The Reporter     Volume 46 # 30,  --  July 28, 2006

 

The Discussion About Law Keeping
– Acts Fifteen –

 

   Jews from Jerusalem were still trying to bind the requirements of the Law upon the Gentiles. They traveled to cities where Gentiles had been converted to preach their "Law Keeping" message. They even came to Antioch to spread their teaching. Paul was an apostle, with all authority of any apostles, yet he saw the need for unity. So, the conference at Jerusalem was arranged. This allowed God to be heard and to maintain His sovereign control over the church. 

 

      The question of "circumcision" or "Law Keeping" touched the very heart of Christianity. Determining the foundation upon which our relationship with God stands is at the heart of the discussion. Paul knew that if one was circumcised as a matter of Law that this bound him to the entire Law. Being bound to the Law would mean that he had given up the system of grace and had fallen from Christ.

 

   Paul, Barnabas, and certain others from Antioch went to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. The question of "Law Keeping" was to be settled by God and not by the brethren. Peter took the lead in the discussion and related the case of the conversion of Cornelius and his household. He said that God made no difference between Jew and Gentile.

 

    Afterwards Paul and Barnabas declared that the power of God had worked through them among the Gentiles. James then summed up the judgment of the assembly. He said the Gentiles are not obligated to be circumcised, or to obey the Law of Moses. However, they must abstain from blood, from things strangled, from fornication, and from meat offered to idols. These are not new laws that are a part of Christianity only. These have always been requirements of the Creator. The spirit of grace and wisdom is truly seen in the way this matter was handled.

 

   After returning to Antioch for a while Paul proposed to Barnabas that they should revisit the churches they had established. Barnabas was determined to take Mark with them. He had earlier turned back from the work. Under no circumstances would Paul agree to take Mark. These two great servants of God separated over this issue. Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus. Paul took Silas with him on his journeys. It is great that later Paul spoke of Barnabas with love and he also said that Mark was profitable for the ministry.

 

   A controversy over "Law Keeping” – Acts 15:1-5: Some people came from Judea to Antioch and started teaching the Gentile Christians that they could not be saved unless they were circumcised as Moses had taught. They were not sent by God, or by the apostles. They came down of "themselves" or on their own. These brethren caused trouble, and the disturbance and uneasiness continued for some time. Paul and Barnabas argued with them about this teaching. It was agreed upon that Paul and Barnabas and a few others would go to Jerusalem and discuss this problem with the apostles and the elders.

 

   As Paul and Barnabas journeyed to Jerusalem they went through Phoenicia and Samaria. There they told of how the Gentiles had turned to God. This news brought joy to the followers of Christ. When these brethren reached Jerusalem they were welcomed by the church. They told them what God had done through them and how that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Some Pharisees that had become Christians said, "Gentile Christians must be circumcised and obey the Law of Moses." This is what the Jerusalem conference was all about.

 

   An account of the discussion – Acts 15:6-21: The church, with the apostles and elders, came together to discuss this problem concerning the Gentiles and the Law. Peter said that "God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe." He was referring to the case of Cornelius. God gave the Gentiles the Holy Ghost just as he did to the Jews. God did not in any way treat the Gentiles different from the Jews. The hearts of men are filthy, and need purifying. They are polluted by sin. God made the Gentiles pure through obedient faith just as he did the Jews.

 

   Peter said these Jewish brethren were making God angry by placing a heavy burden on the Gentile Christians. The multitude kept silent as Paul and Barnabas spoke of the miracles and wonders that God had worked among the Gentiles. James summarized what had happened as what God had promised a long time ago. (Amos 9:11-12) He suggested that a letter should be written containing four prohibitions. All Christians must avoid (1) pollutions of idols, (2) fornication, (3) things strangled, and (4) blood. These are things that pollute both the soul and the body. James concluded by saying, "For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day." (Acts 15:21)

 

   A letter to the Gentiles – Acts 15:22-35: The brethren were in agreement concerning the letter. The letter was written and sent to Antioch by the hands of Paul and Barnabas along with Silas and Judas. "The four men left Jerusalem and went to Antioch. Then they called the church members together and gave them the letter. When the letter was read, everyone was pleased and greatly encouraged."

 

   We have already learned that Paul and Barnabas were prophets. Now we find that Silas and Judas were also prophets. Prophets sometimes foretold things to come.  Prophets also had the ability to explain the prophecies of the Old Testament, and to give the true meaning of the Scriptures. After staying in Antioch for a while, Judas and the other brethren returned to Jerusalem. Silas remained in Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The text says, "Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also." (Acts 15:35)

 

   A second journey brings division – Acts 15:36-41: After some time had passed Paul suggested to Barnabas that they revisit the churches that they had established on the first journey. Barnabas wanted to take Mark and Paul was very much opposed to it. Mark was the young man who had defected from the first journey at Perga. This led to a very serious contention between these two good brethren.

 

   The one redeeming point in this otherwise sad and regrettable episode is that neither Barnabas nor Paul allowed it to hinder the work of God. It actually became beneficial to the work because then there were two teams of missionaries. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Paul took Silas and they traveled through Syria and Cilicia, encouraging the churches.

 

   If you have not started the Christian life "Today is the day of salvation." (II Corinthians 6:2.) To become a Christian hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized to wash away sins. (Acts 22:16) Your attitudes and actions should be molded after the example of the early Christians that yielded so completely to the will of God.                 

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: Children’s Hospital: Clay Newton. In Need Of Prayers: Nikki Bennett, Dannie Box, Gene Buck, Emily Cain, Gladys Cassidy, Gene Davis, Emma Fell, Ethel Gafford, Roy Goodwin, Ramona Gravely, Ron Green, Montine Hardin (sister of Terry, Tommy & Tim Gafford), Evan Hartsell, Jimmy Hobbie, Frank Johnson, Mary Lawrence, Joyce Massey, Janice Mullins, Hunter Owens (broken arm), Mary Powell, Shirley Roberson, Lori Roberts (niece of Neomia Collins & Jerri Davis), Linda Sexton (mother of Marty Sexton), Doris Taylor and Corrine Till. Crowne Health Care: Laura Ellis, Kathy Johnson, Myrtle Perdue, Bertha Phelps, Floyd Smith, and Iva Lou Wright. Homewood Greenville: Marie Walton. Pine Needle: Mildred Johnson. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Wilmer Howell. Shut-Ins: Jean Hayes, and Mary Lou Phelps.

 

2. Restored To Christ: We all rejoice that Tonya Harrell has been restored to our Lord. Please forgive, encourage and comfort her. Tonya, we love you.

 

3. Please Pray For: (a) Alan Jackson as he serves in Iraq. Address: SPC Nathan A. Jackson, B-BTRY 1/117^th FA, APO AE09378, 3^rd PLT – e-mail: armydad_2006@yahoo.com. (b) Sam Sanders, son of Jerry Sanders is serving in the Iraq area. (c) Jason Godwin will go to Iraq soon. 

 

4. Special Need For Prayer: Brenda & Willie Herring are expecting triplets. Brenda is facing several weeks of bed rest. Please pray for her and the babies.

 

5. Sympathy Expressed: Our sympathy and love is expressed to Lydia Ann Raybon and her family in the death of her uncle, Roy Murphy.

 

6. Birthdays: Celebrating birthdays this week are: July 31^st Marie Curlee and Susan Murphy, August 1^st Heather Nall and Marie Owens, August 2^nd Tyler Nall, August 4^th Vickie Clark, and August 5^th Lydia Ann Raybon.

 

7. Fifth Sunday Meal: Please enjoy a fellowship meal with the church on Sunday, July 30^th after morning worship.

 

8. Young Adult Fellowship: Our young adult class and all other young adults will enjoy an ice cream party after evening services on Sunday July 30^th. Please bring ice cream, sandwiches, chips and drinks.

 

9. Area Events: (a) August 13-16 – Gospel Meeting – Georgia Road Church of Christ – Sam Long – Bible Class 9:00 a.m., Worship 10:00 a.m., Singing 1:00 p.m., Worship 2:00 p.m., and weeknights 7:30. (b) July 30-August 2 Flatwoods Church of Christ – Paul Tarence – 10:00 a.m. Bible Study, 11:00 a.m. Worship, 2:00 p.m. Worship and weeknights 7:30. (c) September 25-27 – Spiritual Enrichment Forum at Embassy Suites Hotel – Southern Christian University

 

10. A Note From Joshua Richardson: To the church at Walnut Street, I thank you for the support you have given me this past month. I have been getting settled in and am about used to the routine of things now. We have been studying Logic and Archaeology since I have been here. We finished Logic this passed Friday and tomorrow is our finale for archaeology. Monday we will start The Gospel Plan of Salvation. I am centered more on actual doctrine. Not to take away from archaeology or logic for both have helped greatly in my studies of the Bible and given more background on a number of Biblical text. Only two more weeks in summer school and I should be home for two weeks (August 4^th though 18^th). In Him, Joshua P. Richardson

 

11. Many Commit To Evangelism: Many families in the Walnut Street Church of Christ have committed to view the 6 lesson video “Searching for Truth” and share it with someone else. This will do us good and it will also provide an opportunity for others to know the Lord.

 

12. Show Your Love: Find some way to show your love to others today. “God is Love.”

 

Christian

 

   The name “Christian” is claimed by many in the world. There are those who profess to be Christians just to appear religious to men.  There are those who assert their Christianity simply because they possess some type of faith in Christ. And there are those who declare that they are Christians because they have humbled themselves before God, and have submitted to His will. “Christ” is the root word of “Christian,” which by definition means, “devoted follower, and compliant to the will of Christ.” 

 

   In light of this definition, let us look at some things that a Christian is not, according to the Bible.  First, a Christian is not merely a good, moral person. According to Acts 10:2, Cornelius was a good man. But he and his household were still in need of salvation…they were not yet Christians (Acts11:14). There is no reason why a good person should refrain from submitting to the will of God, yet many will, and they will be lost. Secondly, a Christian is not just any religious person. When Paul addressed the Areopagus, he commented, “I perceive that in all things you are very religious” (Acts 17:11).  But there was still a need for them to repent, lest they be in danger of the judgment (Acts 17:30-31).  May all men look honestly into the word of God to find and obey His will for their lives, for Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). 

 

   A Christian is a new creature in Christ (John 3:3-5). He is living a new life in Christ (Colossians 3:1-10). He is a part of God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14). And he does have hope of an eternal home (John 14:1-3).  We are simply asked to obey (John 14:15).  Obey God’s plan of salvation, which consists of hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, being baptized for the remission of sins, and remaining faithful to God until death.  Become a New Testament Christian today, and inherit a crown of life (Revelation 2:10).

- - - - Darrell Powell

 

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)