Grace Wins. Jerusalem Council.  Seeking Wisdom.

8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.  Acts 15:8-9

In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year", we delved into Acts chapter 15, known as the Jerusalem Council. The chapter opens with a heated debate among early church leaders regarding the necessity of circumcision for Gentile believers. Through Peter's testimony and the discernment of the Holy Spirit, the council reached a momentous decision: Gentile believers would not be burdened with adherence to Jewish customs but would instead be welcomed into the Christian community through faith in Christ alone. This decision underscores the foundational principle of grace over law and emphasizes the inclusivity of the gospel message. As we reflected on the significance of this passage, we were reminded of the power of testimony, the importance of seeking God's wisdom, and the need for unity within the body of Christ.

Through the lens of Acts 15, we gleaned valuable insights into the early church's response to cultural and theological challenges, drawing parallels to our own journey as modern-day believers. This passage serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's grace and the importance of extending hospitality and acceptance to all who profess faith in Christ.