November 11, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 15
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
In Acts 15, the first major church council in Jerusalem, known as the Apostolic Council, is recounted. This assembly gathered to address an important question that led to a fundamental conflict within the early Christian community: Must non-Jewish Christians adhere to the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision? The decision of this council laid the foundation for the inclusion of Gentiles and emphasized the significance of grace in the Christian faith.
Commentary
Acts 15 describes a pivotal moment for early Christianity. The central issue was whether Gentile Christians needed to follow Jewish legal requirements to be saved. This debate arose when some Jewish believers insisted that Gentile Christians must undergo circumcision and observe the Mosaic Law to attain salvation. Paul and Barnabas strongly opposed this and took the matter, along with other representatives, to Jerusalem to find a resolution together with the apostles and elders.
In Jerusalem, Peter argued that God made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles and had already demonstrated through the gift of the Holy Spirit that Gentiles are justified by faith. James, a leading apostle, supported this view and proposed presenting Gentiles with a few essential guidelines to maintain peace and purity within the community without imposing the entire Mosaic Law.
This decision was a milestone as it paved the way for the integration of Gentiles into the Christian community without requiring them to fully adhere to Jewish law. The council decided that Gentiles should follow only certain regulations to facilitate harmonious coexistence within the community. This emphasized that faith in Jesus Christ is the crucial element of salvation, allowing Christianity to continue spreading.
Summary
The Apostolic Council in Jerusalem addressed whether Gentile Christians must follow Jewish laws. After intense discussions, the apostles decided that Gentiles do not need to observe the entire Mosaic Law but should adhere to specific guidelines to promote unity within the church. This resolution affirmed that God’s grace and faith in Jesus Christ form the foundation of salvation.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 75—Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas
This chapter is based on Matthew 26:57-75; Matthew 27:1; Mark 14:53-72; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:54-71; John 18:13-27.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 75 describes the events when Jesus stands trial in the houses of Annas and Caiaphas. Here, he is mocked, ridiculed, and subjected to an illegitimate trial that is intended to result in his death. The account highlights the profound contrasts between Jesus’ majestic demeanor and the cruelty of his opponents. The insight into how Jesus endures contempt and suffering without anger demonstrates his unwavering obedience to the Father’s will and his boundless compassion for humanity.
Commentary
In this trial scene, Jesus’ inner strength becomes particularly evident. He stands in unwavering calm before his accusers while being insulted and physically abused. The priests, entangled in their malice, do everything they can to convict Jesus of blasphemy and portray his actions as rebellious. However, Jesus’ demeanor, his wise restraint, and his words expose the depravity of his enemies and ultimately lead them to their own indictment. Peter’s denial of Jesus highlights the human weakness that affects all believers and the failure that can occur without spiritual vigilance. This chapter calls for recognizing the importance of faith strength, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice, especially in moments of greatest trial.
Summary
Chapter 75 describes how Jesus is brought to trial in the night following his arrest by Annas and Caiaphas. As Jesus endures unfounded accusations and mistreatment, he exhibits unwavering composure and gentleness. The Jewish leaders strive to construct a charge against him that would be acceptable to both the Romans and the Jewish people, treating him as a criminal despite finding no guilt in him. In the end, Jesus is condemned to death while contempt and slander continue. Peter, who had previously spoken boldly, denies Jesus out of fear. The events illustrate Jesus’ unconditional dedication to his divine mission and the ultimate failure of the people who condemn him.
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