Jesus warns us about hypocrisy and teaches how to handle persecution without ourselves falling into hypocrisy.

God’s people are expected to love Him with their whole selves.

The church at Jerusalem, in consultation with the apostles, elders, and representatives of the church at Antioch, come to the correct understanding of the gospel and its requirements on Gentiles. They very clearly conclude that circumcision and law-keeping are not required of Gentile Christians, either to become Christians or to remain that way.

Jesus harshly criticizes externally-focused religion and highlights the critical importance of inner purity.

Sin warps our thinking; God helps us think well.

What is happening with the Gentiles is no surprise because for centuries God has been promising to provide salvation for the Gentiles. James points out that in Amos 9:11-15, God promised to raise up the royal house of David with beneficial effect toward the Gentiles. No surprise then that God would be working with Gentiles in the present age as well.

Jesus reveals the problem was not the lack of a sign, it was a problem in the spiritual life of those request the sign.