Read Acts 15:1-29

“Known to God from eternity are all His works. Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God…” (Acts 15:18–19)

This chapter in the Book of Acts rightfully sits at the center of Luke's historical account of the early church. The first half of the Book of Acts primarily details the spread of Gospel among the Jews through the Apostle Peter's ministry (Acts 1-14), while the second half details the spread of the Gospel among the Gentiles through the Apostle Paul's ministry (Acts 16-28). Right in the middle is Acts 15. This chapter represents the day when, Christ's Great Commission to go into all the world, would be realized and forever engraved into church history. It was the first official pastor's conference, as it were, and the subject at hand was the reception of Gentiles into Christ's church.

This pastor’s conference has become known as "The Jerusalem Council.” And it was dedicated to the discussion of the Gentile Christians who put their faith in Christ. While it might seem odd to us today, the idea of a pagan revival from Gentile nations was controversial. But it was happening! Gentiles were coming to Christ in droves!

Thus, it begged many questions. Christianity had Jewish roots. Jesus was the Jewish Savior, the Jewish King, and Israel the Jewish Nation. What, therefore, should be demanded of Gentile converts? Do Christian Gentiles need to live like Jews? Should they adopt Jewish customs? Are they to be accepted into the citizenship of the church on the same level as Jews? Must they hold to the covenant of circumcision to show their sincerity?

You see, it was a seemingly complicated theological discussion. To make matters worse, certain men were preaching to the Gentile believers that they had to become Jews “in practice” in order to receive salvation (see Acts 15:1). Furthermore, others argued that they also needed to keep the law of Moses (see Acts 15:5). As you can see, this was a dispute that needed an expedient answer.

Upon the testimony of Paul and Barnabas about the revival among the Gentiles from their journeys, and Peter's further testimony of seeing the Holy Spirit come upon the Gentiles in Cornelius's household, the answer seemed evident. God was doing a work through the message of Christ’s Gospel, not through the Old Covenant of the Law by Moses.

The Apostle John makes this distinction clear in his own gospel.

“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)

In a moment of opportunity and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle James confirms the evidence with Scripture, quoting from the prophet Amos.

“And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the LORD who does all these things.’” (Acts 15:15–17)

And James thus concludes, with full agreement from all of the apostles and the Scriptures, "I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God."

What a wonderful proclamation! One that we as Christ's church, two thousand years later, need to return to and stand upon. The verse is probably unfamiliar to most, but its application is for all Christians.

Ah! — how many things try to trouble our walk in Christ! Just as quickly as a person gives their life to God, the enemy comes in to trouble them with "dos" and "don'ts”. Satan deceives masses of Christians everyday with laws, customs, and peripheral religion in order to distract and wear them down.

Are you one of them, friend?

Have you been walking a troubled walk of religious bondage under the impossible load of the law, or are you walking freely among the lilies of the field with your loving Savior whose burden is light and yoke is easy? (see Matthew 11:28-30)

Satan loves a weary soul and an overburdened Christian. The devil loves to take the light of Christ and dampen it under a basket of tiresome duties. But it is Christ's desire that you be not troubled anymore, Beloved!

Remember the Gospel by which you are saved — it is a Gospel of Grace, not duty! A gospel of rest, not works! A gospel of peace, not trouble!

Therefore, fully rest in the gospel of your salvation. It is only in this place of rest that our eyes are opened to the works which God has already prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (see Ephesians 2:10). And that walk, Beloved, is not burdensome but invigorating!

“You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:4–6)

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