TEXT: Acts 15:1-35

SUBJECT: Acts 17

Today, with the Lord's blessing, we'll continue our study of Acts. May God give us understanding of it; and make us "Doers of the Word, and not hearers only". For Christ's sake. Amen.

ANTIOCH

The story begins in Antioch, Syria. Some years before, a church was born in that city. Unlike the churches in Israel, it is made up of both Jews and Gentiles. In Jesus Christ, these life-long enemies find peace with God--and each other. Things are going very well in Antioch.

Until some visitors drop in on them. They too are Christians--from Judea. They're not happy about what they see in Antioch; in fact, they're horrified. What's wrong with the church? It's not false teaching; it's not immorality; it's not a lack of love or zeal. No, what they're concerned about is this: Gentiles are accepted into the Church-- for Christ's sake alone.

They have no problem with Gentiles being saved or being in the Church. Some years before, they had rejoiced in it,

The problem is not "having Gentiles in the Church". But having them there--as Gentiles--people who don't respect the customs of Israel or follow the dictates of the Ceremonial Law.

To correct the "abuse", they warn the non-Jews,

And until you are, we'll have nothing to do with you!.

The Gentiles are not eager to comply, and so, the church begins to split. Jews on one side; Gentiles on the other.

This is a big problem. Paul, Barnabas, and some other men are chosen to go up to Jerusalem to discuss the matter with the Apostles and Elders there.

When the arrive, the leaders of the Church are ready to talk.

PETER

The first man to speak is Peter. He reminds the brethren that God chose him to first preach to the Gentiles. And that they believed and received the Holy Spirit just as the Jews had before.

Thus, he continues, God makes no distinction between Jew and Gentile, purifying both hearts through faith.

He adds a warning,

In short, why do you expect the Gentiles to do what the Jews never did--Keep the Law? Or, if the Law didn't make us holy, why do you think it will make them holy?

Good argument!

JAMES

James is next.

After agreeing with Peter's counsel, he adds a proof-text, Amos 9:10-11,

This "Tabernacle of David" is God's Kingdom, which in the days of Amos, lay in ruins. But not to worry--God says--I'll rebuild it one day. And when He does, He'll bring the Gentiles into it as well as the Jews.

And this is what God is doing right now, James says.

Another excellent argument!

DECISION

The Apostles, elders, and church have come to a decision. They write it down and entrust it to four good men who will read it aloud to the church in Antioch and elsewhere. It's made up of three parts:

The first two points answer the obvious question. Must you be circumcised in order to be saved? No.

But why bring up these other things--food sacrificed to idols, strangled, bloody meat, and fornication?

Don't they cloud the issue? No they don't. If you read Romans 14-15 and I Corinthians 8-10, you'll find the Jew-Gentile problem cut both ways. The Jews were tempted to "judge" the Gentiles for their use of liberty (i.e., they were too loose for the Jews). The Gentiles, on the other hand, were tempted to "despise" the Jews and to "show off" their liberty--to use it without love.

Let me update the problem a little bit. No verse in the Bible forbids dancing. Therefore, it is lawful to dance. But not everyone thinks this way; many Christian equate dancing with groping or other immoral acts. I have liberty to dance. But I don't have liberty to "stick it in your face"--to talk you into dancing or to laugh at you if you think it's wrong.

That's what the Gentiles were doing with their food! They were bring Prime Rib--extra rare--to the Love Feast. This caused needless and stupid offense. And the Apostles said, Don't do that!

How does "fornication" fit into the argument? I don't think it does. Fornication is more than an offense; it's a sin. One the Gentiles were always tempted to commit. I think the warning is just "tacked on" to the letter, to underline the importance of chastity.

I can't prove this, of course, but I think it makes good sense. And I can cite a parallel, I John 5:21. After spending five chapters explaining how we can "Know that we have eternal life", John "tacks on" the verse, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols". It doesn't fit the argument, at all, but it's still needed!

ANTIOCH

The Church's letter is carried by Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas. When they get to Antioch, they read it aloud and everyone rejoices in the "Freedom for which Christ has made us free".

Judas and Silas exhort the church with many good words, then go home. Paul and Barnabas stay in Antioch "Teaching and preaching the Word of God, with many others also".

That's the story.

MESSAGE

Why is it in the Bible?

Is it there to teach Presbyterian Church Government? To justify "synods, councils" and other courts outside the local church? No.

It's there for a much better reason: to show us that Jesus Christ doesn't want division in His Church!

The Church at Antioch was about to split right down the middle. And with good men on both sides! If you read Galatians, you'll find Paul was on one side while Barnabas and Peter(!) were on the other.

It would have been much easier to divide than to stay together. The Jews preferred "traditional worship" while the Gentiles liked things more "contemporary".

They might have parted on fairly good terms--without bitterness and rivalry, and so on. Jews go to here; Gentiles go there. No more hassles!

What's wrong with that? Only one thing: Jesus Christ doesn't go for it! He died to make His People One. He prayed for our togetherness. He sent His Spirit to unite us. He gives gifts to foster harmony. And, if all else fails, He commands unity! "Be of one mind; live in peace".

Jesus Christ does not want His Church divided. Most Christians agree with this. But they've gone after unity the wrong way.

Unity can only be had on God's terms: Truth and Love. That's what He wanted long ago in Jerusalem; that's what He wants now.

WHAT CAN ONE PERSON DO?

Many learned and godly believers have called for Unity in the Body of Christ. Most of them err, however, by seeking it from the top down. It won't work that way. If Reformed Baptists and Orthodox Presbyterians were to form a new Church tomorrow, the problems would be bigger than they are today. This would result in less unity rather than more.

We have to start at the bottom. And that means with you and me. What can you and I do?

We can repent of our pride. I love this church more than any other; I couldn't imagine going elsewhere. But I cannot say it is more precious to Christ than any other Church. Jesus Christ died as much for the Pentecostal as He did for me. Until I repent of thinking otherwise, unity is not possible.

We can understand on what bases Jesus Christ accepts a person or church. Are you a Christian because you can recite "the five points"? Is a church a church because it baptizes by immersion? No, God accepts us on the terms of repentance and faith. When I see them in other believers and churches, I have to admit they belong to Christ. And, therefore, to me. And I to them.

We can love Christ more than secondary issues. I hate Contemporary Christian Music; I can't stand those "jingles" so many churches sing. But if I reject brothers or a church because of the kind of music they prefer, I love traditional music more than I love Christ. And that's wrong!

We can meet Christians outside of our "circle" and listen to them with respect.

We can pray for unity.

If unity is good. And we know how to pursue it. Let's get busy. "Be doers of the Word. And not hearers only".