Subject: New Perspective of Sha'ul |
Bible Note: Note in Acts 15:1 the men who are teaching falsely- adding to the gospel. Note in Acts 15:2 the meeting is called and the leaders meet to discuss this heated issue. Note in Acts 15:3-4 where they are and what they are doing. Note in Acts 15:5 they state the people who are adding to the gospel and why. Note in Acts 15:6 it is a joint decision of the leaders Note in Acts 15:7 Peter relates how God had spoke to him about the gentiles (anyone who is not a jew) By reading the entire book of Acts we get a feel for the book. In this verse he specifically states the gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. Note in Acts 15:8 that upon that belief they (the gentiles) were given the Holy Spirit. This is how the Jews were saved as Peter states (just as He also did to us). Note in Acts 15:9 Peter says there is no longer a distinction made between Jews and Gentiles - in the sense first that they are both saved the same way as is stated (their hearts cleansed by faith). Also, in the sense that the Jews were to accept the Gentiles - this was a new concept to them at the time. As you read the climate at that time the Jews disliked the Roman rule - most Romans were gentiles. Also the gentiles did not have the law, the tabernacle, the feasts - they were excluded. They were the people who were far away. Now they were included because God had revealed that to Peter. So the subject is how is anyone who is not a jew saved. Not only for those (the upset brethren)(15:1) but I submit for gentiles for all time. As to the conduct of the gentiles after salvation - in regards to abstaining from those things contaminated by idols. We know that Israel had gotten into deep trouble for idolatry and suffered God's judgment for that so they didn't want to make that mistake again. They wanted nothing to do with idols. Abstain from fornication - there are numerous references to a holy life that we are to follow. Abstain from what is strangled and from blood - there are numerous references to respect for life. Abstaining from these things would be binding on any gentiles who are turning to God as is stated in Acts 15:19 not for salvation but how to live a holy life. In this passage it explains how gentiles are saved and it explains a conduct after salvation. A question we might ask ourselves is how did the Lord view things contaminated by idols, fornication, what is strangled and from blood. Respectfully submitted, |