In the early days of the church there were many challenges, not just from persecutors outside, but also from disagreements within. It seems that it was difficult for some Jews who had trusted in Jesus to accept Gentiles on an equal footing, when for centuries they had been "unclean" and often enemies. It didn't seem acceptable to some Jews that these "outsiders" could now be their brothers. They thought that the believing Gentiles should also follow the ancient requirements of the Hebrew Law, such as circumcision. Acts, chapter 15 captures this: 1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."
This prompted a debate in Antioch (Syria), where believers were first called Christians, and Paul was unable to resolve the conflict. It was decided to get a ruling on this from Peter and the Apostles in Jerusalem...almost like taking a case to the Supreme Court for an important interpretation of law. Peter provided the wisdom needed when he pointed out that the evidence of salvation had already been displayed by these Gentiles: Acts 15:8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
Sometimes, even today, we need to be reminded of Who actually makes the rules! We need to remember that salvation is totally defined, described and determined by the Lord.....we are carriers of the message, not makers of it!
blessings,
Rob Smith
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