Luke wrote “of the things fulfilled among us” paraphrased [ ] ref { } thots
Book of the Acts of the First Believers
1 - Some men came down from Judea and were teaching “Unless you’re circumcised according to the custom and law of Moses, you cannot be a follower and disciple” {of Jesus, which is the “new and living way” Heb.10:20}.
2 After Paul and Barnabas had spent some time arguing with, and trying to convince them, Paul and Barnabas and some others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders to consult with them about the matter.
3 And being sent on their way by their fellow believers, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, and were describing in detail the conversion of Gentiles (non Hebrews) which was bringing great joy to all the believers who heard it.
4 When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the believers, and the apostles and elders. And they told them all that God had been doing during their travels among Gentile cities. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It’s necessary for all non Hebrew believers to be circumcised, and ordered to keep all the law of Moses!”
6 So the apostles and elders gathered together to discuss the matter. 7 And after there had been much discussion, Peter stood up and said, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God had me preach to the Gentiles, so they would hear the word of the gospel [euaggelion - good news, good message] and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore testimony by giving them his Holy Spirit (his Presence) just as he did to us! 9 He made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.” [Israel had always been required to stay separate from other nations. In order to be swaddling cloths for Messiah, the “Savior of the world”.]
10 “So now, why should we put God to the test by putting a yoke upon the neck of disciples? A yoke neither our fathers nor we have been able to carry! 11 And we know we are saved {and enabled} through the grace of the Lord Jesus. And now we know, just as they too, are.”
12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles. 13 And after they finished speaking, James said, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon Peter also has related how God has visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it’s written - 16 ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle/tent of David that has fallen. I will rebuild its ruins, and restore it, 17 that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name has been called” (Amos 9:11-12) 18 who makes these things known from of old. 19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles (other nations) who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the pollution of idols, and sexual immorality. And to abstain from what has been strangled and from blood. 21 For from ancient times, Moses, is still read in all the synagogues on every Sabbath.” [The Christian disciple’s law is love, as “love works no ill”. It’s summarized as love God and love your fellow person.] {And surely, the first will just naturally cause the second!? So in all simplicity our one rule is - Love God - “in spirit and truth”.}
Next - 15:22-41
No comments:
Post a Comment