This ends our three-part sereis on Acts 15. In the first part we looked at legalism; in the second we dealt with idolatry. In this section we’ll talk about sexual immorality – something the early church felt a need to specifically address.
Last week we looked at the decision of the Jerusalem council, which determined that the non-Jews who were now coming into the church didn’t have to become Jews in order to become Christians. This was a very important decision and essentially ruled out all forms of legalism or works-based merit before God. We examined legalism and the difference between that and a biblical faith which leads to good works.
This week we will look at idolatry – one of the things the council wanted to emphasize to the Gentiles as prohibited. They rightly assumed that non-Jews would need to learn that the God of the Bible is not to be worshiped with idols.
Audio: Acts15b.mp3
Notes: Acts15b.pdf
In this chapter a conflict arises in the church. Certain Jewish believers wanted to impose specifically Jewish rules and practices, including circumcision, on the newly converted Gentiles. The conflict leads to a big meeting in Jerusalem among the recognized leaders in the church. They conclude that clearly the Gentiles need not “become Jews” in order to be Christians. Rather they come up with a short list of things that the Gentiles need to be aware of. In conclusion, we’ll look at the whole issue of legalism in the church. Here are the notes and audio:
Next week in Part 2, we’ll finish the chapter examining both idolatry and sexual immorality. These are two points the early church leaders realized needed to be specifically addressed in the non-Jewish world of that time. They are areas we need to address just as much today.
This week we’ll look at the completion of the first missionary trip carried out by Paul and Barnabas as they move through the Roman province of Galatia and eventually back to Antioch where they began their trip. Below are the audio and note files.
Central Reflections 