Day 319 - done

Working my way through - I enjoy the passage in Acts 15 - Galatians 2 as it demonstrates how the early church resolved conflict.  They came together - listened, spoke, were heard, heeded counsel.  I wonder how many church 'splits' could be avoided if men were willing to sit down and surrender themselves to the Word of God, not a denominational position, but the Word.  Boldly steadfast, without compromise, allow the Word of God to resolve their disputes.


The conversion of the Gentiles caused great joy unto the brethren...but there were Pharisees (which believed) and thought it was needful to circumcise the new believers and have them 'keep' the law of Moses.  (Acts 15:3-5 summarized).


Peter disputes with them - stating that God has not put any difference between us (Jews) and  them (Gentiles), purifying their hearts by faith.  (Acts 15:9)


Paul and Barnabas recount the miracles  and wonders God wrought among the Gentiles.  (Acts 15:12)


James gives counsel to the Gentile converts - For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well.  Fare ye well. (Acts 15:29)


Verse 20 gives the list slightly different, but it is verse 21 that stirs my curiosity.


For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.  (Acts 15)


They fully expected that if someone were a new believer, they would avail themselves of hearing the law and the prophets.  I marvel at the fact that the 1st century church was functioning on the OT writings.  There were obviously communications being written, but the NT was not a bound book.  To my shame and embarrassment, I don't know that I could walk someone through the OT and give them the gospel.  Lord, help.


The current 'church' typically spends the majority of her time in the NT, leaving behind all the rich marrow contained in the 'bones' of the OT.  Or she practices eisegesis versus exegesis.  For a brief overview of the difference - see here.


Paul contends with Peter for his hypocrisy - BEFORE that certain came from James.  So, if I am reading correctly, this would be before the council at Jerusalem.


They are in Antioch and Peter becomes so concerned (fearing) of the circumcised Jews that he refuses to eat with the Gentiles.  This causes such a ruckus that even Barnabas is 'carried away with their dissimulation.'  (Galatians 2:11-14).


Peter who was first given the task of 'witnessing' to the Gentiles.  The one specifically given the vision of the sheet with all the animals.  I am slightly intimidated by this thought.  Peter KNEW that eating with the Gentiles was NOT contrary in obedience to God.  What am I doing (or not doing) in my life which smacks of the same type of hypocrisy?


Would that our gracious, merciful and loving Father show the Bride where we are not walking in love and uprightness.  That we would be challenged to NOT be carried away with fear of others or their opinions and disdain to perform the whole counsel of the Word.  Lord, cleanse Your bride, prepare us, challenge us, cause us to boldly speak Your truth.  Remove the dross from our lives, all that causes us to have our vision clouded, help us to keep our eyes on the goal.