Introduction Introduction There have been many so-called church councils down through history. As you study this first one in Jerusalem, think about what sets this one apart from all the others. For instance, how was this council different from the one in Nicea in 325 AD?Nicea Hint: Did the Holy Spirit have a divine voice in any councils that were convened after the Apostles passed away? There have been many so-called church councils down through history. As you study this first one in Jerusalem, think about what sets this one apart from all the others. For instance, how was this council different from the one in Nicea in 325 AD?Nicea Hint: Did the Holy Spirit have a divine voice in any councils that were convened after the Apostles passed away? First-century Jerusalem (model)

A decisive turning point in the history of Christianity Here, Christianity would become an ethnic religious sect, rehashing legalistic principles… or the liberating, universal faith God intended A decisive turning point in the history of Christianity Here, Christianity would become an ethnic religious sect, rehashing legalistic principles… or the liberating, universal faith God intended

Acts 15:1-3 15:1 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. Acts 15:1-3 15:1 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.

15:1 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” Significance

“9 Then God said to Abraham, "As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come Every male among you shall be circumcised” "As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come Every male among you shall be circumcised” Genesis 17:9 – 10 “48 An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the LORD's Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised;”“48 An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the LORD's Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised;” Exodus 12:48 (NIV) “9 Then God said to Abraham, "As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come Every male among you shall be circumcised” "As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come Every male among you shall be circumcised” Genesis 17:9 – 10 “48 An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the LORD's Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised;”“48 An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the LORD's Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised;” Exodus 12:48 (NIV)

This seems to have been the first serious doctrinal division in the church. It had to be corrected and settled immediately. If Gentiles had to be circumcised in order to be saved, the implication was that they had to become proselytes to the Jewish religion or observe the laws of Moses in addition to the teachings of Christ. There are religious groups today who teach that some parts of the Law of Moses must be observed by Christians, especially the Sabbath Commandment. IS THIS RIGHT ? This seems to have been the first serious doctrinal division in the church. It had to be corrected and settled immediately. If Gentiles had to be circumcised in order to be saved, the implication was that they had to become proselytes to the Jewish religion or observe the laws of Moses in addition to the teachings of Christ. There are religious groups today who teach that some parts of the Law of Moses must be observed by Christians, especially the Sabbath Commandment. IS THIS RIGHT ?

In time past we have discussed the fact that the Ten Commandments were a part of the Law of Moses, God’s special covenant with Israel (Deuteronomy 5). This law, including the Ten Commandments, was given to the nation of Israel and to no one else. The Sabbath Day observance was first revealed at Sinai (Nehemiah 9:14). We have seen that Christians are not commanded to observe the Sabbath Day (Colossians 2:14, 16). We are not under the Ten Commandments today (Romans 7:4-7).Christians are not commanded to observe the Sabbath Day In time past we have discussed the fact that the Ten Commandments were a part of the Law of Moses, God’s special covenant with Israel (Deuteronomy 5). This law, including the Ten Commandments, was given to the nation of Israel and to no one else. The Sabbath Day observance was first revealed at Sinai (Nehemiah 9:14). We have seen that Christians are not commanded to observe the Sabbath Day (Colossians 2:14, 16). We are not under the Ten Commandments today (Romans 7:4-7).Christians are not commanded to observe the Sabbath Day

2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. Gal. 5:2 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. 4 You have been alienated from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

REASONING/DEBATE: Acts 15:2 “Sharp Dispute and debate.” Acts 18:19 “went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews...” Acts 18:4 “every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue Acts 17:2 “for 3 Sabbath days he reasoned with them” Acts 17:17 “he reasoned in the synagogue” Acts 15:2 “Sharp Dispute and debate.” Acts 18:19 “went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews...” Acts 18:4 “every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue Acts 17:2 “for 3 Sabbath days he reasoned with them” Acts 17:17 “he reasoned in the synagogue”

Compare with Paul’s account in Galatians 2: 11 But when Cephas [Peter] came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. Compare with Paul’s account in Galatians 2: 11 But when Cephas [Peter] came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision.

Gal 2:13; And the rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?” Gal 2:13; And the rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?” The barrier holding back this flood of legalism had now dwindled to one man the Apostle Paul!

Gal 2:16; nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. Back to Acts 15:3; Gal 2:16; nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. Back to Acts 15:3;

DISCUSSION QUESTION: Are people willing to reason and debate today about religion Are people willing to reason and debate today about religion today? today? Are people willing to reason and debate today about religion Are people willing to reason and debate today about religion today? today?

Acts 15:3-4 3 The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. Acts 15:3-4 3 The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.

This first church council at Jerusalem in about 49 AD was different from later church councils because they were guided by the Holy Spirit. The Apostles were all inspired prophets. The elders no doubt were also inspired prophets, though they could not pass on gifts of the Holy Spirit as the Apostles could. But they had them from the Apostles themselves. What was ultimately decided by this council had the stamp of approval from God. This was not true of later church councils. This first church council at Jerusalem in about 49 AD was different from later church councils because they were guided by the Holy Spirit. The Apostles were all inspired prophets. The elders no doubt were also inspired prophets, though they could not pass on gifts of the Holy Spirit as the Apostles could. But they had them from the Apostles themselves. What was ultimately decided by this council had the stamp of approval from God. This was not true of later church councils.

Acts 15:5-6 5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses." 6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. Acts 15:5-6 5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses." 6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question.

5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.” 6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.” 6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. One of the deadliest moments in the history of the church!

Some of the Jewish members of the Jerusalem church were the originators of this false doctrine. When they heard about Paul and Barnabas’ work among the Gentiles, they stood up to voice their doctrine. These were Pharisees who had been baptized into Christ but had held on to their former allegiance to the Law of Moses as well as their Pharisaic customs and traditions. Some of the Jewish members of the Jerusalem church were the originators of this false doctrine. When they heard about Paul and Barnabas’ work among the Gentiles, they stood up to voice their doctrine. These were Pharisees who had been baptized into Christ but had held on to their former allegiance to the Law of Moses as well as their Pharisaic customs and traditions.

Acts 15:7-9 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. Acts 15:7-9 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.

God showed that He accepted the Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit. The gift of languages was not a sign that they were saved but that God was now accepting Gentiles into the church. Cornelius and the men in his household were not circumcised or commanded to be circumcised. But he and every one in his household were commanded to be baptized in water. We know from other scriptures that this baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. THEN they were saved. God showed that He accepted the Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit. The gift of languages was not a sign that they were saved but that God was now accepting Gentiles into the church. Cornelius and the men in his household were not circumcised or commanded to be circumcised. But he and every one in his household were commanded to be baptized in water. We know from other scriptures that this baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. THEN they were saved.

Of all the Apostles, Jesus had chosen Peter to preach the first sermon to Jews to admit this group into the kingdom, which is the church. Jesus had also chosen Peter to preach the first gospel sermon to Gentiles to admit this group into the kingdom-church. This was what Jesus had meant when he told Peter that He was giving him the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:1-18). The gospel is to open the hearts of both Jew and Gentile Of all the Apostles, Jesus had chosen Peter to preach the first sermon to Jews to admit this group into the kingdom, which is the church. Jesus had also chosen Peter to preach the first gospel sermon to Gentiles to admit this group into the kingdom-church. This was what Jesus had meant when he told Peter that He was giving him the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:1-18). The gospel is to open the hearts of both Jew and Gentile

The Law was a heavy yoke. Gentiles didn’t need that. 9 “He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are rescued, just as they are.” 9 “He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are rescued, just as they are.” Peter becomes the second hero in this story A beautiful picture of mature Christian spirituality

9 “He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are rescued, just as they are.” 9 “He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are rescued, just as they are.” Acts 15 Peter becomes the second hero in this story

No Distinction. Once God did make a distinction between the Jews and Gentiles as he did between the clean and unclean animals. He does so no more (Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:26-29). Now every Jew who is saved is saved in exactly the same way and on the same basis that every Gentile is saved. God has no further plans for fleshly Israel. The church has replaced the nation of Israel as God’s chosen and holy nation (Ephesians 2; 1 Peter 2:9 & 10).The church has replaced the nation of Israel as God’s chosen and holy nation No Distinction. Once God did make a distinction between the Jews and Gentiles as he did between the clean and unclean animals. He does so no more (Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:26-29). Now every Jew who is saved is saved in exactly the same way and on the same basis that every Gentile is saved. God has no further plans for fleshly Israel. The church has replaced the nation of Israel as God’s chosen and holy nation (Ephesians 2; 1 Peter 2:9 & 10).The church has replaced the nation of Israel as God’s chosen and holy nation

DISCUSSION QUESTION: v10 What was the yoke that they were not able to bear? v10 What was the yoke that they were not able to bear? Why were they not able to bear it? Why were they not able to bear it? v10 What was the yoke that they were not able to bear? v10 What was the yoke that they were not able to bear? Why were they not able to bear it? Why were they not able to bear it?

SCRIPTURE: 1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.” Gal 5:1 (NIV)

SCRIPTURE: “ This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,” 1 John 5:3 (NIV) “ This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,” 1 John 5:3 (NIV)

DISCUSSION QUESTION: v11 Are we saved through grace?

“8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no-one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-10 “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” - James 2:24 (KJV) “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' Luke 17:10 “8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no-one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-10 “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” - James 2:24 (KJV) “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' Luke 17:10

DISCUSSION QUESTION: Why do you think Peter brought up the subject of GRACE at this point? Why do you think Peter brought up the subject of GRACE at this point?

Acts 15:12 12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. This was enough to close the mouths of the gainsayers. How could they argue that what Peter, Paul and Barnabas had said was not true and not a clear demonstration of the will of God? Acts 15:12 12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. This was enough to close the mouths of the gainsayers. How could they argue that what Peter, Paul and Barnabas had said was not true and not a clear demonstration of the will of God?

Acts 15: When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. 15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: Acts 15: When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. 15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:

16 "'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, 17 that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things' 18 that have been known for ages. The tent of David was the Jewish nation over whom David ruled. He was a symbol of the Christ Who would come and rebuild David’s fallen tent and restore its ruins. Jesus did this when He built the church. 16 "'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, 17 that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things' 18 that have been known for ages. The tent of David was the Jewish nation over whom David ruled. He was a symbol of the Christ Who would come and rebuild David’s fallen tent and restore its ruins. Jesus did this when He built the church.

This James, traditionally called “James the Just,” was the half-brother of Jesus. He seems to have been the president of this assembly. This James was not an Apostle but evidently a prophet and leader in the Jerusalem church. He was the author of the Bible book that bears his name. He brought the meeting to its conclusion by proposing a solution to which they all agreed. We will look at that next. This James, traditionally called “James the Just,” was the half-brother of Jesus. He seems to have been the president of this assembly. This James was not an Apostle but evidently a prophet and leader in the Jerusalem church. He was the author of the Bible book that bears his name. He brought the meeting to its conclusion by proposing a solution to which they all agreed. We will look at that next. Remains of ancient synagogue or church.