Grace or works?
14:27 Paul & Barnabas are clear it is by grace through faith that we are saved. The teachers started saying it was through circumcision that we could be saved, as this was obeying the law of Moses.
14:7-11 Peter reminds them that:
God made a choice that the Gentiles would hear the message of the gospel and believe.
God knows the heart and shows His acceptance by giving the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles and the Jews.
God makes no distinction between Jew and Gentile - He purifies their hearts by faith. It is by the grace of Jesus that Jew and Gentile are saved.
Peter argues we should not be adding burdens to salvation that we or our forefathers were unable to bear. We must remember the simplicity of God's grace, through faith that saves us - and make sure we add nothing to requirements for our salvation.
James shows how the words of the prophets agreed with what Peter had said - the Gentiles would be called to the Lord. He then argues the Jews should not make it difficult for the Gentiles to turn to God. Instead, they should show that turning to God has certain responsibilities which show His work in our lives. This response would surely be agreeable to both Jew and Gentile.
The response was going to be made known by both letter and leaders. This resulted in a positive response.
When there is disagreement amongst fellow believers, it would be right to call everyone together, to listen to the perspectives, to go back to Scripture and make a judgment clearly and fairly, so there is clarity in belief. This is for essentials, whilst there is obviously room for variance on matters if the conscience.
Paul and Barnabas disagreed because of John Mark. Paul felt he had deserted them, so didn't want to take him with them. Barnabas disagreed. Both had pints, but possibly should have relented for the sake of the other. Later, Paul was able to see Mark was useful to him in ministry (2Tim 4:11)
God provided for Paul with Timothy. Encouragement and strengthening were the key points of their ministry at this time. We are called to help young Christians grow in their faith.
12:25-16:5 Key developments:
Paul and Barnabas sent off from Antioch.
Standing in synagogues testifying to what God had done and how He was calling the Gentiles. Affirming this together as a council.
Making this a priority in their work.
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