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Paul Goes to Jerusalem (Acts 15; Galatians 2). Gentiles, the Gospel and the Law of Moses. Paul Goes to Jerusalem. Contending for the faith in Antioch Consultation at Jerusalem Correspondence to the Gentile saints Lessons for us. Contending for the Faith.
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Paul Goes to Jerusalem(Acts 15; Galatians 2) Gentiles, the Gospel and the Law of Moses
Paul Goes to Jerusalem • Contending for the faith in Antioch • Consultation at Jerusalem • Correspondence to the Gentile saints • Lessons for us
Contending for the Faith • Certain men from Jerusalem taught a new message, Acts 15:1 (Gal. 1:6-9); Gal. 2:4 • Conflict over the Law & the Gospel: Must Gentiles keep LOM to be saved? • Gospel an addition to the law or a new covenant?(Heb. 8:6-13)
Contending for the Faith • Implications upon previous gospel work: • On the Jews: Were they saved by & obligated to keep the Law of Moses? (Acts 13:38-39) • Was Christianity a “sect” of Judaism? • On the Gentiles: Was their conversion valid? (Acts 11:15-18, 20-21; 13:47-48; 14:27)
Contending for the Faith • Liberty in Christ from Mosaic Law, Gal. 2:4; 5:1 (Rom. 10:4) • Paul & Barnabas opposed binding, 15:2 • Dissension (stasis): “a standing;” insurrection, rebellion, uproar • Dispute (suzetesis): “mutual questioning, disputation, discussion” • So truth would continue, Gal. 2:5
Consultation at Jerusalem Acts 15:2-21 • Decision to go to Jerusalem was made in agreement with divine revelation, Acts 15:2; Gal. 2:2 • Why go to Jerusalem? • Not to decide what to teach (Matt. 18:18) • To discover what was being taught in Jerusalem (Gal. 2:2-3; 6-9)
Consultation at Jerusalem Acts 15:2-21 • Trip to & reception at Jerusalem, Acts 15:3-6; Gal. 2:2-3, 9 • Reported Gentiles conversions, 15:3 • Received by Jerusalem church, 15:4 • Objection raised, 15:5 • Private meeting, 15:6 (Gal. 2:2) • Public discussion & declaration, 15:7-21
Correspondence to Gentile Saints Acts 15:22-35 • From apostles, elders & brethren, 15:22-23 • Warning: We did not command this doctrine, 15:24 • Commendation of Judas & Silas; Sent for confirmation, 15:25-27 • Declared the truth, 15:28-29 • Delivered & encouraged, 15:30-35; 16:4-5
Lessons for us • Jerusalem meeting cannot be duplicated today • Went up by revelation; ceased, 1 Cor. 13:10 • Meeting did not decide doctrine nor do we • There is one gospel for all (Rom. 1:16) • The Law of Moses cannot justify sinners – Acts 13:38-39 (15:9-11)
Law of Moses • Revealed what sin was – Rom. 7:7 • Could not justify the sinner – Rom. 3:20 • A tutor for the Jews – Gal. 3:23-25 • Was fulfilled in Christ – Matt. 5:17 (Rom. 10:4) • Was erased as binding – Col. 2:14, 16-17
Lessons for us • “False brethren” (false teachers) exist & must be opposed • Spy out our liberty in Christ, causing bondage to error (sin) – 2 Pet. 2:1-2 • Beware! – Phil. 3:1-3; Rom. 16:17-18 • Public debate is proper & productive, Acts 15:2; 17:2-4 (1 Pet. 3:15; Col. 3:17)
Lessons for us • How to establish & apply divine authority, Acts 15:7-21 • Apostolic approved example – 15:7-11 • Necessary inference – 15:12 • Direct statement from Scripture – 15:13-21 • Communication between brethren in different churches does not violate autonomy, 15:2, 4, 6, 22-23; 16:4
Lessons for us • Unity in the faith is possible & practical, Gal. 2:3, 6-7, 9-10 (Acts 15:25) • By applying & submitting to divine authority • By not binding where the Lord has not bound –Acts 15:5, 19; Gal. 2:3 • By binding where the Lord has bound –Acts 15:19-20, 28-29 • By keeping right attitudes toward each other – Gal. 2:9-10; Eph. 4:1-3