was always God plan. There is only one God of the Bible, not an Old Testament God and a New Testament God, both Testaments point to the sovereignty of God. He has been working all things together to fulfill His plan from the beginning. The men in the Jerusalem council who were opposing so aggressively needed to be reminded of this. Peter and James speak so beautifully. Look how God works in the lives of people who are surrendered to Him. James grew up with Jesus and still doubted Him throughout Jesus’ time on earth. 1 Corinthians 15:7 tells us that Jesus appeared to James after He was resurrected, before His ascension. James was forever changed; he became the leader of the Church in Jerusalem and here he is settling “the most vital doctrinal question of all.” (John MacArthur.)

What is this passage teaching?

The continuity of scripture is undeniable. Commonly Christians are called New Testament believer, which we are because we live in the light of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We are under the New Covenant. But this certainly does not mean we forsake the Old Testament. The Old Testament is necessary for understanding the New Testament. The God of the Bible is the same throughout all scripture. We appreciate the New Testament when we see what happened in the Old Testament. Jesus clearly states that he fulfilled the law, He did not abolish the law, Matthew 5:17-18. This passage shows us an inter-Church dispute, we learn how to handle conflict. We are fallen people we will make a mess of things. But there is no dispute that the Word of the Lord can’t settle. The Bible was foundational is settling this matter and it must be foundational in our Churches. The Words of God are life to His people. He is so clear in His Word. He also gave us the Holy Spirit to live us to direct us. If there is confusion run to the word of God and pray that He will enlighten you.

How do I respond?

The response is the same, know God, love His words, seek Him in prayer.