“The Answer Given”
Acts 15:6-12
I am so grateful that when we have questions, that the Bible has answers.
Late time we were together in this text we read that Paul , Barnabas and others were sent to Jerusalem to seek and understand where the church in Jerusalem stood on this very important matter.
Remember those that were teaching that you had to follow the law in order to be saved were called “certain men” and not addressed as “brethren.”
On their journey they stopped in at least 2 places where they shared their testimonies and were received with gladness. “and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.”
They arrived at Jerusalem Acts 15:4 and gave their testimonies and concerns.
So in our text today let’s discover what is said.
I. The Gathering
Acts 15:6 “And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.”
I see that as they gathered together the host of people involved.
There was not a “board” to convene to dictate and discuss the matter.
In fact I believe the whole church in Jerusalem was involved.
Acts 15:22 “Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:”
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
for to consider of this matter; - to hear what was to be said on both sides of the question, and then to judge what advice was proper to be given to the Gentiles.
Not to decide it arbitrarily, or even by authority; but to compare their views, and to express the result of the whole to the church at Antioch.
This was not a knee jerk reaction, but rather one that would need to be prayed over and then answered according to the Word of God.
II. The Gospel
Acts 15:7 “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.”
Much disputing - With our word “disputing” we commonly connect the idea of heated discussion or anger.
This is not necessarily in the word used here, although it can, but we see civil and meaningful discussion.
= mutual questioning, disputation, discussion & to seek or examine together
Peter rose up - Why Peter? there was a particular reason for his speaking here, as he had been engaged in similar scenes, and understood the case, and had had evidence that God had converted sinners without the Mosaic rites or traditions.
I think this is a great lesson – if you see something, say something.
Ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us - From the very first conversion of a Gentile, God made it clear that they are part of our family because of Christ and not because of obedience to laws or traditions.
That the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel, - referring to the case of Cornelius Acts 10:1-31
III. The Gift
Acts 15:8-9 “And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.”
And God, which knoweth the hearts - It is so easy to make judgment in areas that are not for us to judge.
It is God who knows the heart of man and it is God who will answer the pray of just one who will call upon God for salvation.
Giving them the Holy Ghost - All that God has given to the first believers, He has given to all that follow Him.
Holy Ghost - pneuma (pnyoo’-mah) the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son
1. Spirit of God
2. Helper
3. Spirit of Truth
4. Comforter
5. Advocate
6. Counselor
7. Spirit of Holiness
What a great benefit that we have with the presents of the Holy Spirit/ Holy Ghost
No difference between us and them - Paul writes latter in the letter to the Roman believers: Romans 10:12 “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”
Purifying their hearts by faith. - It is through “faith” we are saved.
Purifying - to make clean, cleanse, to free from defilement of sin and from faults, to purify from wickedness, to free from guilt of sin, to purify,
To pronounce clean in a Levitical sense – as if they had been cleansed from leprosy and were examined and declared clean!!
IV. The Goad (challenge)
Acts 15:10 “Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?”
Why tempt ye God - there is no argument when it comes from the Bible.
Why provoke him to displeasure?
Salvation is settled!
To put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples - That which would be burdensome and oppressive, or which would infringe on their just freedom as the children of God.
It is called in Galatians 5:1, “a yoke of bondage.”
Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
V. The Grace
Acts 15:11 “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”
But we believe - We, who have been with them, and have seen the evidences of their acceptance with God; believe salvation is settled.
Through the grace - Salvation by the grace alone in Christ alone, without any of the rites and ceremonies of the Jews.
We shall be saved, even as they - In the same manner, by the mere grace of Christ.
Conclusion:
Acts 15:12 “Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.”
There can be no argument when the Bible has spoken so clearly.
Do you know My Jesus?
Do You Know My Jesus
Song by Skeeter Davis
Have you a heart that's weary
Tending a load of care?
Are you a soul that's seeking
Rest from the burden you bear?
(Chorus)
Do you know (Do you know) my Jesus?
Do you know (Do you know) my Friend?
Have you heard He loves you?
And that He will abide 'til the end?
Who knows your disappointments?
Who hears each time you cry?
Who understands your heartaches?
Who dries the tears from your eyes?
(Chorus)
Do you know (Do you know) my Jesus?
Do you know (Do you know) my Friend?
Have you heard He loves you?
And that He will abide 'til the end?
Have you heard He loves you?
And that He will abide 'til the end?
