YOUTH STS LESSON 205 RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM

TEXT: Acts 15:1-41.

 

MEMORY VERSE: “But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood” (Acts 15:20).

 

The two previous chapters of this book consider the experience of Paul and his fellow missionaries during their first missionary journey. He and Barnabas, had been separated by the instructions of the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles (Acts 13:2). Meanwhile, “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” (Acts 15:1). When Paul and Barnabas came back from their first missionary journey, they had to combat with the influx of false doctrine. They took their stand against the people who taught such doctrine and the matter eventually got to the apostles in Jerusalem who used their spiritual experiences and understanding to settle it. Due to this, messages were sent to the Gentiles on the basic requirements for God’s salvation. On receiving such correspondence, “they rejoiced for the consolation” (Acts 15:31). Then, Paul and Barnabas continued to minister to the church in Antioch (Acts 15:35). This experience of spreading false doctrine might have informed Paul of the need to go back to all the places where he and Barnabas had preached the gospel in order to see how they do. He would need to be sure that they have not been destabilised by false teachers. Therefore, he decided to embark on the second missionary journey. He told Barnabas his vision. Unfortunately, they fell apart on account of whether to take Mark or not.

 

CONTENTION DUE TO THE DOCTRINE OF CIRCUMCISION (Acts 15:1-12; Romans 2:26-29; 6:14,15; 4:8-10; Galatians 1:6-9; 5:6; Titus 1:9)

“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” (verse 1). While Paul and Barnabas were on their first missionary journey, some men came from Jerusalem to tell the people that they could never be saved only by Jesus. They told them that they needed to add the circumcision of Moses. When Paul and Barnabas heard this, they contended seriously with them to the point that the matter was referred to the apostles in Jerusalem. “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” (Acts 15:2). We need to note that this false doctrine did not come through people who were outright sinners but from “certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed…” (Acts 15:5). There were some of the brethren who were Pharisees and believed on the Lord Jesus. These men still held their Jewish tradition and Mosaic rites with which they still judged their spiritual lives and that of others. They were usually contentious against the liberality and the simplicity of the gospel until enlightened. They were the ones who contended with Peter when he went to preach to Cornelius and his household. “And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him” (Acts 11:2).

 

Question 1: What should be our attitude to those who preach contrary to the doctrine of Christ we have received: (a) If they are not members of the church? (b) If they are members of the church?

Sometimes, emphasis on tradition may be from members of the church who have not fully understood the Bible. You do not have to accept what they say or preach. Like the apostles, you can report such to the leaders. Regardless of where the false doctrine is coming from, our goal is to earnestly contend for the faith. “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).

 

Question 2: Why should we not support false teachers?

When people come to tell you something contrary to the doctrines of the Bible which the leaders in the church have taught you, you have to refuse and resist it. “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed” (2 John 1:10). The two words “dissension and disputation” show what should be our stand against false doctrine and false teachers. Such stand is necessary because God is not happy with any child of His who takes side with false teachers (2 John 9-11; 2 Chronicles 19:2). Paul and the other apostles, used their lifetime contending for the truth against false doctrines and therefore left us with a good legacy. “And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter” (verse 6). When the matter got to the elders of the church at Jerusalem, they did not gloss over it but gave time to consider it. Youth leaders should give attention to youths when they ask questions to clarify doctrinal issues. Draw references from the Bible to enlighten them on what is right.

 

Question 3: Mention some things which people hold as evidence of true Christianity.

Some youths held a particular style or way of dressing as the evidence of genuine Christianity; some others, the kind of church people attend. In any case, true religion is a total transformation of the heart which affects the outward lifestyle. “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Romans 2:28,29). The only way to have such inward change is repentance. While recalling the conversion of Cornelius house, Peter gave caution that converted Jews should not expect that the Gentiles cannot be saved without the circumcision of Moses. As a matter of fact, it amounts to tempting God like the Israelites did in the wilderness when, against living evidence, people do not believe God can do something. “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? His conclusion was that, “…through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they” (Acts 15:10,11). That seemed to silence them and they became attentive to the testimonies that Paul brought from his mission field to the Gentiles. “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” (Acts 15:12). The assembly took caution from God’s divinely influenced circumstances which led to the conversion of the Gentiles.

 

CREED DELIVERED TO THE GENTILE CONVERTS (Acts 15:13-35; I Thessalonians 5:27; Colossians 4:16)

“And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren’…to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 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: 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 ali these things” (Acts 15:13-17). James told the people that what Peter had just said was in line with the Scriptures. God had intended to save the Gentiles. He has a foreknowledge of all that would come to pass. “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18). James therefore gave a suggestion that the converted Gentiles should flee from immorality, idolatry and eating blood (Acts 15:19,20). These sayings pleased the whole church and they decided to send a letter through Barnabas and Silas together with Paul and Judas (Barsabas) to those Gentiles (Acts 15:21, 22).

 

Question 4: How will you liken the letter brought from the council at Jerusalem?

“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” (Acts 15:23). The letter sent to them were like creeds, doctrines or teachings of Scripture. It contains basic requirements for Christian living Upon receiving the message, doctrine or teaching they rejoiced (Acts 15:31). Those who accompanied Paul and Barnabas from Jerusalem also preached to the people for sometime, to confirm their faith (verses 32, 33). After a while, Barsabas left for Jerusalem while Silas remained with Paul and Barnabas to continue teaching the people. “Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and P534 358 the word of the Lord, with many others also” (Acts 15:34,35). After settling this dispute, the church continued the teaching and preaching of the Word of the Lord. The disciples were strengthened and made steadfast in the Lord Church. As Christian youths, we must stay away from false doctrines and also help those who have gone astray from the Lord to return. We must also endeavour to strive to keep our souls while trying to help others. “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. …And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by flesh” (Jude 21,23). It takes watchfulness and prayerfulness to overcome false teachings (Acts 20:28-31).

 

CONFIRMATION OF BELIEVERS BY THE APOSTLES (Acts 15:36-41; 14: 21-23; Colossians 1: 1-3, 9-11; 2: 5-8; Philippians 2:19-23; 1Thessalonians 2: 1-10)

“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” (Acts 15:36). Some days after, when Paul and Barnabas came back from Jerusalem, Paul initiated the idea of going back to see the converts which they had among the Gentiles to confirm if they had continued in the doctrine he left with them. This is follow up. Like a nursing mother gives attention to ensure that her child is kept safe until the baby grows old enough to look after himself, so should mature believers look after the welfare of newly converted souls.

 

Question 5: What is follow up and why is it necessary?

Effective follow up is the act of visiting new converts to encourage them in the way of the Lord. Jesus said: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19,20). Follow up is necessary because, through it, the faith of converts are strengthened in the doctrines of the Bible. They are taught how to do personal devotion, get closer to God and live victoriously. They are also taught how to handle persecutions and temptations, how to deal with false teachers and how to do evangelism.

 

Question 6: What is the major hindrance to effective follow up?

Follow up could be done directly by the person who preached to the converts or someone else. The act of soul-winning demands genuine love and sacrifice from the Christian youth who is doing the follow up (1 Thessalonians 2:1-10). “And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren … see how they do” (Acts 15:36). Paul wanted to visit the brethren but he had a clear purpose for his visitation. Many people waste precious time doing visitation but no good outcome(s). This is because there is no clear purpose before they set out. “And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not” (1 Timothy 5:13). One of the dangers of purposeless visitation is that one can become idle and eventually fall into sin of backbiting or even immorality as it was in the case of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob (Genesis 34: 1-5). We should not embark on any visitation without a meaningful purpose. “And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work” (Acts 15:37,38). As Paul and Barnabas were planning their journey, Barnabas decided to take Mark along with them. Paul had another view about this. Sometimes disagreements come between youths. It could be on doctrinal differences or some other personal preferences. As for Paul, his refusal was not sentimental. “But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work” (Acts 15:38). He considered that Mark was not mature for the rigour of the work because he had left them too early from the first journey. Nothing personal! Most times, like we see here, disagreement comes between youths when they have too much consideration for personal preferences rather than allow God’s will to be the focus (Acts 21:14).

 

Question 7: What should be our attitude to brethren who are in disagreement with us on any matter?

Later, Paul still maintain good relationship with Mark. “Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him” (Colossians 4:10). Several times he referred to him as a co-labourer in Christ (2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24; 1Peter 5: 13). This is an example of Christian forgiveness. People who have fallen apart from us should be forgiven in our hearts and when opportunity comes for physical reunion, we should allow it.