Galatians 2 English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul Accepted by the Apostles
2 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
2 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
Paul Opposes Peter
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.[a] 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.[a] 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
Justified by Faith
15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified[b] by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who livesin me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness[c] were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified[b] by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who livesin me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness[c] were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Footnotes:
- Galatians 2:12 Or fearing those of the circumcision
- Galatians 2:16 Or counted righteous (three times in verse 16); also verse 17
- Galatians 2:21 Or justification
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
- Galatians 2:12 Or fearing those of the circumcision
- Galatians 2:16 Or counted righteous (three times in verse 16); also verse 17
- Galatians 2:21 Or justification
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
The Jerusalem Council
15 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas andsome of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, andbrought great joy to all the brothers.[a] 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”
6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved throughthe grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”
12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,
16 “‘After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will restore it,
17 that the remnant[b] of mankind may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will restore it,
17 that the remnant[b] of mankind may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’
19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and fromsexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”
The Council's Letter to Gentile Believers
22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers[c] who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you[d] with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth.28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselvesprophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33 And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.[e] 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Paul and Barnabas Separate
36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Footnotes:
- Acts 15:3 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 22
- Acts 15:17 Or rest
- Acts 15:23 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 32, 33, 36
- Acts 15:24 Some manuscripts some persons from us have troubled you
- Acts 15:33 Some manuscripts insert verse 34: But it seemed good to Silas to remain there
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
Paul and Barnabas were great men who were some of God's instruments in the early church to spread the gospel abroad. But they were not perfect. At the end of Acts 15, they have an argument over who they should take with them on their way to visit the churches that they had planted the previous missionary journey. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, who had left them half-way through the journey. Paul disagreed and eventually, the two split up and went their own ways. Barnabas and John Mark went to Cyprus, while Paul took Silas and set off for Syria and Cilicia to encourage the churches there.
ReplyDeleteSadly, some people get confused about Christians today. They think that the church is perfect and that everyone is so good. But Christians do sin and, sadly, do have strife among one another. God is still sanctifying every Christian so that he is ready for judgement day when Christ comes again to take up his people to himself.
Christians should try to set an example for the world as best as they can, but they know that they are not perfect nor the best people to imitate. Christ is the perfect example that every person should follow, even Christians so that they can be presented spotless and without blemish before God.
In Galatians 2 and Acts 15 the main theme is dealing with the issue of circumcision as it relates to salvation. By the end of these passages the argument has been resolved and we are left with a good summary of what the gospel really is. In Galatians 2:14&16 Paul says, “‘If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?’ … Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” This is saying that even though Jews are circumcised the new Gentile believers do not need to be circumcised to be saved. The Old Testament law said that Jews had to be circumcised to be right with God. But now (and when this verse was written) salvation does not come from the law it comes through believing in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. These passages give us just one example of the church trying to balance salvation and the law but the theme can be seen throughout the New Testament.
ReplyDeleteIn Acts 15 and Galatians 2, the apostles Paul and Barnabas, were allowed to go with permission from James, Cephas, and John due to the grace that God had given to Paul. "Unless you are circumcised according the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." Was the new question, in which they visited the Jerusalem council to debate on the topic. They decided that the Gentiles wouldn't need to follow the Law of Moses but follow God like any other believer would. The Apostles decided to write a letter with the message concerning the Gentiles, and how to follow God correctly, not following the law of Moses as well. They also sent Judas and Silas to deliver the letter to Antioch, to preach about the new and improved guidelines for the Gentiles as well as preaching further about God and His wishes for believers. Despite the confusion on how the Gentiles would come to Christ, the message was given in the long run despite the Apostles going their separate ways to preach in the name of God elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteIn Galatians 2:11 Paul rebukes Cephas (Peter) for acting one way around the Gentiles and another way once the Jews showed up. This was not only bad because he was being misleading, but he led others into the same hypocrisy. You see this all the time today. While some might have all the answers and pretend to be the perfect Christian at church, they might go to school the next day and be just the same as their group of friends who know nothing about how to live for Christ. It's not an either or sort of thing. Peter wasn't necessarily committing a sin, but in pretending to appose the uncircumcised right after enjoying their company wasn't right. He needs to not live on the edge and start living what he believes not only for his sake, but for others as well.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good application Melissa :)
DeleteI believe the main purpose of these two passages is to enforce the idea that salvation for Gentiles was just as legitimate as the salvation of the Jews. As seen in Acts 15, the Jews were prejudiced against the Gentiles because they didn’t follow the law with legalism. The church made a wise decision in choosing to support and encourage the Gentile believers in Antioch rather than condemn them for not completely following the Law of Moses. The verse that sums up how Gentiles should be treated originates from Galatians 2: “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified…I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” This passage brings home the fact that salvation is not secured through works, or by following the Law of Moses with precision. Salvation comes through the grace of God, which is extended to all people, regardless of their background. This is a point many Jews did not fully comprehend, for their bias was clouding their vision. It is easy for us to see the issues the Jews had in their prejudice, but we don’t often realize that we commit the same sin. When people who live different lifestyles enter our churches, we easily write them off as “worse” than us. This type of thinking is clearly against what God has said, as illustrated in Acts 15 and Galatians 2.
ReplyDelete"For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God." (Galatians 2:19) When I read this verse, I didn't quite understand it. So I looked up another version which says "For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God." This made more since to me. As people, we try to do "good". But even our best just isn't "good" enough. A lot of the time, we fail at even trying to do our version of "good." This is why laws are put into place. It's to show that we can't do good on our own. This is why we are to die to the law. We say "I give up. I can't do this on my own." We give our lives to God, instead of giving our lives to a bunch of rules. Once we become washed clean and start growing in our relationship with God, following the rules becomes more natural.
ReplyDeleteIn Galatians 2 and Acts 15, men are talking about whether or not they can be saved if circumcised. During this dispute Paul and Barnabas state that you don't have to be circumcised to be saved and the Gentiles are elated. I believe this is an example of the main theme in these two sections of scripture. Towards the beginning of Acts 15, men said “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” The Jews wanted the Gentiles to follow their rules and more specifically the Law of Moses. Peter soon silences these voices by his monologue in Acts 15:7-11. He states that if the Gentiles want to be saved they have just as much right to that salvation as the Jews. This instance can even be applied today. Salvation is for anyone who admits their sin and believes with their heart that Jesus is the only Lord and Savior. Just because we are Christians doesn't make us any better than the non-Christian sitting next to us. We must always remember that God's love is open to anyone who will accept it.
ReplyDeleteIn the reading, Acts 15 and Galatians 2 Paul and Barnabas committed themselves to taking on a responsibility in order that the church would be spread among other believers a like and not. They traveled around to various places but in each place they made sure to proclaim the gospel. " For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:19).Throughout Paul and Barnabas' teachings they also faced difficulties such as, critics, debating, temptation, and disagreement. Every time they taught their were some critics or debaters within or among the crowd that they had to face and challenge their remarks with the gospel. Arguments and disagreements came to Paul and Barnabas, " And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed..."(Acts15:39). Although they were continually faced with these troubles while they were ministering, they were encouraged by the Church and continued to stay strong while spreading the gospel.
ReplyDeleteIn our readings this week of Acts and Galatians, we find the Paul and Barnabas discussing whether gentiles can be Christians or not. Jews have originally believed that the gospel message was sent to them only for a specific purpose. They didn't see any reason for sharing what they've been given by God with their enemies. Slowly the two agree that one doesn't have to be a Jew to be a Christian or live for Him, you only have to have faith in Christ and live your life for Him. That is what makes you a Christian. They declared, “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified..." They are realizing that one doesn't need to only be born in a certain place, or have a certain name to be a christian. One only has to have faith in Christ, and that is what can justify your salvation.
ReplyDeleteA verse that really stood out to me in the reading was verse ten of Acts 15. It reads, “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?” The “yoke” here is referring to the Mosaic law. By choosing the word “yoke,” Peter is creating a word picture that the Jews would understand, of a wooden frame that two oxen would carry in order to pull a heavy load, describing the law as an unbearable. The law would be like a yoke for the Gentiles. To follow all the Jewish laws such as circumcision, eating kosher food, having external purity etc. would make it hard for the Gentiles to be part of their Gentile communities. However, the question comes to our minds, why would God give us the law if “neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear.”? It is to make us aware of our need for salvation and to bring to light the fact that the only way for salvation is God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
ReplyDeleteIn Galatians 2:19 it says “For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God.” Paul's dedication to the Law (before he was converted) was unquestionable. It had been his identity, as well as his entire life! It also gave him power, and a purpose. It’s the same for us as well. It probably is not the law, but anything in our life that is our focus or the center of our life we MUST be willing to lay it aside in favor of putting Jesus Christ first in our lives. Our attitudes need to be like Paul’s – “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” – Phillipians 3:7-8. This is a good reminder that compared to Jesus, everything else is absolutely worthless.
ReplyDeleteGalatians 2:21, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” This quote in this week’s reading really stood out to me. The first part says we cannot nullify the grace of God. The word nullify means, “to deprive (something) of value or effectiveness; make futile or of no consequence.” (Dictionary.com) Paul is saying that if you were to say you could contribute in any way to your salvation that you would be nullifying God’s grace. If we could get to heaven through good works or deeds, through the law, then there would be no purpose to Christ’s death. Just knowing that God sent his one and only son for us should stand as proof that we cannot get to heaven on our own. If we could God wouldn’t have sent his son to die a worthless death. Thankfully though his death was not worthless and we can rely on Him for righteousness not ourselves.
ReplyDeleteSorry for how long this ended up being, I got on a roll and it just kept going!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read about Paul and Barnabas parting ways after an argument it piqued my curiosity. Not only was I curious as to the reasons behind Paul’s stubbornness against allowing John Mark to join the journey and Barnabas’ determination to take John Mark with them, but I also noted a similarity to the circumcision issue between the Gentiles and the Jews.
The argument between Paul and Barnabas started because “Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.” (Acts 15:37-38) It just so happens that John Mark is Barnabas’ nephew and it also just so happens that John Mark had started the journey with Paul and Barnabas and left early on. Paul doesn’t think John Mark is fit to serve after having just turned back, but Barnabas thinks that they should give John Mark another chance. In the end, the Paul and Barnabas split ways.
Right before Paul and Barnabas’ separation the Jews and Gentiles were arguing over circumcision. The main question being: Do the Gentiles need to be circumcised to be saved? The Jews keep pushing on circumcision and the Gentiles keep resisting. Just like Barnabas kept pushing on taking John Mark and Paul kept resisting. In the end the circumcision issue is dealt with by the apostles and elders saying the Gentiles don’t have to be circumcised but they should, “…abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.” (Acts 15:20) Paul and Barnabas continue on their different paths with different people, but they remain on friendly terms.
The Apostles are described in Acts 15:26 as, “men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is an accurate description of the apostles. They were courageous in spreading Christianity in spite of the heavy persecution they received, and were determined to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. As I read this verse I had to ask myself, “would I risk my life for the Lord in the first century or even in the twenty-first century as the apostles did?” Although I would have liked to immediately have said yes I was hesitant at first. Were the apostles hesitant when God called them to spread the gospel? Some possibly were, because they were sinful human beings just like you and me. Though there was a daunting task ahead of them, they did not shrink back, but persevered through the long and hard tasks they would have to face. They were not seeking praise from mankind but from their Savior. Just like the apostles experienced a personal calling from God to spread the gospel, we are called to do the same! “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2). Galatians 2, Acts 15 and Acts 15:26 have inspired me to no longer be content inside the Christian bubble, but to become a “modern apostle” for the Lord.
ReplyDeleteAlthough these two passages were written two thousand years ago, many of the problems that arise can still ring true today. Is the Old Testament law relevant to us? Are we instructed to follow it in the same way the Jews were? Why or why not? Paul makes it clear that Gentiles need not live with every command given to the Jews. Christ changed everything. Circumcision was originally a sign that the Jews were part of a special people, to whom God made a promise long ago through Abraham. However, when Christ came and fulfilled the need for an ultimate sacrifice, the “special group” of people was no longer the circumcised; the group that was set apart, or righteous, became all those who called upon the name of the Lord for salvation. (Romans 10:13, Acts 10:43) The law could not give salvation. Peter said that no one is able to perfectly follow the law. By the grace of the Lord Jesus, salvation comes only through faith in Christ. (Acts 15:10-11) The Old Testament law is then the first part to the story of the Bible, the reason for the need of a savior, but not the way to salvation.
ReplyDeleteIn this weeks reading I found it amazing that Paul and Barnabas just went on there separate ways after deciding that they would each teach to too different kinds of people. Paul and Barnabas were two totally different people. Paul came from a background of persecuting and killing christians and yet now he was trying to teach them which is amazing. Paul was accepted as a christian even though he had been the cause of there strife. Paul believed that anyone could be brought to God. Paul saw through himself that anyone can be saved.
ReplyDeleteIt is not our status in this world, or how much greatness we seem to have the potential for, or what physical characteristics we possess that save us or help us better serve the Lord. These chapters were such a good reminder of what I am learning in church right now! Our pastor taught on 1 Corinthians 7: 17-24 on Sunday. Check out 1 Corinthians 7:17-20. It’s a bit long to include (but not boring!), so read it yourself. In it, Paul is explaining that you don’t need to be circumcised or uncircumcised to follow Christ. The title for Sunday’s sermon was “Lead the Life the Lord Has Assigned”. Stay where you are at the time of your calling (a few exceptions, though, for ex., if you were a slave, feel free to seek freedom) “The gospel levels everyone,” a wise person has said to me often. Acts 15:19-20 – “Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.” This is James speaking. And that’s exactly what the early church did however, it took many, many debates to establish this truth. Also, in Acts 15:11, Peter says that people are saved through the grace of the Lord, gentiles and Jews. Peter is the one who had the vision of the unclean animals in the four corners of the earth. He had a first-hand account of the radical changes occurring at that time commanded by the Lord. Yet, we see in Galatians 2 that Peter himself went against God’s command and showed partiality to the Gentiles. Paul was there to rebuke him, to lead him back to the correct thinking, thinking that was based on the call of God. You can see this issue of circumcision was an ongoing debate in the church and out. I found that these verses can apply to me today, if not the issue back then, then the desire to have a higher status in this world. I think, Oh, well, if I just had this, then it would be easier to and be better at serving the Lord. (for ex., a driver’s license – then I would have transportation whenever I needed it, and go to all the church events I want – which may be true, but in reality I can worship and serve the Lord no matter what I have or don’t have)
ReplyDeleteSorry, I don't know why the boxed x is there.
ReplyDelete