Chapter Fifteen –
First Doctrinal Problem
ACTS 15:3-12:
In our
last lesson, we looked into the first two verse of this chapter, which
introduce the doctrinal conflict that has found its way from Jerusalem to
Antioch of Syria. This is not an external problem, but one that has come
from within; the attempted re-insertion of the Law of Moses (namely
circumcision –
Vs.1,
and the keeping of the Law of Moses –
Vs.5).
After a great dispute; whereby Paul would state in his own words,
“We did not yield submission even
for an hour” –
Galatians 2:5; it has been decided that since the problem
originated from these men coming from Jerusalem, they would go there to
solve this issue. In this lesson, we will begin to look into the pattern by
which all doctrinal issues should be solved!
Text #1:
Acts 15:3-5
“So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed
through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles;
and they caused great joy to all the brethren.
4
And when
they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the
apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with
them.
5
But some of
the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to
circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.””
First:
In
verse 2, we learn from Luke that Paul and Barnabas would be sent
to Jerusalem with “Certain others”;
Paul will tell us that one of these others is significant enough to mention
by name – Titus;
Galatians 2:3. The significance is found in the entire verse,
note:
Galatians 2:3
“Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a
Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.”
Titus would
be brought as a living example of the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
apart from circumcision and the Law of Moses. He would become a significant
illustration of the principle of Gentile entrance to the
“Called Out” solely on the basis
of faith in Christ.
Passed
Through:
The
disciples of these areas that Paul and Barnabas (and certain others) would
pass through as they journeyed south, were far more ready to rejoice in the
success of the Gospel among the Gentiles, because they would be more closely
related to the Gentiles than the Jews.
Received:
As Paul and those traveling with him arrived in Jerusalem, the
Body of Christ there received
them. They would then give a report of
“all that God had done with them”.
The meeting and report would be interrupted by the true source of the
problem that Paul had come to deal with; the Pharisees. Remember that these
have come into the Body of Christ; not with pure intent and faith in Christ,
but to undermine those who had (Galatians
2:4). They intend to bind on Christians that circumcision and the
Law of Moses are still necessary; which Paul will refer to as being put into
bondage, especially if they were successful.
Text #2:
Acts 15:6
“Now the apostles and elders came together to consider
this matter.”
First:
It is necessary to note in the text a vague transition that takes place
between
verse 6 and
7.
Before Peter is going to address the general assemble who have come out to
hear the conclusion of the unified Apostles (Peter to speak first then Paul
with Barnabas), and the elders (James to speak representing them); that they
met together first, to determine what the Spirit of God would determine
should be done. This would show to all, that this problem did not originate
with those guided by the Spirit of God, and would also demonstrate that
everything to come would be! This is verified by Paul’s version of these
events, note:
Galatians 2:2
“And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them
that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who
were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.”
Second:
What is not mentioned in
Verse 6 is that the Spirit of God is fully in control of the
singular Gospel and Doctrine of Jesus Christ. The consideration of this
matter was not a general debate, but a process of revelation, both of the
truth to be taught and a unified front of solidarity that could not be
undermined. This is referred to by all of these leaders in the letter that
will follow, note:
Acts 15:28
“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay
upon you no greater burden than these necessary things”
Text #3:
Acts 15:7-11
“And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up
and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while
ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word
of the gospel and believe.
8
So God, who
knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as
He did to us,
9
and made no
distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10
Now
therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the
disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11
But we
believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in
the same manner as they.””
Much
Dispute:
It is
uncertain, and I would not debate either way, whether or not this dispute
was during the private meeting, or once they prepared to move to the
assembly to present the instruction. There would seem to be more evidence
that the dispute was without; as we have already mentioned the Spirit of God
being with those of reputation assembled, and that from the chaos of the
assembly prior to the teaching, we then see the product of unity on the
whole body –
Verse 22.
In
addition, we know that at the end of Peter’s dissertation, the multitudes
are going to remain silent while Paul and Barnabas speak next.
But at any
rate, the instruction is the vital portion of what transpires next, as it
will bring in the afore mentioned effect of unity on the whole
Body of Christ.
Peter
Speaks:
There are three ways to establish Biblical authority:
-
Direct Command.
-
Spirit or Apostolic approved example.
-
Necessary inference.
Here Peter
is going to introduce first an
approved example, whereby God accepted Gentiles apart from
circumcision, and the Law; and given a direct sign by God of His approval.
In fact, Peter shows that they were made pure by their faith; and anyone
trying to bind anything on the Gentiles apart from this, is in fact testing
God directly.
All men
will be saved by the favor of God through Jesus Christ and this is why it is
called “The Good News” and commanded to be preached to all men!
Text #4:
Acts 15:12
“Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to
Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked
through them among the Gentiles.”
Paul and Barnabas speak: Here we have an illustration of a necessary inference.
-
-
God worked miracles through Paul
and Barnabas among the Gentiles.
-
Paul never included circumcision or
the Law as he preached among the Gentiles the Gospel of Christ.
-
The conclusion then is either God
accepted the Gentiles without circumcision and the Law of Moses, or
God approved of liars. For He showed He approved of the preaching of
Paul by the miracles he performed.
-
God worked miracles through Paul
and Barnabas among the Gentiles.
Next: “Direct Command, and Result!”