Acts 15:3; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Galatians 5:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

Today, we’re entering into the much anticipated chapter of Acts 15, which, more or less, is a  record of the New Testament church’s first council meeting. This meeting addressed a major issue happening within the early church--namely requiring Gentiles to adhere to the Law of Moses. Moreover, this reflects a deeper issue regarding the role of the Mosaic Covenant in the life of the church. Is the Law of Moses still to be followed? Do non-Jewish people need to follow the Jewish Law? Is that what Jesus taught? All of these issues come to a head at the Jerusalem Council in 48 AD and is spelled out for us here in Acts 15.

Acts 15:1; Matthew 23:1-11

To say our world is polarized is an understatement! Well, the church had one major internal problem that polarized it in the early years. It was so divisive that the first council convened to remedy the issue at hand. What was the issue? Can non-Jews be pleasing to God without need of the Law? One group believed that the Law was absolutely necessary; whereas, the other said, “No. The Spirit of God is now upon us and will guide our way.”

What’s to become of the Law of Moses as it relates to the activities within the church? That’s the issue we face today, so with that, let’s get started!

Luke 6:6-11; Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6

Here, the Law is designed to orient humanity to the things of God, yet in its insatiable effort to apply how the Law fits in every behavioral situation, humanity loses sight of God’s intention for the Law in the first place. Instead of developing a culture hungry for knowing God, we become a culture ever focused on what we can and cannot do.

Acts 14:28; Galatians 2:1; Luke 15:1-32; Romans 2:1-29

Even at the lowest levels of heat, things eventually begin to simmer and take on a new composition. As we prepare for Acts 15, we would do well to see what has been simmering for some time now and how the composition of the church is about to radically change.

Acts 14:26-28; 2 Timothy 2:20-21

As Paul and Barnabas return from their travels, both are uncertain as to the condition of the church and wonder what they might find upon their arrival. Is this to be a sweet homecoming, or will their return be met with some unsightly challenges?

While Acts takes us to this reunion at the end of chapter 14, we would do well to get a glimpse of what might be brewing in Jerusalem. And with that, let’s get started!

Acts 14:24-25; Matthew 21:33-46; Ephesians 2

When bringing a God inspired and new idea to the table, we might not realize who is listening or tuning in. It becomes especially difficult when our new idea is given to us by God and we find ourselves bristling against the current establishment.

Acts 14:21-24; Galatians 3:1-5; Ephesians 2:14-18; Romans 7:4-6; Romans 8:1-4

This is one of the biggest issues both Paul and Barnabas will face for the remainder of their ministries. Yes, there are many more “Dad Saves” to come. It’s a biggy that Paul repeatedly addresses through nearly each of his letters. The church, the followers of Jesus, is to be governed not by the Law of Moses but by the Spirit of God.

Acts 14:20-24

Grit produces future unforeseen opportunities and the Kingdom of Heaven advances because of it.

Acts 14:1-20

Pursuing after Jesus can be risky, and it is especially notable when your allegiance to and message about Jesus strikes a painful nerve in the hearts of those within your spheres of influence.

Acts 13:46-52

I might even be speaking truth, God’s truth, but the way I respect others in the process is every bit as important. If there is ever a group of people who should thrive at understanding the perspectives of others, it should be Christ followers who claim to have been changed by the Spirit of God.