These are the original teaching notes from this passage.
- Gospel of Grace…
- Questioning Grace…
- Countless GENTILES had come to faith in Jesus Christ on the FIRST missionary journey…
- But there were some Jews from Judea – who were NOT happy…
- They came teaching [imperfect] – the power [δύναμαι] of salvation came from the LAW…
- The decision was made to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to find the answer!
- The Argument…
- The MAJORITY of the church was excited to hear the report of the FIRST journey…
- But there were SOME of the SECT [αἵρεσις] of the PHARISEES [פָּרַשׁ] stood up…
- They insisted [present] – that Gentiles were commanded to be CIRCUMCISED…
- The idea was right – live a Godly life – but the problem was the HOW!
- The Gospel…
- The Apostles and Elders came together to LOOK [ὁράω] at the WORD [τοῦ λόγου]
- Peter used the example of Cornelius [first Gentile] – who was NOT saved by the LAW…
- The evidence of his salvation came from the Holy Spirit coming upon them…
- So why put a yoke on the Gentiles – neither the Fathers nor the Jews had ever been able to keep…
- The JEWS needed to be saved in the same way as the GENTILES – by Grace!
- Questioning Grace…
- 1st – Plan of God… vs. 13-21
- 1st – The Word… vs. 13-18
- James… vs. 13
- After they had become silent James answered saying: Men and brethren listen to me!
- AFTER Paul and Barnabas had shared and encouraged …
- Telling everyone about the MIRACLES and WONDERS God did among the gentiles…
- James stood up and commanded [imperative] everyone to LISTEN to him…
- This is NOT JAMES the apostle [brother of John] – he was already martyred – Acts 12:2
- This JAMES – is the half BROTHER of Jesus – Galatians 1:19
- The same James who wrote the book of James – James 1:1
- Who had risen to become the leader of the church in Jerusalem…
- Mary had other children – including James and Jude – Matthew 13:55
- The Prophets… vs. 14-15
- Simon has declared how God first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.
- And with this the words of the prophets agree just as it is written!
- SIMON [שִׁמְעוֹן] – using the name of Peter when he LISTENED to the Lord…
- DECLARED [ἡγέομαι] – to EXPLAIN [lead] from [out of] the Word [exegesis]
- How God had FIRST come to the Gentiles [Cornelius] to take people for His Name…
- And what Peter had said – had the same [σύν] voice [φωνή] as the prophets…
- Peter had his OPINION – the Pharisees had their OPINION…
- But James was NOT giving his OPINION – He was going back to the Word of God!
- The Gentiles… vs. 16-17
- After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen down.
- I will rebuild its ruins and I will set it up so that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD.
- Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name: Says the LORD who does all these things!
- Going back to the Old Testament – James quoted – Amos 9:11-12
- Where God said He would rebuild the Tabernacle of David [the Temple]
- So that all of the ALL [πᾶς] of the NATIONS [ἔθνος] might seek [subjuntive] the Lord!
- The FIRST temple was destroyed by Babylon [586 B.C.]
- It was rebuilt [SECOND] by Zerubbabel after the SEVENTY years of captivity – Ezra 3:8
- And was remodeled by Herod the Great [16 B.C.]
- But it would be destroyed again by the Roman Empire [70 A.D.]
- Meaning the ultimate fulfillment of this verse is the Millennial Temple!
- From Eternity… vs. 18
- Known to God from eternity are all His works!
- Why go back to the WORD – look to the writing of the PROPHETS…
- Because God is ETERNAL [outside of time] – and KNOWS everything that will happen…
- He does NOT guess – does NOT give OPINIONS – He always has the right ANSWER!
- If we are faced with a CHOICE – and are NOT sure what to do…
- We can ask people what they think is RIGHT – and we will get their OPINION…
- The problem is they do NOT know – it is just their best GUESS…
- But when we go back to the Word – we can be sure we have the RIGHT answer!
- 2nd – The Law… vs. 19-21
- Do not trouble… vs. 19-20
- Therefore I judge that we should not trouble.
- Those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God.
- But that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols.
- From sexual immorality – from things strangled – and from blood!
- THEREFORE [διό] – since God had always had a plan to reach the NATIONS [ἔθνος]
- It seemed best [κρίνω] NOT to TROUBLE them with the LAW…
- TROUBLE [only here] – comes from the root [ἐνοχλέω] – Hebrews 12:15
- Falling short of the GRACE of God – causing TROUBLE!
- When we put RULES on others – we are NOT helping them…
- On the contrary – we miss the GRACE of God – and only cause TROUBLE…
- Because RULES can only produce TWO things in the life of a believer…
- Self-righteousness – for those who THINK they are living up to the RULES…
- Or CONDEMNATION – for those who KNOW they have FAILED!
- Does not work… vs. 21
- For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city.
- Being read in the synagogues every Sabbath!
- How did James KNOW that the LAW was not the answer…
- Because for GENERATIONS – Moses [Law] had been preached in every city…
- In every SYNAGOGUE the LAW had been READ [ἀναγινώσκω]
- And yet in spite of this – ONLY when the Gospel of GRACE had come…
- Did they see HUGE numbers of GENTILES coming to the Lord!
- I am amazed at how people keep trying the same thing over and over…
- People go to away looking for work – thinking if only they had more MONEY…
- But once they get there they find out it is hard – so they come back home…
- But wait a few months or a year – and they go back again…
- Nothing changed – if it did not work the FIRST time – why would it work the SECOND!
- If we plug a light into dirt – nothing happens – it has NO power…
- In the same way we often try and plug our lives into the world…
- Then we wonder why we have NO power – why we are always in the dark…
- It is only when we plug into Jesus – that the light comes on!
- 1st – The Word… vs. 13-18
- 2nd – The Letter… vs. 22-29
- 1st – The Messengers… vs. 22
- Then it pleased the apostles and elders – with the whole church.
- To send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
- Namely Judas who was also named Barsabas – and Silas – leading men among the brethren!
- It was the DECISION [δοκέω] of the counsel [apostles – elders – and church]
- To send men along with Paul and Barnabas to ANTIOCH…
- Judas called Barsabas [son of my will] – and Silas [Roman citizen]
- Both of whom were LEADERS [ἡγέομαι] within the church in Jerusalem…
- They were there to CONFORM the conclusion of the counsel…
- Gentiles did not need to follow the Law – they only needed FAITH in Jesus!
- 2nd – The greeting… vs. 23-27
- The authority… vs. 23
- They wrote this letter by them: The apostles – the elders – and the brethren.
- To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch – Syria – and Cilicia: Greetings!
- They sent this LETTER written by their own HAND [χείρ]
- From the APOSTLES – ELDERS – and BRETHREN [Jews in Jerusalem]
- To the GENTILE [ἔθνος] brothers in the regions of Antioch – Syria – and Cilicia
- Reaching out to the places from the FIRST missionary journey!
- No command… vs. 24
- Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words.
- Unsettling your souls saying: You must be circumcised and keep the law.
- To whom we gave no such commandment!
- The letter began by addressing the MAIN concern…
- There were some who went out from the church in Jerusalem…
- And they had TROUBLED [ταράσσω] the GENTILE churches…
- UNSETTLING [violent turn] them by saying they had to KEEP the LAW…
- But these men had NOT been given any COMMAND from the church to say this!
- Ever been in a place where what was being said made you unconformable…
- That is often the Holy Spirit inside of us telling us something is wrong…
- That is when we need to get back to the Word of God and verify what is being said…
- Do not just accept what we are being told – but put it to the test!
- Acts 17:11 – “[Search] the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”
- The Decision… vs. 25-27
- It seemed good to us – being assembled with one accord.
- To send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul.
- Men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- We have therefore sent Judas and Silas who will also report the same things by word of mouth!
- It was therefore the unanimous [ὁμοθυμαδόν] DECISION [δοκέω] of the CHURCH…
- To send CHOSEN men – including their BELOVED [ἀγαπητός] Barnabas and Paul [affirmation]
- Men who had [perfect] GIVEN [παραδίδωμι] their lives for our Lord Jesus Christ [calling]
- Along with Judas and Silas who will SAY [διὰ λόγου] the same things [confirmation]
- The leaders in Jerusalem were leaving NO question as to their DECISION…
- They did NOT want there to be any DOUBT – this was FINAL!
- 3rd – No Burden… vs. 28-29
- Holy Spirit… vs. 28
- For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit – and to us.
- To lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things!
- For [γὰρ] the DECISION [δοκέω] of the HOLY spirit [not from men]
- And also recognized as being the right choice by the COUNSEL…
- Was NOT to lay any extra [πλείων] BURDEN on the Gentile churches…
- BURDEN [βάρος] – in context requirements from the LAW…
- Other than FOUR things that were REQUIRED [ἐπάναγκες] for the GENTILES to do!
- This list is given TWICE in our passage – Acts 15:20/29
- When the Bible repeats something – pay attention – it is IMPORTANT!
- The reason is because often we do not HEAR it – or does not SINK in – the FIRST time…
- The Bible tells us over and over in the HOPE we will eventually get it…
- They KEY to grasping TRUTH – is to REPEAT it as many times as needed!
- Philippians 3:1 – “I never get tired of telling you these things – I do it to safeguard your faith.”
- Offered to idols…
- That you abstain from things offered to idols!
- FIRST – they were to AVOID [ἀπέχομαι] things offered to IDOLS [εἴδωλον]
- Food that was POLLUTED [soiled] by sacrificing it to false gods – Acts 15:20
- This was a common problem of the day – the Greeks worshiped many gods…
- Part of how they worshiped these gods was by offering a sacrifice of food to them…
- Part of the animal was offered up as a sacrifice – but the rest was to share…
- If someone invited you over for dinner – what do you do if the meat was an offering!
- I Corinthians 10:25 – “Eat whatever is sold in the meat market – asking no questions for conscience sake.”
- In India – they still offer their food to their many gods…
- If I bought meat – found out it was offered to PAGAN deity – it would not bother me…
- Because I know there are NO other gods – I Corinthians 8:4
- But if someone saw me eating the meat – and knew it had been offered…
- Then it might STUMBLE them because it associates me with a false god!
- We have FREEDOM – it is NOT a matter of RULES…
- But we want to make sure to be careful NOT to stumble our BROTHER [sister]
- I Corinthians 8:9 – “Beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block.”
- No blood…
- [That you abstain] From blood!
- SECOND – they were to AVOID eating BLOOD…
- The reason why God commanded NOT to eat blood – it carries life – Leviticus 17:11
- The BLOOD was to be reserved for SACRIFICE – SIN leads to death!
- Hebrews 9:22 – “Without shedding of blood there is no remission [of sins].”
- Looking forward to the ultimate SACRIFICE of the Cross…
- The wages of sin is DEATH – but we are forgiven through the BLOOD of Christ!
- I Peter 1:18-19 – “[We] were not redeemed with corruptible things… but with the precious blood of Christ.”
- But that is a bit concerning – as blood is a common dish…
- Does that mean that it is wrong to eat BLOOD – no more dinuguan!
- Matthew 15:11 – “Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man – but what comes out of the mouth this defiles a man.”
- It is not what we eat that is a problem – it is what comes out of our mouth
- The problem is NOT what is in our BELLY – but what is in our HEART…
- Therefore we can eat ANYTHING [even blood] as long as we give thanks for it…
- For we know it is made HOLY by the word of God and PRAYER – I Timothy 4:4-5
- Strangled…
- [That you abstain] from things strangled!
- THIRD – was very similar to the SECOND – they could not eat things STRANGLED…
- Because if you strangle an animal – the blood staying in the BODY…
- To this day Jews kill an animal by slitting its throat – then draining all the blood…
- Why was it so important for the Gentiles to avoid these THREE things…
- It had NOTHING to do with salvation – it was NOT required to get to heaven…
- It was because Jews and Gentiles had to get ALONG – work together in the church!
- If a gentile came over to a Jewish house for dinner with a bowl of dinuguan…
- That is a DOUBLE offence – it is PORK and it is BLOOD…
- So for the sake of their Jewish brothers – the Gentiles were asked to be sensitive!
- If at all possible we should try and follow the RULES of others…
- NOT that we have to – but to be sensitive and NOT upset people…
- Because we are called to meet people where they are…
- Not just those who are like us – we are called to reach out to everyone…
- To be the bridge that reaches from Jesus out to a lost and sinful world!
- I Corinthians 9:19 – “I have become all things to all men – that I might save some.”
- 4th – Sexual Immorality… vs. 29
- Not the same…
- [That you abstain] from sexual immorality.
- If you keep yourselves from these you will do well. Farewell!
- FOURTH – they were to AVOID sexual immorality [πορνεία]
- [πορνεία] – can be pornography – adultery – any sex outside of marriage [one man one woman]
- This is NOT about traditions or customs – it is the WILL of God – I Thessalonians 4:3
- Because God intends intimate relationships to be only in marriage – Hebrews 13:4
- Matthew 19:6 – “They are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together – let no man separate.”
- We live in a world that sells SEX as just being about PLEASURE [the moment]
- But God created SEX to be something far DEEPER [lifelong]
- After SEX the body releases OXYTOCIN – known as the LOVE hormone…
- It BONDS a person to emotionally to their SPOUSE – makes them DESIRE to be with them!
- Deeper meaning…
- Ephesians 5:32 – “This is a great mystery – but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”
- Because God intends marriage to reflect His relationship with us…
- God uses TWO relationships to describe His love for us…
- God calls us His children – I John 3:2 – God also calls us His wife – Revelation 21:9
- It is through MARRIAGE we understand how much our Heavenly Father loves us…
- When a husband sees his wife walk down the aisle – dressed in white – HOW Jesus sees us!
- The first time a mother holds her newborn child – HOW Jesus sees us…
- That is why the ENEMY [satan] hates MARRIAGE so much…
- And does EVERYTHING he can to try and DESTROY it!
- I Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee sexual immorality [πορνεία]!”
- Invest wisely…
- Matthew 6:21 – “Where your treasure is – there your heart will be also.”
- If we plant a SEED – and WATER it every day – it will GROW…
- But if we IGNORE the SEED – chose to NEGLECT it – it will not survive!
- If there is a person who we THINK about too much…
- A person we are a little too EXCITED to see – that is the WARNING…
- There is a SEED that has been planted in our heart – and we must NOT water it…
- The only REMEDY – is to AVOID them at all costs – STAY away…
- Instead invest in your SPOUSE – find satisfaction in them ALONE!
- Proverbs 5:18-19 – “Let your fountain be blessed – and rejoice with the wife of your youth… And always be enraptured with her love.”
- 1st – The Messengers… vs. 22
- 3rd – Brining joy… vs. 30-35
- 1st – Rejoicing… vs. 30-31
- So when they were sent off they came to Antioch.
- And when they had gathered the multitude together they delivered the letter.
- When they had read it – they rejoiced over its encouragement!
- Therefore [οὖν] the FOUR men were sent back to ANTIOCH with the LETTER…
- And [καὶ] when they had GATHERED [συνάγω] the church together – they delivered the EPISTLE…
- Once the people READ [ἀναγινώσκω] it – they were OVERJOYED…
- By the good news that NO one had to keep the LAW of Moses – or be circumcised…
- ENCOURAGING [παράκλησις] the Gentiles believers in Antioch!
- One way you can always spot a FALSE teaching – it brings DOUBT and DIVISION…
- In contrast the Word of God brings REJOICING and ENCOURAGEMENT to the believers!
- 2nd – Encouragement… vs. 32-35
- Prophets… vs. 32
- Now Judas and Silas themselves being prophets also.
- Exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words!
- Both JUDAS and SILAS were PROPHETS…
- Not that they told the FUTURE – they PROCLAIMED the Word of God…
- And with MANY [πολύς] words [λόγος] the ENCOURAGED [παρακαλέω] the brethren…
- STRENGTHENING [ἐπιστηρίζω] their faith!
- Saying behind… vs. 33-34
- After they had stayed there for a time.
- They were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.
- However it seemed good to Silas to remain there!
- After some TIME – they were sent back to the APOSTLES…
- They came with a message or PEACE [εἰρήνη] from the brothers in ANTIOCH…
- But [δὲ] it was the DECISION [δοκέω] of SILAS to remain [ἐπιμένω] there…
- This will become important – as he will become the traveling companion of Paul!
- The Word… vs. 35
- Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch.
- Teaching and preaching the word of the Lord – with many others also!
- Paul and Barnabas also STAYED [διατρίβω] in ANTIOCH…
- TEACHING [present] and EVANGELIZING [εὐαγγελίζω] the Word of the Lord…
- The whole battle over the LAW – had been a distraction…
- Satan wanted to try and cause DIVISION – keep people from hearing about Jesus…
- But with the conclusion of the counsel – the leaders could get back to what mattered…
- Teaching the people the Word of God – telling them about Jesus!
- If all a pastor does is put our fires – deal with problems in the church…
- Then the people are never going to grow strong in the Lord…
- The number one responsibility for a pastor is to teach the Word of God!
- 1st – Rejoicing… vs. 30-31