September 24, 2024 - Acts 15

The Jerusalem Council is so real world.  Luke tells us the unvarnished truth of what is going on in the early churches.  There’s a disagreement over the Gentiles, how they are saved, whether or not they must become Jews, and then, how they are to conduct their lives.  Must they follow the Mosaic law?  The disagreement is summarized by Luke:  “But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, ‘It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses’” (15:6).  And, of all people, who stood up to challenge this view?  Peter!

And so, the Council sent with Barnabas and Paul a letter to the Gentiles affirming their faith and requiring nothing more of them than that they live holy lives according to their new profession of faith in Jesus Christ.  The result?  “. . .  they delivered the letter.  And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement” (15:30,31).  And now, the same encouragement is ours, and we rejoice because of the gospel that has come to us!

By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless;

my soul, believe and doubt it not.

Why stagger at this word of promise?

Has Scripture ever falsehood taught?

No; then this word must true remain:

by grace you too shall heav’n obtain.

By grace! None dare lay claim to merit;

our works and conduct have no worth.

God in his love sent our Redeemer,

Christ Jesus, to this sinful earth;

his death did for our sins atone,

and we are saved by grace alone.   -- Christian Ludwig Scheidt (18th century)