Kevin's Kommentary: Life of Paul - Paul's Arguments, Compromise, Coming to Unity

Paul's Arguments and Compromise

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 48-50 A.D.

Scripture: Acts 15:1-35

NOTE:

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

#Jerusalem Conference / Council

THE CONFERENCE IN JERUSALEM

PRELIMINARY MEETINGS...
1. A formal reception by the church
  1. Paul’s party was received by the church, the apostles, and the elders - Acts 15:4
  2. To whom Paul reported all that God had done with them - Acts 15:4; cf. 14:27
2. A private meeting with some who were “of reputation”
  1. In which Paul explained the gospel which he preached - Galatians 2:1-2
  2. Some false brethren tried to compel Titus (a Gentile) to be circumcised, which Paul refused - Galatians 2:3-6; cf. Acts 15:5
  3. James, Peter, and John commended Paul for his work among the Gentiles - Galatians 2:7-10
THE PUBLIC MEETING...
1. The speech of Peter - Acts 15:6-11
  1. How God selected him to be the first to preach to the Gentiles - cf. Acts 10:1-43
  2. How God bore witness to their acceptability by giving them the Spirit - cf. Acts 10:44-48; 11:15-18
  3. That God purified them through faith, just as He did the Jews
  4. That they should not test God, by placing a burden on the Gentiles which they themselves could not bear
  5. That God will save the Jews in the same way, through the grace of the Lord Jesus
2. The testimony of Paul and Barnabas - Acts 15:12
  1. How God did many miracles and wonders through them among the Gentiles
  2. Which the multitude listened to quietly
3. The counsel of James - Acts 15:13-21
  1. Reminding them of what Simon (Peter) had just said
  2. Reminding them of the Old Testament prophecy of Amos - Amos 9:11-12
  3. Offering his judgment:
    1. Not to trouble the Gentiles who were turning to God
    2. But asking them to abstain from:
      - Things polluted by idols (i.e., meats offered to idols)
      - Sexual immorality
      - Things strangled
      - Blood -- This would go a long way in keeping the peace between Jewish and Gentile converts
HE LETTER TO BE SENT...
1. The idea pleased the apostles, elders, and the whole church - Acts 15:22a
2. Selected to accompany Paul and Barnabas along with the letter to Antioch were Judas named Barnabas and Silas - Acts 15:22b
3. A copy of this letter is preserved by Luke. (Acts 15:23-29)
4. In which those who caused the trouble are identified as doing so without any authority from those in Jerusalem - Acts 15:24

[So the conference in Jerusalem ends on a very positive note. But while the issue of Gentiles was solved doctrinally, in practice it would not be as easily resolved. This becomes evident from what happens after…]

THE RETURN TO ANTIOCH OF SYRIA

A HAPPY RETURN...
1. Paul and his companions return to Antioch and deliver the letter - Acts 15:30
2. The multitude rejoice over its encouragement - Acts 15:31
3. Judas and Silas exhort the brethren with many words - Acts 15:32-34
  1. Judas eventually returned to the apostles in Jerusalem
  2. Silas stayed in Antioch, later joining Paul on his travels - cf. Acts 15:40
4. Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching - Acts 15:35
AN UNHAPPY VISIT...
1. Peter comes to Antioch - Galatians 2:11a
2. Paul had to withstand Peter - Galatians 2:11b-21
  1. For at first Peter would eat with the Gentiles
  2. But when some came from James, Peter separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision (i.e., Jewish brethren)
  3. Even Barnabas was carried away by this hypocrisy
  4. Requiring Paul to rebuke Peter before them all
3. Peter would not hold this against Paul, later referring to him as “our beloved brother Paul” - 2 Peter 3:15

CONCLUSION

Paul's unpleasant visit and necessary rebuke of Peter simply illustrate the great challenge faced by the church in its infancy...
1. The challenge of transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant
2. The challenge of accepting into the church those who were considered “unclean” for over a thousand years
But it was a challenge that was overcome, in large part due to the apostle Paul...
1. A Hebrew of the Hebrews, but also an apostle to the Gentiles
2. Whom God used to help bridge Jews and Gentiles together
  1. To fulfill what Jesus died to accomplish on the cross
  2. To bring peace between Jew and Gentile, making one new body - cf. Ephesians 2:11-16

After some time in Antioch, Paul began to wonder about the brethren who were converted on the first missionary journey (Acts 15:36). Paul will later decide he must return and mature the disciples more.

In the meantime, I hope this study reminds those who are Gentiles how blessed we are to be able to come into fellowship with God and His people. Have we let Jesus add us to His body, the church? - cf. Acts 2:41,47