The Jerusalem Decree (Acts 15:22–29) — A Sermon by R.C. Sproul

Study of Acts: The Council of Jerusalem

Introduction to the Passage

• SPROUL begins by reading from Acts 15:22-29, highlighting the decision made by the apostles and elders regarding Gentile believers.

• The letter sent to Antioch emphasizes unity and support for Paul and Barnabas, who have risked their lives for Jesus Christ.

Key Decisions from the Council

• The council decided not to impose unnecessary burdens on Gentile converts, focusing instead on four specific prohibitions.

• SPROUL prays for understanding of the significance of these early church decisions in a contemporary context.

Controversy Surrounding Circumcision

• The need for an ecumenical council arose due to Judaizers claiming that Gentiles must be circumcised and follow Old Testament law to join the church.

• The decree does not explicitly state that circumcision is unnecessary but implies it by stating no greater burden should be placed on them.

Prohibitions Imposed on Gentiles

• One key prohibition is abstaining from food offered to idols, which was a significant issue due to Jewish dietary laws against idolatry.

• SPROUL explains how meat offered at pagan altars was often sold in markets, creating tension between Jewish customs and new Christian practices.

Discussion on Adiaphorous Matters

• Paul later addresses eating meat offered to idols as adiaphorous—matters without intrinsic moral weight—indicating individual liberty in such choices.

• This concept challenges earlier restrictions imposed by the council, leading to discussions about Christian liberty and sensitivity towards weaker believers.

The Dilemma of Ping-Pong: A Lesson in Stewardship

The Impact of Obsession on Life Choices

• A college friend became obsessed with ping-pong, spending excessive hours playing, which negatively affected his academic performance.

• He expressed a conviction that playing ping-pong was sinful due to its impact on his studies; the speaker advised him to take personal responsibility for his actions rather than attributing guilt to others.

Understanding Adiaphora and Conscience

• The concept of adiaphora is introduced, indicating that certain activities (like wearing lipstick) are morally neutral unless one believes them to be sinful.

• If an individual perceives an action as wrong, acting against their conscience constitutes sin for them, regardless of the action's inherent nature.

Paul’s Teachings on Liberty and Sensitivity

• Paul addressed issues regarding eating meat offered to idols, asserting it is not inherently sinful but can be if it violates one's conscience.

• The need for sensitivity towards weaker believers is emphasized; those with liberty should refrain from actions that could harm others' faith.

Distinguishing Between Law and Prudence

• Historical church councils sometimes enacted laws or provided advice; understanding this distinction is crucial in interpreting biblical texts.

• The early church's decision to abstain from certain practices was a temporary measure aimed at fostering unity among diverse believers.

Art in Worship: A Contemporary Debate

• During a pastors’ conference, some attendees questioned the presence of art in a Reformed church setting, reflecting historical tensions within the tradition regarding symbolism.

• An anecdote illustrates how some individuals view artwork as heretical based on their strict interpretation of Reformed principles against visual representation in worship.

Reformation and the Role of Art in Worship

Destruction of Religious Art

• A group, led by an individual convinced of a necessary reformation, violently destroyed Roman Catholic churches' art, including stained-glass windows and icons, believing that purifying faith required eliminating worldly art.

• Martin Luther opposed this destruction, emphasizing the need to reform rather than destroy the church. He dismissed the wanton acts as counterproductive to true reformation.

Calvin's Perspective on Idolatry and Art

• John Calvin recognized the second commandment's prohibition against images reflecting God's deity but also noted that God commanded artistic representations in the Old Testament for specific purposes.

• Calvin highlighted that artisans were filled with the Holy Spirit to create sacred artwork for worship spaces like temples, indicating a nuanced view of art's role in religious contexts.

Purpose and Legitimacy of Art

• Calvin argued that under God's word, using artistic representations of historical events is legitimate. He pointed out that many masterpieces in Western history are religious artworks created for glorifying God.

• Despite acknowledging art's legitimacy, Calvin advised caution regarding its use among converts from Roman Catholicism due to their past idolatrous practices involving images.

The Nature of Idolatry

• Calvin described humans as "idol factories," suggesting a natural tendency towards idolatry. He recommended avoiding images in church settings as a prudent measure during his time.

• The overarching principle he emphasized was honoring God through beauty and holiness rather than allowing art itself to become an object of worship or distraction from divine reverence.

Contemporary Implications on Morality

• The discussion transitions into broader moral implications where Paul later emphasizes strict prohibitions against sexual immorality within Christian communities, contrasting temporary prudential measures with enduring ethical standards.

• The speaker critiques modern cultural attitudes toward sexuality post-revolution, highlighting a disconnect between contemporary norms and biblical teachings on holiness.

Sexual Morality and Guilt in Modern Culture

The Shift in Sexual Ethics

• The speaker discusses the prevalence of sexual experimentation outside of marriage, noting that marriages between two virgins are now rare due to the church adopting pagan cultural morals.

Unresolved Guilt Among Students

• A survey at a Baptist college revealed students were in the ninety-ninth percentile for unresolved guilt issues, highlighting a disconnect between Christian teachings on forgiveness and student experiences.

Counseling Insights

• The speaker recounts counseling students who expressed concerns about sexual ethics, contrasting past parental warnings about pregnancy and disease with modern realities like antibiotics and abortion options.

Cultural Changes Post-Sexual Revolution

• Reference is made to Gael Greene’s book which indicates that post-sexual revolution, being a virgin is now seen as disgraceful among college girls, flipping traditional views on reputation.

Moral Standards vs. Cultural Norms

• The speaker emphasizes that despite changing societal norms, the moral offense of sexual immorality against God remains unchanged. He reflects on the struggle of students trying to maintain Christian values in a neo-pagan culture.

Call for Transformation

• In closing remarks, there is an appeal for Christians to not conform to worldly standards but seek transformation through grace, urging listeners to adopt Christ-like minds amidst cultural pressures.