Acts: Go & Be Chapters 10-18Sample

What is this passage saying?

The Jerusalem council reached an agreement based on scripture salvation was through Jesus alone. The council also instructed the Gentile believers to abstain from 4 pagan practices that would have been offensive to the Jews (John MacArthur Study Bible). 1. Things polluted by idols 2. Sexual immorality 3. Things strangled 4. And blood. I encourage you to read John MacArthur’s study notes on verses 19-20. It was James’ idea to include in the letter written to the brethren in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia these 4 pagan practices for the Gentiles to abstain from. Tony Evans writes, “These were things forbidden to Jews in the law of Moses and were also linked to Gentile idolatry. Abstaining from these things would not save the Gentile Christians or cause them to break fellowship with God (see 1 Corinthians 10:28-32) but it would prevent them from unnecessarily offending Jewish Christians and would facilitate fellowship with them.” Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas were sent to Antioch to deliver the letter to the Gentile believers. The hearers rejoiced at the letter. There was no need to worry about the security of their salvation. Silas, Paul, and Barnabas stayed, preaching and teaching the Word of the Lord. This chapter began with division and ended with intentional unity. The Lord is growing His Church.

What is this passage teaching?

Tony Evans writes this, “What started as controversy ended in unity, edification, and joy. This is what happens when godly leaders address problems in obedience to God’s Word, recognizing how God’s Spirit has been at work, and encouraged God’s people to seek one another’s well-being” The council did not want to trouble the new Gentile believers so they found a middle ground based on God’s Word that would encourage the new believers in their sanctification process. John MacArthur and Tony Evans note that sexual immorality was rampant among the pagans. Sexual immorality would have been a way to worshipping the pagan gods. (John MacArthur Study Bible) We will see in later writings in the New Testament that issue of sexual immorality among believers would be addressed. The council was not suggesting this saved the Gentiles but encouraged them that this would separate them from the idolatry around them. It can be difficult for fallen human beings to be unified. Unfortunately, division is not a foreign concept among Churches in America. Church splits are more common than Church mergers. Are you an encourager of unity? In the quest for unity personal, unholy preference must be completely removed from the equation. Don’t waste time being mad about finite things that are not hindering the proclamation of the Word of God. The Church was not meant to satisfy all your wants. The Church is the bride of Christ, He is coming to take His bride home to heaven. When He comes to get His Church will you be found defending and loving the Church or will you be caught trying to hinder His bride.

How do I respond?

Silence the desire to make Church about the enjoyment of you. Find a Bible believing Church and serve. Remove sexual immorality from your life. Confess to Jesus and let Him heal you of it.