The Book of Acts: Discipleship In Action Pt. 64 Do We Hazard Our Lives For Christ?

Apostles, elders and brethren acted in unity to solve the issue.

Acts 15:22  Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: 

Now we see the Spirit of God moving among the church of God. The final  judgment rendered by James "pleased" the apostles, elders and the whole church at Jerusalem. They recognized the inherent goodness of James' declaration. 

A serious issue was carefully and thoughtfully addressed by the apostles. Peter and James gave God centric advice and Godly counsel. The Devil's disruption was derailed and gospel ministry was poised to resume with vigor. 

We see the wisdom of God in this decision by the Jerusalem council. Paul and Barnabas were to return to bear witness to the Church at Antioch the council's decision. 

However, it was  possible that some of the Jews pushing for circumcision might view Paul and Barnabas' testimony as tainted. 

Therefore, it was necessary for the Jerusalem council to send their own delegates to declare the outcome to the church at Antioch. 

Accordingly Judas and Silas were sent with Paul and Barnabas, to corroborate with oral testimony what was contained in the letters sent from the council.

The council put their decision in writing. They were confident that their decision honored God and promoted unity as the gospel rapidly advanced among the Gentiles. 

Contents of the Jerusalem council's letter.

Acts 15:23-24  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: 24)  Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: 

This formal letter contained the decision of the Jerusalem council and the introduction mentioned the apostles, elders and brethren. Why? To demonstrate the unity and authority of this letter and to show that the entire church at Jerusalem supported it.

A "greeting" was included for all the Gentile churches established at Antioch and regions where Paul and Barnabas planted new churches. The word means greeting believers at Antioch, with joy and gladness of heart, for the work God was doing among the Gentiles. 

The phrase "certain went out from among us" connects to the "certain men" who came to spread this false doctrine (See Acts 15:1). 

The certain men were believing Jews who were affiliated with the Jerusalem church. They came to Antioch claiming to have authority from the apostles.

Certain men "troubled" the church at Antioch, which means they caused inward commotion, agitation of minds, and a loss of peace in the souls of believers. After false teaching was spread, believers' hearts were filled with fear and doubt. 

The apostles charged those "certain men" with "subverting" the souls of new, Gentile converts to Jesus Christ. The word "subverting" is used of someone packing up their home to move to a new location. 

It is also used for an enemy plundering and overthrowing a community, violently ruining it's normal state of being. 

The letter addressed the problem of requiring Gentile believers to be circumcised and keep the law. James clearly condemned the actions of the "certain men." 

He gave a pointed rejection of the whole conduct of the Judaizers in Antioch and in Jerusalem. He utterly repudiated their effort to impose the Mosaic law upon Gentile Christians.

Men who put their lives on the line for the sake of the gospel. 

Acts 15:25-27  It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26)  Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27)  We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.  

James again emphasized unity in the decision of the Jerusalem council. They acted with one accord and one mind in this matter. He also stated that sending men from Jerusalem to accompany Paul and Barnabas promoted integrity and honesty within the church. 

James had his own clear testimony of Paul and Barnabas. He called them men who "hazarded" their own lives for the blessed name of Jesus Christ the Lord. They had suffered many things for the sake of the gospel and they did so with willing hearts. 

Paul's life principle: Live for Christ but death is great gain. 

Philippians 1:21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 

Paul expressed this sentiment in how he lived his life. He followed Jesus with all of his heart, soul and mind. He suffered scourging's, beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, hunger, and imprisonment. He endured the heat and the cold, the rain and storms, all for the sake of spreading the gospel of Christ.    

The letter told the church at Antioch that they selected Judas and Silas to go with Paul and Barnabas to be independent witnesses of all that was decided by the council.

Guidance for Gentiles and conclusion. 

Acts 15:28-29  For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;  29)  That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

James gave us some insight into how the Holy Ghost governed the affairs of the early church. He guided them to ratify this decision. It was a good decision because He guided them to a good outcome that honored God. 

James repeated the four necessary thing (listed above in Acts 15: 29) for Gentiles to observe, and these were connected with the idolatrous practices that most of them came out of when God saved them. 

These things are necessary to observe because the Spirit of God guided them to this decision. Committing any of these four actions was to commit sin against God.

Gentile believers were not to eat meat that they knew had been offered to idols. Eating it meant that they were still connected to pagan rituals.

They were not to eat blood because God gave a clear command against eating the blood. For the same reason they were not to eat animals that were strangled because this method was employed so that a carcass would retain more blood. 

We have mentioned frequently how pagan religions were filled with sexual perversion and this is why Gentile believers were commanded to avoid fornication. 

The letter closed with a sincere "farewell" to the believers at Antioch. This word has the idea of Go well, go prosperously, with good speed! May you succeed well and may God direct you! 

Joy among Gentiles and peace restored. 

Acts 15:30-33  So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 31)  Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. 32)  And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. 33)  And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. 

Paul, Barnabas and the others were sent on their way by the Jerusalem church. They finally arrived at Antioch and the entire church met together to hear the outcome of their travels.

Paul, Barnabas, Silas and Judas delivered the letter to the church and it was read aloud for all to hear. Gentile believer's hearts were filled with great joy because all of the mental anguish and fears they had suffered from the Judaizers was removed. 

All of the concerns regarding false teaching were addressed and eliminated. They were all encouraged, comforted and refreshed by the council's letter.  

Judas and Silas were also prophets. It helps to remember that the New Testament scriptures had not been recorded and copied by this time. Therefore, a need still existed to hear from God through a prophet's voice.

Both of these men were used by God to strengthen the faith of Gentiles at Antioch. Judas and Silas encouraged and comforted them and helped them become more rooted and grounded in the scriptures, while building up their faith. 

This went on for a while and then the church at Antioch was pleased to send Judas and Silas back to the Jerusalem church, having the peace of God restored in their hearts.

Thoughts to Ponder...

We see the beauty of the church when the Spirit of God has His way in the hearts of those who lead Christ's church. 

How we need a return to being the humble, servants of God who always look to Christ for help, direction and inward transformation. 

May we all pray together that the entire church of Jesus Christ will see a renewed interest in Bible study, prayer and confession of sin. 

May we pray for the Spirit of God to convict us of our sins so that we see an outbreak of repentance and earnest seeking of God. 

May this work of God's Spirit begin with Pastors, Parents and Parishioners and spill over into our church families, our homes and our neighborhoods. 

May we be like Paul willing to say that we will live each day for the glory of Jesus Christ and recognize that when the Lord calls us home, whether in death or when Jesus Christ comes back to take us home, this will bring the greatest joy to us. 

Bob