Acts 15–16
Common Theme
The early church grapples with the relationship between grace and the Law as the gospel expands to Gentiles. God clearly directs the mission beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries and establishes unity through truth and the Spirit’s guidance.
Questions
- Why was it essential for the Jerusalem Council to clarify that salvation is by grace alone and not by works of the Law?
- How does the Spirit’s redirection of Paul and his companions in chapter 16 challenge your assumptions about where and how God leads?
God Shot
God reveals Himself as the One who saves by grace, not human effort, and preserves the purity of the gospel. He also shows His sovereignty by actively directing His mission through the Spirit, opening hearts such as Lydia’s and orchestrating divine encounters.
Deeper✝
Acts 15
Acts 15:1–35 describes a significant meeting in the early church regarding the issue of salvation and the inclusion of Gentiles. The conflict arose when certain individuals from Judea claimed that circumcision was necessary for salvation, causing confusion among the Christians in Antioch. Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem to address this issue. The apostles and elders convened to discuss the matter openly, with Peter emphasizing that salvation is through God’s grace and not adherence to the Mosaic law. He highlighted the conversion of Gentiles, asserting that God had broken down barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
James, a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church, supported Peter’s view and proposed that the church should not impose unnecessary burdens on Gentile converts. He suggested prohibitions on certain practices, particularly regarding food and sexual immorality, to foster fellowship between Jewish and Gentile Christians. The council sent a letter to the churches, affirming their decision and emphasizing unity.
The letter aimed to encourage and reassure the churches, highlighting the importance of maintaining community while respecting Jewish traditions. The resolution brought joy and strengthened the church’s mission. The text also reflects on the dangers of false teachings and the need for the church to uphold the core tenets of faith, including the message of integration in Christ, which challenges societal divisions and racism. The events in Acts serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against attempts to dilute the Christian message.
A significant conflict arises between Paul and Barnabas over including Mark in their missionary journey, leading to their separation. Paul, feeling Mark had deserted them previously, disagrees with Barnabas, resulting in a "sharp disagreement." Despite this split, both Paul and Barnabas continue their ministries, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus and Paul choosing Silas to travel through Syria and Cilicia. Silas, a leader in the Jerusalem church and a Roman citizen, is well-suited for the mission.
As Paul and Silas strengthen existing churches, they deliver the Jerusalem Council’s decisions. In Lystra, they recruit Timothy, whom Paul circumcises to help him gain acceptance among Jewish Christians, emphasizing the importance of qualifications for ministry.
Acts 16
The narrative highlights God’s providence as Paul is redirected from his intended destinations by the Holy Spirit, ultimately leading him to Troas, where he receives a vision calling him to Macedonia.
This passage serves as a reminder that disagreements can occur in ministry but can lead to new opportunities. It encourages believers to handle conflicts wisely, avoiding actions that complicate resolutions. The hope for restored relationships is emphasized, suggesting that seeking guidance from those less emotionally involved can provide clarity and wisdom in resolving disputes.
Acts 16:11–40 narrates the journey of Paul and his companions to Philippi, where they convert Lydia and her household. They arrive in Neapolis and travel to Philippi, a Roman colony. On the Sabbath, they seek a place of prayer by the river, where Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, becomes one of the first converts. The text highlights the divine-human interplay in evangelism, emphasizing that while Paul shared the message, God was the ultimate evangelist.
The narrative continues with the healing of a slave girl possessed by an evil spirit, which leads to opposition from her owners due to financial loss. Paul and Silas are arrested, beaten, and imprisoned without trial, despite being Roman citizens. While in prison, they pray and sing hymns, leading to a miraculous earthquake that frees them. The jailer, fearing the escape of prisoners, asks how to be saved, and Paul tells him to believe in Jesus. The jailer and his household are subsequently baptized.
After their release, Paul and Silas request a public apology from the magistrates, asserting their rights as Roman citizens. They visit Lydia’s home to encourage the believers before leaving Philippi. The passage concludes with principles for evangelism, emphasizing the importance of finding common ground, recognizing the divine role in conversion, understanding group dynamics in faith, and protecting religious freedoms.
✝Deeper summary excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.