Lesson 4662

 (Lesson 4662)(11-08-24) Acts 15:3-12 

   “And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.” 

 

  In today’s quote, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem, sharing with believers along the way about the conversion of Gentiles, which brought great joy. Upon arrival, they met with the apostles and elders to discuss whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish customs like circumcision. Some Pharisees insisted on circumcision for Gentiles, but Peter spoke up and reminded them that God gave the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles without requiring them to follow the Law of Moses, purifying their hearts by faith. He argued that imposing these burdens was unnecessary since salvation comes by the grace of God through Jesus for both Jews and Gentiles. The group listened as Paul and Barnabas shared the signs and wonders God performed among the Gentiles, supporting Peter’s argument that faith, not the law, brings salvation. ~