Acts 15:22-29 - In Depth - Pastor Chuck Smith - Bible Studies

The Early Church and the Gentile Conversion

The Composition of the Early Church

• The early church was primarily composed of Jews, many of whom were traditionalists believing that salvation was exclusive to Jews.

• Gentiles were required to convert to Judaism through baptism, circumcision, and adherence to Mosaic law for salvation.

Tensions Between Jews and Gentiles

• A significant clash arose between traditionalist Jews and Gentile believers as the gospel spread more rapidly among Gentiles.

• Jewish traditionalists insisted that unless Gentiles were circumcised and followed Mosaic law, they could not be saved.

The Jerusalem Council's Decision

• Paul and Barnabas confronted these issues leading to a council in Jerusalem to discuss the relationship between Gentile believers and Jewish laws.

• Peter emphasized that the Holy Spirit had called him to preach to Gentiles, affirming their acceptance without conversion to Judaism.

Recommendations from James

• James proposed writing a letter to Antioch informing them that keeping Mosaic law was unnecessary for salvation but advised abstaining from certain practices (idolatry, fornication).

• This recommendation received unanimous agreement from the apostles and elders at the council.

Sending Messengers with the Letter

• Chosen men, including Judas (Barabbas) and Silas, were sent with Paul and Barnabas carrying this important message for confirmation.

• The letter addressed Gentile believers as "brothers," symbolizing unity in Christ despite previous divisions.

Breaking Down Barriers

• Jesus is portrayed as breaking down walls that separate people; all stand on common ground before Him.

• Despite historical divisions among denominations (Baptist, Methodist), Jesus' mission was about dissolving barriers rather than creating them.

Unity in Christ

• The concept of brotherhood among believers is highlighted; calling Gentiles "brothers" challenged traditional Jewish views.

• Paul's teachings emphasize equality in Christ: there are no distinctions based on ethnicity or social status within the body of Christ.

Understanding Unity in Christ

The Equality of Believers

• Paul emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles have equal access to God through Jesus Christ, negating any privileges based on ethnicity.

• The mystery revealed to the apostles is that Gentiles are now fellow heirs and partakers of God's promises through the gospel.

Addressing False Teachings

• A letter was sent by church elders acknowledging their unity as brothers while addressing false teachings regarding circumcision and law observance.

• Certain individuals misled believers by claiming authority not sanctioned by the Jerusalem church, causing confusion among followers.

Authority and Influence

• Many people are easily swayed by those who speak with perceived authority, often without critically evaluating their claims or teachings.

• Herbert W. Armstrong is cited as an example of someone who gained a following due to his authoritative speaking style, despite promoting legalistic beliefs.

Transformation of Beliefs

• Following Armstrong's death, the Worldwide Church of God underwent significant changes in leadership and doctrine, moving towards a more sound interpretation of scripture.

• The speaker expresses hope for other groups like Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses to recognize errors in their teachings and embrace truth.

Semantic Disputes Among Believers

• Paul warns against those who subvert believers' faith through meaningless arguments over semantics rather than focusing on core truths.

• An example is given involving Charles Templeton, whose shift away from faith sparked debate about whether he was ever truly saved or simply backslid. This highlights how discussions can devolve into semantic disagreements rather than substantive theological issues.

Discussion on Arguments and Questions

The Nature of Questions in Discussions

• The speaker reflects on the futility of engaging with individuals who ask questions not for answers but to provoke arguments, indicating a lack of genuine inquiry.

• Some questions are strategically designed to promote specific viewpoints rather than seek truth, highlighting the importance of discernment in discussions.

• The speaker shares personal experiences with emails containing both honest inquiries and argumentative questions, illustrating the challenge of distinguishing between them.

• Acknowledging that some individuals may persist in their views despite evidence or reasoned responses, the speaker emphasizes respect for differing opinions without further engagement.

• Reference is made to Paul's instruction to avoid foolish arguments that do not yield any benefit, reinforcing the idea that some discussions can be counterproductive.

Affirmation from the Church in Jerusalem

• A letter from the church in Jerusalem affirms Paul and Barnabas's ministry, recognizing their leadership and commitment to spreading the gospel among Gentiles.

• The church acknowledges the dangers faced by Paul and Barnabas during their missionary work, emphasizing their dedication and sacrifice for spreading Christianity.

• Silas and Judas are sent as representatives from Jerusalem to confirm the message delivered by Paul and Barnabas, ensuring clarity and unity within early Christian communities.

• Silas later becomes an important companion for Paul on his second missionary journey, showcasing ongoing collaboration within early church leadership.

• The decision-making process involved prayerful consideration among church leaders, highlighting reliance on divine guidance through the Holy Spirit.

Guidelines for Gentile Believers

• The council concludes that no additional burdens should be placed upon Gentile believers beyond essential moral guidelines related to idolatry and sexual immorality.

• Specific prohibitions include abstaining from food offered to idols, blood consumption, strangled animals, and fornication—key ethical standards emphasized for new believers.

• Notably absent from this directive are Jewish ceremonial laws such as Sabbath observance or feast days; this omission signifies a shift towards faith-based relationship with God rather than legalistic adherence.

• This concise letter brings joy to Gentile believers by affirming their acceptance into faith without complex rituals previously required under Jewish law.

• Emphasis is placed on direct access to God through faith in Christ rather than through priestly mediation or sacrificial systems established under Old Testament law.

Understanding Sacrifice Through Christ

• The complexity of approaching God under Jewish law involved multiple sacrifices mediated by priests—a system now transformed through Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.

• Jesus’ offering is described as sufficient not just for covering sins but as a means of complete atonement—signifying a profound theological shift towards grace over works.

Understanding Fellowship with God

The Role of Jesus as Mediator

• Jesus Christ serves as the mediator between humanity and God, allowing believers to approach God through His sacrifice.

• Our fellowship with God is not based on our obedience or efforts but rather on God's faithfulness in keeping His word.

Constant Fellowship Through Faith

• If our relationship with God depended on our actions, it would be unstable; however, it remains constant due to God's unchanging nature.

• Paul expresses a desire for all people, including Jews and other groups like Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, to attain salvation through knowledge of God's righteousness.

Righteousness by Faith vs. Works

• Many are unaware of God's righteousness and attempt to establish their own through works instead of submitting to God's righteousness.

• Righteousness is imputed through faith in Jesus Christ, independent of works; this contrasts with the Jewish reliance on the law.

The Purpose of the Law

Transition from Law to Faith

• The law served as a guide leading us to Christ; once we have faith in Him, we are no longer under its authority.

• Moses described that living by the law requires strict adherence, while faith offers a different path to righteousness.

Confession and Salvation

• Belief in one's heart and confession with one's mouth regarding Jesus' resurrection leads to salvation.

• There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; all who call upon the Lord will be saved.

The Impact of Belief

Attaining Righteousness Through Belief

• Gentiles have achieved righteousness by believing in Christ, unlike Jews who seek it through their works.

Rejoicing in Salvation

• The letter sent to Gentile believers brought joy because it affirmed that anyone can come to faith simply by trusting in Jesus for forgiveness.

Prophecy and Edification

Prophets in Antioch

• After receiving the letter, believers gathered joyfully at Antioch where prophets like Judas and Silas encouraged them further.

Nature of New Testament Prophecy

• In contrast to Old Testament prophecy which often predicted future events, New Testament prophecy primarily focuses on edifying believers through God's word.

Purpose of Edification

• The primary goal of prophetic messages is building up believers' faith rather than condemning them.

The Role of Prophecy and Comfort in Building Faith

The Purpose of Prophecy

• God desires to build individuals up, contrasting with Satan's intent to tear them down. Prophecy serves as a means for edification, encouraging believers to trust and draw closer to God.

• Exhortation is emphasized, urging believers to be active participants in their faith—"be doers of the word and not hearers only," as stated by James. This call to action reinforces the importance of living out one's beliefs.

Comforting Through Scripture

• God instructs prophets to comfort His people amidst agitation caused by doubts, fears, and anxieties instigated by Satan. The role of prophecy includes providing reassurance and peace.

• Silas and Judas exemplify prophetic ministry in Antioch, focusing on building up the church's faith through exhortation towards holy living and complete trust in God's provision for victory.

Strengthening the Body of Christ

• The speaker reflects on lessons from the early church regarding mutual encouragement among believers. There is a call for Christians to speak words that strengthen one another.

• Emphasis is placed on exhorting fellow believers towards love, service, obedience, worship, and praise—highlighting community support as essential for spiritual growth.