Join us as we read the scriptures and a daily devotion written by Don Crisp. We pray these messages will bless us all at this time.
Acts chapter 15 v1-4:
Categories: Don’s Daily Devotions
Acts chapter 15 v1-4:
V1: The issue of how Gentiles are to be received and accepted by the ( original ) Jewish believers remained a contentious one.Some Jews from Judea arrive in Antioch, telling the Gentiles there that they must become “Jewish” to be saved, receiving circumcision and coming under the Jewish laws. This was, of course, a denial of the true Gospel. Verse 24 will make it clear that they did not come with the authority of the Jerusalem church, or of James, it’s leader.
V2: Paul and Barnabas at once take issue with them, and the Antioch church send them, with some others, to Jerusalem to clarify this whole issue with the Elders and Apostles there, for it is vital for the truth of the Gospel – Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. ( Ephesians 2 v 8-9.)
V3: As they travel through Phoenicia and Samaria, they visit the churches there and report how God has indeed brought many Gentiles to faith, which these churches receive with no doubts or qualms, but with great joy.
V4: Arriving in Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas are welcomed warmly by the “mother church”, including the Elders and Apostles, and again they speak of what the Lord has done through them. Notice the consistent emphasis not on what Paul and Barnabas have done, but what God has done through them, by His grace and to His own glory