BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 15:35

Wednesday, 5 April 2023
 
Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. Acts 15:35
 
The previous verse contained the disputed words, “However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.” Whether that verse is original or not, the words now are without dispute, but the translation of the conjunction will depend on how one views the matter. If those words are accepted as original, the words of this verse will say something like, “Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch.” If they are not accepted, then translators will say something like, “Paul and Barnabas, however, remained in Antioch.”
 
The conjunction can be rendered either way depending on the context. Whichever is correct, Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch after the matter of the Judaizers was settled. However, with it settled, Luke now returns to placing Paul’s name first – Paul and Barnabas. Together, they remained in Antioch “teaching and preaching the word of the Lord.”
 
As elsewhere, the word translated as “preaching,” euaggelizó, signifies to proclaim the good news. It is less a formal sermon and focuses more on evangelizing. They continued sharing the gospel which is the word of the Lord for salvation. Along with them, it also says, “with many others also.”
 
The meaning is that the church was filled with people who were willing to go out and tell others the good news about Jesus. With the approval by the council that Gentiles did not need to adhere to the Law of Moses after coming to Christ, the church was able to go forth and evangelize the gospel in the purity with which it was originally intended, meaning salvation by grace through faith in the full, finished, final, and forever work of Christ Jesus.
 
The idea comes through a bit more clearly when it is translated in the same order as the Greek –
 
“And Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming good news -- with many others also -- the word of the Lord.” (YLT).
 
In this translation by Young’s, one can see that he punted on the conjunction, translating it as “and.” In doing this, it allows for either option concerning the previous verse being genuine or not. He also, rightly, offsets the words “with many others also” giving a greater force to them. The church was highly evangelistic.
 
The reason for this being so important to highlight is because this may have been the time when the sad events of Galatians 2 took place –
 
“Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?’” Galatians 2:11-14
 
Others disagree and say this cannot be the time when these events took place, instead placing them in Acts 18:22. This is less likely because Paul says that Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. However, Paul and Barnabas are never mentioned as being together again after Acts 15. Further, this probably did not occur as is supposed by the Pulpit Commentary, which says –
 
“But it is quite inconceivable that Peter, with all the influence of the Jerusalem Cornell fresh upon him, and after the part he himself took in it, and when his own emissaries, Silas and Judas, had just left Antioch, should act the part there ascribed to him. Nor is it within the region of probability that, so soon after the council, any should have come ‘from James’ to unsay what James had said and written at the council. We may with much confidence place Peter's visit to Antioch before the council.” Pulpit Commentary
 
The reason this view is unlikely is that Paul says in Galatians 2:9 –
 
“...and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.”
 
The only record of Paul and Barnabas being together in Jerusalem before the council in Acts 15 is in Acts 11 & 12 at a time when this issue had not yet come to light. The point of the council was to determine the acceptability of the message that Paul and Barnabas had proclaimed to the Gentiles. That was decided, as indicated in Galatians 2:9, at the council.
 
And more, the conversion of the Gentiles only began to occur after Paul and Barnabas were called by the Holy Spirit to their first missionary journey in Acts 13:2. Therefore, it is most probable that Peter’s great failings, along with those of Barnabas, occurred at this point in Acts 15, shortly after the council had taken place.
 
Peter came to Antioch, realized the freedom that came from faith in Christ, ate with Gentiles, probably enjoying pork chops, bacon, and ham for the first time in his life, and then withdrew from this fellowship because he was unsure if the Jews who came from James would accept his move so far away from the restrictions of the Law of Moses.
 
Life application: If the timeline suggested here is correct, and the words of Galatians 2 fully support that it is, it shows how quickly we can backpedal from the truth and soundness of proper doctrine when faced with a little bit of external pressure.
 
Peter had spoken boldly in the council of Acts 15 concerning Gentile conversion and their not needing to adhere to the Law of Moses. This, by default, meant that the law was set aside in Christ. And yet, he peevishly backtracked from this fundamental truth when it personally affected his appearance before those who may condemn his departure from the customs of the Jewish people.
 
If this can happen to Peter so quickly, it can happen to any of us if we allow our guard to come down. Stand firm on the freedom of the gospel, do not allow anyone to bring you under the yoke of the law or of legalism. There is freedom in Christ and we must proclaim it as such.
 
Thank You, O God, for the freedom we possess in Christ. May we never fail to speak out just what Your word proclaims. Help us in this because it is so easy for us to get distracted or to not want to deal with conflict that may arise over one issue or another. Help us to stay on the right and sound path at all times. We pray this so that You will be glorified through our conduct. Amen.
 

Acts 15:34

Tuesday, 4 April 2023
 
However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.  Acts 15:34
 
The previous verse said, while speaking of the emissaries from Jerusalem, “And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.” Now, a verse that is not found in many manuscripts says, “However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.”
 
The context of the previous verse was based on verse 15:32 which spoke of Judas and Silas. As it said in verse 15:33 that “they were sent back,” it would be assumed that it spoke of Judas and Silas as well. However, in verse 15:40, it will say that Paul chose Silas to join him on a second missionary journey.
 
Because of this, it is believed by many that the words of this verse now were a later insertion to explain why Silas was available to join Paul. Some believe it to be a margin note that crept into the text. It is not found in the Syriac, Arabic, and Coptic versions. On the other hand, the Latin Vulgate says, “It seemed good to Silas to remain, but Judas went alone to Jerusalem.”
 
Supposing it belongs there, the plural of the previous verse could indicate that others came from Jerusalem with Judas and Silas and together they left while Silas remained behind. However, that would seem to fly in the face of verse 15:27 where the council only mentions Judas and Silas.
 
Supposing it doesn’t belong, no contradiction between verses 15:34 and 15:40 should be assumed. Verse 15:36 will say, “Then after some days.” There is nothing to suggest the timeframe. It could be a few weeks or a year. It is a statement that could mean almost any amount of time. Therefore, Silas could have returned to Jerusalem and decided to go back to Antioch during those days, weeks, or months.
 
No matter what, either one text added a thought which is spurious, or a part of the true text was dropped out that does not affect any point upon which the overall narrative or any set doctrine hinges. If it is included in a version, it should be footnoted with a comment concerning why it is not in other versions. If it is not included in a version, it should be footnoted why it is not.
 
Life application: God has allowed man to copy and pass on His original word. God is not fallible and the word He originally breathed out is perfect because it comes from Him. However, man is fallible. Anytime man is involved in something such as this, a process of corruption will result because of man’s inability to maintain the perfection of the original.
 
We cannot reasonably look at such differences in texts and say, “This cannot be the word of God.” Rather, we can look at the whole and feel confident that it is the word of God, but that man has been graciously allowed to transmit it, causing contamination of it. And yet, God has preserved His word in a sure enough form that it still can be rightly considered His word.
 
It is certain that if a copy of a manuscript of Shakespeare’s work was found and it had spelling errors, transpositions, margin notes, missing words or sentences, etc., anyone who evaluated it would say, “This is a copy of Shakespeare’s work.” In fact, it would be ridiculous to say otherwise. And yet, naysayers of the Bible demand perfection of transmission to be a part of the process of conveying His word. If it does not exist (which it could not because of the nature of man), then to them it somehow cannot be God’s word. The thinking is biased and flawed.
 
This is the trap that too many Christians have fallen into, thus believing that God has somehow preserved His word in an exacting manner that is 100% infallible in one particular version or another. They then choose a version, claim that the version they have chosen is God’s only infallible word, and condemn all others as being of the devil. This leads to a cult-like mentality and very poor theology.
 
But this claim has been made time and again over various versions in various languages. Rather than look at the matter from this viewpoint, we should look at the massive number of texts available as a blessing by which comparisons can be made to weed out obvious errors that have entered the various texts. This is responsible and it is certainly what God intended so that His word would be safely transmitted in a form that carries with it the essential information we need to share with others.
 
Lord God, do we have a sure word? We sure do. Thank You for Your precious word, O God. Amen.

Acts 15:33

Monday, 3 April 2023
 
And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles. Acts 15:33
 
The previous verse said that Judas and Silas encouraged and strengthened the brethren at Antioch. With that, it now says of them, “And after they had stayed there for a time.”
 
No specific time is stated, but it was long enough to accomplish whatever goals were intended to be met but not recorded in Luke’s narrative. The main goal, that of encouraging and strengthening was certainly fully met. Confidence in the teachings of Barnabas and Paul would have been realized and even bolstered, and anyone who was found to be harming the congregation would have been weeded out and expelled.
 
With the time for their return having arrived, it next says that “they were sent back with greetings.” Rather, the Greek reads, “they were sent away with peace.”
 
It is a Hebraism signifying a blessing for peace to be upon them. The traditional words in Hebrew are normally shalom aleichem, peace unto you. Some form of blessing such as this would have been pronounced over them as they were sent “from the brethren to the apostles.”
 
Here, some manuscripts state, “to those who had sent them.” The meaning is basically unchanged. Either way, these two men had fulfilled their task, they had confirmed the gospel Barnabas and Paul had proclaimed, it being the same gospel as that of those in Jerusalem, they had refuted the falsities of the Judaizers, and they had encouraged and strengthened the church at Antioch.
 
Life application: It is hard to imagine how people can continue to teach such heretical ideas as that of the Judaizers, meaning adherence to the Law of Moses, or those of hyperdispensationalists, meaning the teaching that there are two gospels – one for the Jews and one for the Gentiles – after going through this account in Acts. But they are out there, ready to destroy the faith of congregations and bring them into the bondage of heresy.
 
Variations of these heresies abound as well. So be sure to read your Bible, study proper theology, and apply right doctrine to your walk before the Lord. Don’t be duped by those with pious-sounding arguments about how holy they are because of what they do. Rather, remember that you are made holy because of what Jesus has done.
And that holiness is bestowed upon all in the same way. It is through faith in the finished, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ. Any who come to Him, Jew or Gentile, is saved by simple faith in what He has done. Hold fast to this precious message of salvation.
 
Lord God, thank You for the simple gospel that saves. Thank You that Jesus has done it all. Now, all we need to do is believe. Yes, thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts15:32

Sunday, 2 April 2023
 
Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. Acts 15:32
 
The letter from the council has been read to the congregation at Antioch. Having heard it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. With that, it next says, “Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also.”
 
These are the two men who had been sent from the council to confirm the words of the letter, having accompanied Barnabas and Paul to Antioch. The term “prophets” in this verse is obviously not given in the sense of the Old Testament prophets that foretold the future or spoke forth a new word of the Lord. That may or may not be something they did at other times, but in this context, calling them prophets is tied to what is stated in the next words. It says they “exhorted and strengthened the brethren.”
The verb form of the word used in the previous verse, paraklésis, which was translated as “encouragement,” is used here, parakaleó. Thus, it is more appropriately rendered “encouraged.” The other word, translated as “strengthened,” was introduced in Acts 14:22. It signifies to support, confirm, make stronger, etc.
 
In other words, there had been confusion thrown into the congregation by the events that took place. Trust in the words of Barnabas and Paul may have been diminished because of the Judaizers, something that definitely happened to the church in Galatia as Paul records in his epistle to them. These two prophets, rather than foretelling the word of the Lord, forth-told it.
 
They gave them encouragement that the message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone, apart from any works of the law, was correct. They encouraged the church to stand fast in their faith and even built them up with additional words, strengthening them, as it next says, “with many words.”
 
Rather, the words in the Greek are singular and should read “with much discourse.” They added either instructional lessons as may be seen today in a Bible study, or they may have spoken forth in the form of a sermon or homily, building the believers up in the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
 
Life application: Because the council has wisely sent along Judas and Silas, the decision rendered by it would certainly have gone unchallenged by any Judaizer still lurking around the believers in Antioch. Today, we do not have the apostles around any longer to render such a letter and then send along people to confirm what was said.
However, we do have the full, final, and sure word of the apostles and other men who wrote out the word of God for our instruction. There is no need to have Judaizers throw a congregation into upheaval if the congregants are properly instructed in the word of God. Thus, it is imperative to not just give life application sermons and Bible studies that are not based on the Bible.
Rather, the word of God is to be opened, analyzed, and explained in detail. If this is not done, the same confusion in the congregation that arose in Antioch, Galatia, and elsewhere is sure to arise in whatever congregation these false teachers come to. Be firm on what the gospel says. Do not give an inch to such cretinous fellows. Instead, proclaim the freedom and liberty that is found in Jesus Christ, not works of law or man that can never profit. Yes, hold fast to the true and only gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Glorious God Almighty, how thankful we are for the surety of the word. If we simply read it and properly apply it to our lives, we will not be misdirected by false teachers. You have breathed it out to us, and You want it to be known by us. So, Lord, help us as we open it and study it all our days. Thank You for the surety of the word that You have given to us. Amen.
 

Acts 15:31

Saturday, 1 April 2023
 
When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. Acts 15:31
 
In the previous verse, it noted that the letter from the council at Jerusalem was delivered to the multitude who had gathered from the church at Antioch. With that, it next says, “When they had read it.”
 
Those of the church were certainly excited about what decision had been made and their ears would have been open and alert as each word was read off the scroll. Upon its completion, they certainly would have been quite relieved for several reasons. First, and simply from a human perspective, the prospect of going through the pain of circumcision was now removed.
 
But more, it meant that as Gentiles, the circumcision they had received, meaning that of the heart, put them on the exact same level as the Jews without ever having to join the Jewish nation, giving up their own unique culture and identity in the process.
 
It also meant that they had a freedom that Israel under the law had never previously possessed by not being brought under the yoke of the law. By this time, Paul would have instructed the Gentiles that the entire period of the law was simply a tutor to lead people to Christ. Instead of law, they needed something better, they needed Christ. But they already had Christ. How could it be that they should need to go back to that which never truly profited Israel?
 
This is the lesson that Paul had to explain in detail to those at Galatia in his epistle to them. But those at Antioch had certainly been with Barnabas and Paul long enough to already know this fundamental truth.
 
Because of these reasons, and certainly many others, it says that “they rejoiced over its encouragement.”
 
Here, a pun is most likely being conveyed by Luke. In Acts 15:22, it said, “Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.”
 
With these words, Barnabas is placed before Paul and the chosen men who were sent with Barnabas and Paul. Therefore, it is likely (though still supposition) that Barnabas was the one who stood reading the letter from the council. The pun is in his name and in the word translated as “encouragement.” Both are from the Greek word paraklésis. As such, the Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36) is living out his name toward those at Antioch as their hearts were encouraged by the contents of the letter he bore and read to them.
 
Life application: Of the meeting of the council in Jerusalem, Albert Barnes says, “This council has been usually appealed to as the authority for councils in the church as a permanent arrangement, and especially as an authority for courts of appeal and control. But it establishes neither, and should be brought as authority for neither.”
 
After coming to this conclusion, he gives four long and well-thought-out reasons for this. What he says can be read in his commentary, but the overall thought of his words can be summed up with the single thought that what is recorded here in Acts is not a prescriptive account. It prescribes nothing for future councils.
 
Rather, it is a descriptive account of what occurred. The form, structure, type of authority, and makeup of the council cannot properly apply to later councils. The apostolic age has ended. What occurs now in councils around the world is not in the least bit comparable to what occurred in Acts 15.
 
Now, instead of being handled as occurred in Acts, a total reliance on the contents of Sacred Scripture, meaning the Holy Bible, is to be considered. The presence of the Holy Spirit is in the pages of the Bible because it is the Holy Spirit who breathed out its words through those who wrote it (see 2 Timothy 3:16 & 2 Peter 1:19-21).
 
Therefore, if the considerations of and decisions rendered by a council are not in accord with the words of Scripture, they are by default, not guided by the Holy Spirit; they are not of God. If they are not of God, they are, by default, of the devil. This is a lesson that must be considered as councils, conferences, and the like are held by churches and denominations. What is happening in the world today, such as in the ordination of women, homosexuals, etc. is not of God. The Holy Spirit is not among these gatherings, and only unholiness and apostasy will be the result.
 
Hold fast to this sacred and precious word for the guidance of matters of the church and the Holy Spirit will guide that church through its times of difficulty. And the same is true with your personal life as well.
 
Heavenly Father, how could we expect You to bless our actions in our personal lives or in the churches we attend if we are not acting in accord with Your word? Help us to think this through clearly and never deviate from its precepts. In them, there is life and the straight path. Apart from them is unhappiness and loss. May we do all that we do to Your glory alone. Amen.
 

Acts 15:30

Friday, 31 March 2023
 
So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. Acts 15:30
 
With the contents of the letter from the council having been recorded by Luke, the narrative continues, saying, “So when they were sent off.”
 
In the selection of those to go with Barnabas and Paul, preparations had to be made for their journey. With those taken care of, it can be assumed that some of the council saw them part of the way out of the city, or even out of the gates and for a short distance. It is a common gesture and would not have been missed on such an important journey.
 
Eventually, those remaining in Jerusalem would give their final goodbyes and turn back while the company making the journey would continue. Having been sent off in this manner, Luke next says, “they came to Antioch.”
 
The narrative brings them right back to where all the trouble began as was recorded in Acts 15:1. However, instead of leaving with a dilemma to be resolved, they are returning with an answer from the council concerning the matter.
 
It is certain that those of the church were anxiously waiting to hear how things went and were probably asking about the council’s decision. Instead of answering one person at a time though, it next says, “and when they had gathered the multitude together.
 
The Greek is more succinct, “and having gathered the multitude.” Everyone was brought together for the word to be spoken forth at one time. By doing it this way, there would be vindication for Barnabas and Paul because the letter and the witnesses were there to validate the matter. That is seen in the final words of the verse, saying, “they delivered the letter.”
 
One can imagine anyone who sided with the Judaizers looking aghast at the hearing of the decision. And yet, if saved, they were saved by the blood of Christ, not adherence to the law. Their legalistic demands would now be exposed for what they were.
 
Life application: To this day, when someone challenges the legalism of the Hebrew Roots Movement adherents or that of fundamentalists in churches that heap up rule upon rule not found in Scripture, there are arrogant and even angry faces and accusations hurled out against them.
 
Sides are drawn up and churches are divided over such things. But there is a standard by which these matters can be determined, the Bible. One good way of exposing legalism is to simply ask, “Where does it say that in Scripture?”
 
For example, some churches impose petty little laws on the congregation. Your hair is too long, you should not be dancing, we do not approve of musical instruments in this church, etc. In such cases, ask them where Scripture imposes such a rule. The only one of the three mentioned that is even partially addressed is the length of a person’s hair, but even that is subjective. Paul, when addressing the issue, never gives a length. If the matter is not defined, then there is a reason for it.
 
The point is that we need to be prepared to challenge such nonsense. The way that is done is to know what the word says. There is freedom in Christ. He did not come to bind His people with a laundry list of pet peeves, nor did He come to provide His people with eternal insecurity.
 
Rather, those things that are not defined in Scripture are simply not important to our walk before the Lord. Don’t allow yourself to get bogged down in legalism. Stand firm on the freedom we are granted in Christ. Remember that such people abounded even during the time of the law. Jesus strongly rebuked such arrogance. How much more offensive is such an attitude when the grace of God has been poured out on His people through the giving of Jesus!
 
Lord God, thank You for the freedom we possess in Christ. Help us not to get caught up in legalism and strange teachings that do not profit our walk before You. Rather, may we live holy lives, guided by the words of Scripture without adding to them. Where there is freedom, may we live it out accordingly. Amen.
 

Acts 15:29

Thursday, 30 March 2023
 
that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.Farewell. Acts 15:29
 
The letter from the council just noted that there were “necessary things” that should be laid upon the Gentiles. Those necessary things are now listed, starting with, “that you abstain from things offered to idols.”
 
This thought responds to the “things polluted by idols” found in verse 15:20. It is a new word in Scripture, eidólothutos. It is a compound word coming from words signifying “idol” and “to sacrifice.” The idea is the slaying of animals to idols. In eating the meat from such an idol, it is as if one is participating in fellowship with the idol. As such, it is essentially what the fellowship (peace) offerings designated under the Law of Moses were for. Instead of to the Lord, however, it is to an idol.
 
This precept is explained and amended by Paul later in 1 Corinthians 8 and 2 Corinthians 10 where he uses this same word six times. Paul explains there that idols are nothing and so if someone eats meat sacrificed to an idol, understanding that the idol had no effect on the meat and it is just being consumed as regular food, he has not done wrong.
 
In his instruction, he brings this matter back to the thought of conscience. If one’s conscience is defiled because of the idol, he should not eat the meat. Likewise, if it would defile another’s conscience, he should not eat the meat. However, if it is understood that the idol is nothing and the meat is just meat, there is no defiling of the conscience. Thus, the meat is perfectly acceptable to eat. Understanding that, it next says, “from blood.”
 
The Greek simply says, “blood.” The word “from” is implied for the first clause. As for the word blood, this was the last item listed in verse 15:20. As explained there, the main intent of this was to have the people consider why they were drinking blood.
 
As the life is in the blood, such a practice is usually intended to assimilate the power of the one whose blood was being drunk into the person drinking. Another reason is idolatry where the blood of an animal that was sacrificed was consumed by the offeror as a way of fellowshipping with their god or gods. Hence, it was a part of the ritual of “things offered to idols” just mentioned.
 
Also, the shedding of blood has almost universally been considered a means of atoning for sin. This is seen in cultures around the world. But Christ’s blood is the only effectual sacrifice for the atonement of sin. This then is an object lesson concerning the nature of Christ’s sacrifice as much as anything else. After this, it next says, “from things strangled.”
 
Rather, it simply says, “strangled things.” This was stated in verse 15:20 and was a measure so as to not give offense to the Jews who would bleed out any meat that was to be consumed. To not do so would cause offense to them. Hence, it was given as a way of alleviating that. The list ends with “and from sexual immorality.”
 
Rather, it says, “and sexual immorality.” This word began the list in verse 15:20. It is a subject Paul refers to and explains in detail, explaining it in six of his epistles. Of these things, the letter says, “If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.”
 
Note that the council does not command these things, as if they were a matter of law. It also does not say, “You cannot be saved if you don’t do these things” as was stated by the Judaizers in Acts 15:2. There, they had said, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
 
The council clearly understood the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. The word “repent” is not used by them, as if they had to “repent in order to be saved” as is falsely claimed throughout the world today. It is necessary to know what one is doing wrong before he can change his mind about what he is doing wrong. The council takes it as an axiom that they are writing to saved believers. Only now are they telling them what is good for sound living in Christ.
 
With these prescriptions laid out for the Gentiles, the letter ends with, “Farewell.” It is a word found only here in Scripture, rhónnumi. It is a perfect imperative literally meaning “Be strong.” As it is a perfect imperative, it gives the sense of “you have been strengthened and so remain strengthened.”
 
Life application: The council has written to believers who may or may not have previously received any of this instruction. Paul and Barnabas likely told them not to be sexually immoral. If they did, it is still unknown which of the other prohibitions they had previously conveyed to those they had talked to. And yet, these Gentiles were saved.
 
Suddenly, they are now told things that they may have not been previously told. Does that mean they were not “really saved” until they started obeying the precepts laid down by the council? Of course not! And more, if they decide to obey only three of the four, does that mean they will lose their salvation? Of course not. The council never even hints at such a notion.
 
The issue of salvation is not the same as that of learning what one is to do after he is saved. And yet, the categorical boxes are constantly overlapped by people during their evangelistic efforts. It is as common as shells in the ocean for people to tell about Jesus, explain that He died for our sins and that all we need to do is to believe that message to be saved, citing Ephesians 2:8, 9, and then to say, “And so you need to repent of your sins and He will save you.”
 
This is a huge problem because the person, at this point, may not even know what sins he is committing. In fact, unless he is discipled, he may never know what things he is doing to offend God. And yet, the person evangelizing him has just added turning from every sin in the person’s life as a condition for salvation. It is totally unscriptural, and it is not the gospel.
 
A person is saved by believing that Christ died for His sins, was buried, and rose again. That is what saves. The sin in the person’s life is forgiven upon belief. Now, after that has occurred, the person can start to learn what he has done wrong or what he needs to keep from doing.
 
For example, that saved person may have never had sex in his life. So, he doesn’t need to “repent” of that, meaning change his mind about fornication. But more, the person who led him to Christ never gave him a copy of the Bible and never told him that having sex outside of marriage is wrong. And so three weeks later, he has his first encounter with a woman. Is he saved? Did he lose his salvation?
 
Think this through. In such matters, one can only do what he is instructed to do. Keep the categorical boxes separate so that confusion in thinking does not arise.
 
Lord God, help us to never taint the pure gospel by adding to it. Rather, help us to tell people what it takes to be saved. And then, Lord, help us to instruct the saved about what it means to live a holy life in Your presence. May we do these things so that the people of the church are built up soundly in You. To Your glory, we pray! Amen.

Acts 15:28

Wednesday, 29 March 2023
 
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: Acts 15:28
 
The previous verses contained the contents of the letter sent from Jerusalem to the churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. They have explained the overall reason for sending the letter and who was bringing the approved decision of the council in support of the position of Barnabas and Paul. Now, the specific directives that will be levied upon the church are to be noted in the next two verses. That begins with the words, “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit.”
 
For the third time since verse 15:22, the word dokeó is used. It signifies “what seems to be.” In verse 15:22, it seemed good to the apostles, elders, and the whole church in Jerusalem to send word to the churches concerning the council’s decision. In verse 15:25, it seemed good to send chosen men along with Barnabas and Paul. Now, it says it seemed good to the Holy Spirit what will be presented as guidelines for the Gentiles.
 
This word, dokeó, is where the modern term dogma is derived from. The decision of the council, the words of this letter, are what seemed good to the Holy Spirit. This is based on the promise that the Spirit would guide the decisions of the apostles as indicated by Jesus in John –
 
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:12-15
 
It is obvious to the council that the Holy Spirit had accepted the Gentiles. That was evidenced as far back as Acts 8, confirmed in Acts 10, and had been reaffirmed repeatedly as reported by Barnabas and Paul. That is not what is being conveyed here. Rather, the words are based on what will be said. With this understood, the letter continues, saying, “and to us.”
 
This reflects what was referred to in verse 15:22 above. The decision of the council was agreed upon and that decision was to be conveyed to the Gentiles. Said plainly, they were being obedient to what the Holy Spirit had set forth through the inspiration process. Understanding this, the words continue with, “to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.”
 
In other words, there are things now to be set forth that the Gentiles were to follow through with. As noted in a previous commentary, these are written now, but there is nothing to suggest that they could not later be modified with proper instruction. Such modification will be seen in the epistles when Paul gives an explanation concerning foods sacrificed to idols, what to do with sexually immoral members of the church, etc.
 
For the time being, these few judgments are given to avoid any conflict that might arise between Jewish and Gentile believers. As Cambridge says, “They put forward therefore this unerring guide as the warrant for their decree. And as they at the suggestion of the Spirit were laying aside their longstanding prejudices against intercourse with Gentiles, they claim that the Gentiles in their turn should deal tenderly with the scruples of Jews.”
 
The council’s words call the judgments necessary. Albert Barnes gives three logical reasons for this –
 
(1) In order to preserve the peace of the church.(2) to conciliate the minds of the Jewish converts, Acts 15:21.(3) in their circumstances particularly, because the crime which is specified - licentiousness was one to which all early converts were especially exposed.
 
As the things to be mandated now seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and yet Paul further clarifies them as he is led by the Spirit, it means that they are temporary measures awaiting further, more precise, attention. As Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles, it is fitting that those clarifications should come through him.
 
Life application: Of the words of this verse that say, “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us,” Charles Ellicott states, “The words have since become almost a formula for the decrees of councils and synods, often used most recklessly when those decrees bore most clearly the marks of human policy and passion.”
 
Because of this, Bishop Wordsworth says, “It cannot be held that councils of the Church now are entitled to adopt the words of the text in the framing of canons.”
 
This is true to an extent. But what is that extent? There must be some measure by which an individual, a church, or a denomination can claim that something seems good to the Holy Spirit. There is, and that measure is the completed word of God. It is as common as bees in a hive for denominations today to claim that they are being led by the Holy Spirit at their annual conferences. The pope, likewise, will often toss in the supposed presence of the Holy Spirit when referring to his decisions or those of the gathering of the church.
 
But such decisions cannot “seem good to the Holy Spirit” if they are in conflict with the completed word breathed out by the Holy Spirit. Thus, the measure and the standard by which any decision concerning man’s spiritual conduct before God must be the Bible.
 
This is another of the many reasons why it is untrue that people are receiving revelation from God today. People constantly claim that they are being given prophetic utterances, directions from God directly into their heads, inspiration concerning calculations about the timing of the rapture and other end-time events, and so forth. These cannot be true. The only time such words concerning God are true is if they can be validated by going to Scripture.
 
Be immovable in your thinking about these things. If God has said in His word that “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority,” then no calculation concerning the timing of the rapture will ever be of God. He has said we won’t know. Therefore, such information cannot be derived even from the Bible itself. As God has forbidden homosexuality in the word, then it cannot be that God will condone it in the church today.
 
The Bible is the standard. It is the breathed-out word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit. And it is sufficient for the conduct of our lives as we live them out in the presence of God.
 
O God, help us to think clearly and rationally concerning Your word. Help us not to fall into the error of thinking anything which is contrary to what is recorded there. It is not for us to claim what Your word has not allowed. And so, Lord, may we hold fast to Your word alone for our conduct, doctrine, and walk before you. Amen.

Acts 15:27

Tuesday, 28 March 2023
 
We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. Acts 15:27
 
Note, the Greek more appropriately reads, “We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas, and they through word are telling the same things” (CG). This will be used for the commentary.
 
The previous verses have referred to the selection of men to accompany Barnabas and Paul, noting that Barnabas and Paul had risked their lives for the name of Jesus Christ. With that, the note continues with, “We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas.”
 
These are the “chosen men” just referred to in verse 15:25. Designating them by name is certainly to ensure that nobody else could later claim they were also sent. The council is already aware of the cunning tricks of the devil and they are being precise and careful, ensuring that the intent of the council is properly conveyed by people who have been duly recognized to convey it. That is attested to in the next words, saying, “and they through word are telling the same things.”
 
The point of this is that there is both a written testimony and a verbal confirmation of it by those who are specifically named in their communique. The use of the present participle, “are telling,” means that they can be trusted to continue to repeat the same message at any time they are asked to. It is as if their words are being spoken by the council at the moment they come off the lips of Judas and Silas.
 
Life application: The process of conveying the words of the council is comprehensive in nature. By handling the matter as they are, they are leaving nothing open to misunderstanding. Barnabas and Paul have presented their stand concerning law observance no longer being necessary.
 
They have shown how it is by grace through faith that a person is saved. That message has been conveyed to the leadership in Jerusalem. The council has heard the matter thoroughly and unanimously agreed with the stand of Barnabas and Paul. They have written down their resolution which is to be conveyed to the church in various locations. They have sent men along to confirm what has been written down and to provide continued testimony and instruction concerning the matter.
 
Along with that, Luke – under inspiration from the Holy Spirit – has made a detailed and exacting record of these events, a record that could have been challenged the moment he published it if it were not correct. All of this has been done to put the matter once and forever to rest. And yet, two thousand years later, people are still arguing against the plain, obvious, and precise decision rendered by the council.
 
They reinsert the law, demand adherence to it in various ways, including circumcision, and completely ignore what is written for us as guidance from God concerning the matter. How important is it to know the word of God? The evidence is right in front of each of us. A rejection of what has been determined and recorded is a rejection of the word of God. And a rejection of the word of God is a rejection of God who has given us His word.
 
Pay attention to what is said and taught. Check what you are instructed. Verify what has come to your ears. The devil is hard at work in the church today, directing his false doctrines and robbing people of either being saved or of being productive in their salvation. Pay heed to the word!
 
Lord God, help us to be wise concerning Your word. May we not trust anyone until we have verified what is presented. Convincing-sounding arguments are only convincing if they are checked against the source and match what it says. Great oratory skills cannot replace adherence to Your word. Give us wisdom in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 15:26

Monday, 27 March 2023
 
men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 15:26
 
In the previous verse, the council explained that they were sending along chosen men to accompany Barnabas and Paul. With that, it next refers to these men, saying, “men who have risked their lives.”
 
The Greek states more clearly what is almost unclear in some English translations. This is not referring to the chosen men accompanying Barnabas and Paul, but to Barnabas and Paul. It is they who went forth carrying the gospel to both belligerent Jews and to areas where Gentiles were hostile to strangers. They faithfully carried the message even to the point of being chased out of cities (such as in Acts 13:50-52), being stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19, 20), etc.
 
The council had been apprised of these things and the distrust of Paul that once existed had been turned into a wholehearted appreciation for his tireless efforts. Barnabas was already known as a faithful believer, but his status was certainly elevated greatly because of the hardships he was willing to endure. For both of them, the council notes that these things occurred “for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
 
They had gone forth according to the calling of the Spirit upon them, they had continued steadfastly in faith, and they had returned to Antioch and continued to work tirelessly as servants of Jesus Christ. The council recognized this and acknowledged it openly to any and all who were to receive their letter.
 
Life application: If we really have a deep-seated faith in the hope set before us in Jesus Christ, then why would we shy away from proclaiming it? A life of daily work, a good meal, annual vacations, relative ease and security, etc. is almost an intoxicant. It can keep us from striving to do more than we may otherwise be willing to do for the name of Jesus Christ.
 
This doesn’t necessarily mean our faith is lacking, but it sure can affect how we exercise our faith. This is why the author of Hebrews wrote out his strong exhortation –
 
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1, 2
 
Sin can ensnare us, ease can dull our senses, fear of the future can misdirect us, etc. If we fix our eyes on Jesus and lay such weights aside, we will be more purposely fixed to do what we should be doing. This has to be a constant mental state of life. It isn’t easy because of everything that comes at us in our daily walk, but if we just keep tuning our minds back to the prize at the end, we will do well.
 
Focus on Jesus! Don’t be fearful, distracted, or misdirected. Instead, have faith that what lies ahead will replace everything that we give up right now. And what it is replaced with will be so far above what we may lose now that we will never consider the temporary losses we may face. Be assured of this! Eyes on Jesus!
 
Glorious God, help us to fix our eyes on Jesus at all times. May we have unbroken concentration as we press ahead in our hope of what He has set before us. This temporary world has many enticements and distractions, but these things will all fade into obscurity someday. Help us to think clearly about the sure and reliable promises we possess in Christ. Amen.

Acts 15:25

Sunday, 26 March 2023
 
it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Acts 15:25
 
After explaining the main purpose of the letter in the first sentence, which was the issue of refuting the Judaizers concerning circumcision and adherence to the Law of Moses, the letter now continues, saying, “it seemed good to us.”
 
In other words, it means that the decision was made and was mutually agreed upon to take the appropriate action necessary to rectify the situation. That occurred, as it next says, “being assembled.”
 
Rather, this is more of a paraphrase. The Greek is an aorist participle, more simply reading, “having come.” This state of having come was “with one accord.” It is a single word, an adverb, now seen for the eighth time, all in Acts. It literally signifies “unanimously.” The entire council consisting of the apostles, elders, and then with the agreement of the church, were united in thought concerning the resolution of the matter.
 
And it could be no other way. If they were being led by the Spirit to effect the purposes of God for the church, then what was decided had to be in this unanimous fashion. God is superintending over the process of what will be the standard for the rest of redemptive history concerning the Gentile-led church age. This is because the events are now recorded and included in His word.
 
If the decision was not unanimous, then that would have been stated and explained. But because this was not the case, it is fully apparent that what is recorded here is exactly what God wanted. Though this is a descriptive account of the events that took place, it is a fully explanatory record of what God intends concerning the matter. The only deviation from it is to be taken by subsequent words found in the epistles that may clarify or set aside whatever is decided upon now. For the time being, the church was given its instructions and they were to be what was taught concerning circumcision and law observance.
 
As for the contents of their unanimous decision, that continues with the words, “to send chosen men to you.” Again, an aorist participle is used, “having chosen men to send to you.”
 
The decision was rendered, and it will be explained in the verses to come. However, to demonstrate to all who would hear the decision that it was from the council and no longer a point of debate, there would be men sent from the council itself to confirm the source and the content. These were being sent, as it next says, “with our beloved Barnabas and Paul.”
 
Again, as seen on several occasions, Barnabas is noted before Paul. It is true that Barnabas had a closer and more longstanding affiliation with the church in Jerusalem than Paul, but more, it is certainly Paul with whom the Judaizers had the biggest beef. He was the spokesman for the missionary journeys. He was also out in the front in matters dealing with the Gentiles, having been selected by the Lord to be the apostle to the Gentiles, etc.
 
Therefore, to place Barnabas first in the letter from the church is another implicit confirmation of the rightness of what Paul has been conveying. The order then is from the council, in a written letter, and confirming the letter’s authenticity by men chosen by the council concerning what has been conveyed, meaning acceptance of the stand presented to the council by Barnabas and Paul.
 
Calling these two men “beloved” is a note that not only are they teaching what is proper, but they are doing so with the full blessing and spirit of fellowship by the council itself.
 
Life application: Later councils in church history may or may not have been led by the Spirit of God in rendering decisions. And there may or may not have been a unanimous agreement to what was ordained out of those councils. But that is because the canon of Scripture was eventually decided upon and settled. It is to this word, meaning the word penned by men chosen by God to write it down through His Spirit, that such matters were (and still are) to be decided.
 
If the decisions rendered at such councils are in accord with the word, that becomes evident by an evaluation of the word. If they are contrary to the word, the same is true. The word would reveal it.
 
Even today, councils are held in many denominations, usually called synods, conferences, or something similar. The surest way to tell if they are being led by God is to see if they are being held in accord with the word of God. If the Spirit of God breathed out the contents of the Bible, and if a matter is being debated that is contrary to the word of God, then that council – by default – cannot be led by the Spirit of God.
 
It may be that a faction or an individual is rightly standing on the words of Scripture concerning a matter at the gathering, and that is fine, but if the debate is, for example, over the matter of ordaining homosexuals, then God’s Spirit cannot be guiding the matter. He has already spoken concerning the issue.
 
Think this through when you see members of your church or denomination conducting affairs in a manner contrary to the word. God’s participation in the deliberations is already stated. It is fixed and it is unchanging. To debate contrary to the word is to invite His wrath and condemnation, nothing else.
 
Lord God, Your word is written. Help us to get that through our heads and to accept what it says as the authoritative word to conduct our affairs in all things. May we never be so presumptuous as to make decisions contrary to what You have laid out before us in this sacred and precious treasure. Help us to think clearly on this matter. Amen.

Acts 15:24

Saturday, 25 March 2023
 
Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment— Acts 15:24
 
The previous verse cited the introduction to the letter to the Gentile brethren in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. The main content of the letter begins with this verse. Of note is that some manuscripts (and thus some versions) drop out the highly important words of this verse concerning law observance and circumcision –
 
“Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions.” ESV et al
 
“Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the law’—to whom we gave no such commandment.” NKJV et al
 
Although the words are missing here, anyone who reads the full content of the chapter will know exactly what is intended. Whether the words were added by one text for clarity or dropped out of the other for some unknown reason, the intent of the overall passage remains unchanged. Having noted that, the verse begins with, “Since we have heard.”
 
The council immediately distances itself from any connection to those who had brought the false message of circumcision and law observance presented in Acts 15:1 –
 
“And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’”
 
The council heard about this but had not directed it. That will be explained more fully as the verse unfolds. For now, the words continue, saying, “that some who went out from us.”
 
Those in the council openly acknowledge that the source of the trouble was “from us,” but no further explanation is given. In other words, because the letter is addressed to Gentiles within the church, it could simply mean, “from Jews.” That is probably the way it should be taken, meaning in a general sense and not from either the apostles or elders in Jerusalem. Next, it notes that these unsanctioned people, “have troubled you with words.”
 
These men, whoever they were, did not come with either a letter of authority or with a demonstration of signs and wonders that may have substantiated the message of true apostles. They spoke as if they possessed authority within the church’ but their words were not on behalf of the church. Instead, they brought forth doctrines that had no basis or standing within the doctrines set forth for Gentile converts.
 
In fact, to this point, the matter had not even been established by the apostles and elders. As such, their message was without any basis at all. Because of this, the letter continues, saying that their words were “unsettling your souls.”
 
Here is a word found nowhere else in Scripture, anaskeuazó, translated as “unsettling.” Of this word, Vincent’s Word Studies says –
 
“Only here in New Testament, and not found either in the Septuagint or in the Apocrypha. Originally, it means to pack up baggage, and so to carry away; hence, to dismantle or disfurnish. ... From this comes the more general meaning to lay waste, or ravage. The idea here is that of turning the minds of the Gentile converts upside down; throwing them into confusion like a dismantled house.”
 
Where there was order and harmony at the teaching of Paul and Barnabas, there was suddenly upheaval and turmoil because of the false message of these men. This is perfectly evident from the words of Acts 15:2, “Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them.”
 
The Gentile converts probably stood there watching as the two sides sparred over the issue, which, according to these false teachers, was that “You must be circumcised and keep the law.”
 
This is the message they carried as was previously cited from Acts 15:1. If their teaching was true, it would mean that salvation was conditional and up to the works of each person. There would be no security in trusting in the works of Jesus. Hence, it would relegate the cross of Christ to a door that He might have opened, but which would need to be kept open by the power of the individual.
 
And more, if the door was shut again, it would then be up to the individual, not Christ, to reopen it. The utterly ridiculous thought presented by these heretics would mean that “Christ died in vain” (Galatians 2:21).
 
Of these aberrant heretics who carried their false doctrine to the Gentiles, the letter next says, “to whom we gave no such commandment.” Again, Vincent’s Word Studies provides the intent of the statement –
 
“The word originally means to put asunder; hence, to distinguish, and so of a commandment or injunction, to distinguish and emphasize it. Therefore implying express orders, and so always in the New Testament, where it is almost uniformly rendered charge. The idea here is, then, "we gave no express injunction on the points which these Judaizers have raised.”
 
These Jews went forward without any such authority or charge. They had appointed themselves as the arbiter of what God was doing and then they sent themselves out to express their self-appointed authority to others. The council has, through their concise words, completely removed themselves from these false teachers and their doctrine. Their letter, which is now included in Scripture, testifies to the matter as much today as it did when it was written.
 
Life application: The world is filled with exactly the type of people that are described in the letter from the council. They have a certain genealogy or heritage that allows them to appear as if they are specialists in their field, not because of proper training and endowed authority, but because of who they are in relation to some unimportant aspect of their existence.
 
For example, a person may be related to a famous preacher or teacher who rightly handled the word of God. Along comes his son, we’ll call him Dandy Andy. He does not rightly handle the word and he has never established himself in the manner expected of a proper handler of the word. And yet, because of who he is in relation to his dad, he is given an ear and becomes a famous and yet unsound teacher of the word.
 
Another example would be someone who is Jewish. For no other reason than that, he is given an ear. He knows just enough of the word to be able to make illogical connections about what is going on in the world. However, he is a skilled writer and so he writes books about world events, tying them in with his unsound understanding of the Bible. Because the books are tingling to the ear, supposedly based on Scripture, and because he is Jewish, he becomes famous and is sought out as a renowned “scholar” of the Bible.
 
Why do these things happen? The answer is, “Because those who listen to these people are 1) not willing to learn Scripture and find out if what they are being sold is sound or not; 2) starstruck by the figure, joining in to be a part of what is exciting and novel; and 3) find the message pleasing to the ears, sensational, and exciting.”
 
For these, and certainly other reasons, countless people are pulled away from what is sound. Entire denominations of people have followed false teachers and their false messages have continued on for generations, simply because the word is ignored.
 
Read the word! Meditate on the word! Be prepared to evaluate the message of those you encounter against the word! In this, you will keep yourself from harm.
 
Lord God, we are so very thankful to You because of Your wonderful word. It is a guide for our lives, a light for our path, the illumination of Your intent for us, and a solid rock we can stand on against the wiles of false teachers. Help us to treat this word with care. It is what reveals Your heart in the giving of Jesus. That is what we need to pursue. And so, help us to do so all the days of our lives. Amen.