Acts 15

Acts 15

Even in the early church there were incidents of those who wanted to insist on extra-biblical requirements for salvation. As Paul and Barnabas were establishing churches on their missionary journey certain men without any authority came in behind them to insist that the new Gentile converts submit to circumcision just as the Jews had this requirement under the old covenant. However, Paul insisted this wasn't necessary but that their confession of Christ as Lord was sufficient. This dispute resulted in Paul and Barnabas going to Jerusalem to confer with the elders of the church. This conference, known as the Jerusalem Council debated the matters and then listened to Paul's appeal. Afterwards James stated, "Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood.". The Council then sent letters of confirmation on their decision to churches through Paul and Barnabas along with chosen men as confirmation.

As I think of this matter, I often wonder how much we place on the church members as a burden which is extra-biblical? Although we do not emphasize the necessity of these matters overtly as requirements for salvation we do include them in consideration of a person's spiritual depth. I recall a discussion in one of my doctoral seminars regarding church attendance. The professor made the comment that we look at individuals and rank them in spiritual depth based on the number of times they attend each week; the Sunday AM only were are ranked least spiritual while those who attend both Sunday services and the midweek service as the most spiritual. This erroneous application does not consider various factors such as work schedules nor other commitments. In addition, there were times when I had conversations with people about the church I served in Mobile. When they discovered that we did not have a Sunday evening service, you could tell some were almost judgmental while others were jealous! We would be wise to not consider extra-biblical matters in determining a person's relationship with Christ.

Lessons we Learned:
1. Many times we like to play the role of God and add requirements beyond those of God for our spiritual walk.
2. Even in the midst of God moving in His church, Satan loves to created divisions and distractionoddly.
3. Godly council coupled with prayer and searching the scripture is the best manner to understand the answer to disputes in the church and life.