“Acts 15: Conference on Circumcision”

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Jesus came to break down barriers that had long existed, including male and female, rich and poor and, especially, between Jews and Gentiles (Galatians 3:28). He broke down “the middle wall of separation,” made “one new man from the two,” and reconciled them “both to God in one body through the cross.” The purpose was to make “peace” and welcome everyone from every possible background into His universal kingdom (Ephesians 2:14-17).

That was not easily accomplished. There were centuries, at least 15 or more, of hatred between the Jews and everyone else. Long engrained enmity dies hard. To sit beside a Gentile Christian in a worship service was a very difficult concept for a Jewish Christian to contemplate.

There was one issue that was especially contentious, the question of circumcision. For many generations, the Jews had considered circumcision to be a symbol of acceptance before God. A circumcised male was pleasing to the Lord; an uncircumcised person never would be acceptable.

While many Jews were willing to accept the idea that Gentiles could become Christians, this problem of circumcision remained. The solution that some came up with was simple. Gentiles who became Christians had to be circumcised. The only problem with that was that it was a “human wisdom” answer, not one that came from God. So when these “Judaizing teachers,” as they are often called, began to insist, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1), the unity of the body of Christ was in danger.

It was left to the inspired apostles to sort through this matter. This chapter shows us how they solved the dilemma, by appealing to command, apostolic example and inescapable conclusion (often called necessary inference). Using these standards of authority, it was determined that circumcision was not essential for salvation after all. Please notice that they did not take a vote of the attending parties to determine God’s will.

At the end of Chapter 15, Paul and Barnabas decide to go on another preaching tour. A disagreement arises between them about whether to take John Mark with them. In the end, Barnabas takes Mark and sails to Cyprus. Paul chooses Silas and goes a different direction. The inspired record follows the progress of Paul as he begins his second preaching journey.

--Roger Hillis

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