CENTRAL THOUGHT
Divine wisdom is required for orderliness in the Church.
HYMN: “Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah”
TEXT: ACTS 15:1-35, 21:17-18
INTRODUCTION:
After the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the early church operated as a fellowship with minimal administrative structure. But numerical growth across nations and cultures made it imperative to evolve some form of apostolic order. While it is generally accepted that Apostle Peter had leadership roles to pay, a disciple called James featured prominently in the church at Jerusalem. At the first recorded post – Pentecost Council meeting held in Jerusalem, he was prominent, and actually summarized the decisions of that Council. That council was called to address controversies about Gentile believers and Jewish rituals. After listening to everyone who had something to say, James, by divine wisdom presented a transcript of a decision that honoured God, promoted peace and unity, and acknowledged the work of grace. In this study, we shall examine the issues that led to the Council meeting at Jerusalem and the important lessons to derive from it.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this lesson are to:
- Explain who James was
- Identify the dispute that led to the Council meeting at Jerusalem
- Examine the process and procedure adopted by the Council
- Outline the decisions of the council and the lessons we learn
- Explain the effects of the decisions on the Church
BIBLE TRUTH:
Q1. WHO WAS JAMES, THE CHURCH LEADER?
Gal. 1:19; Matt. 4:21; 10:3; 13:55; 27:56; James 1:1
At least five persons were identified by the name of James in the New Testament. First is James the son of Zebedee and brother of John. This James was one of the early martyrs of the church. Secondly, we have James the son of Alphaeus, one of the twelve Apostles. Next, we have James, one of the four brothers of Jesus mentioned in the Scriptures. Another James is said to be the father (or brother) of Judas (or Thaddaeus). And final mention is made in Matt. 27:56, of James the brother is Joses whose mother was Mary the wife of Cleopas. However, the James that became the church leader in Jerusalem is generally considered to be the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19). It is widely accepted that he wrote the general epistle of James and was the resident Bishop of the church in Jerusalem.
Q2a. WHAT WAS THE CONTROVERSY THAT LEAD TO THE COUNCIL OF ELDERS AND APOSTLES IN JERUSALEM? Acts 15:1-3
The conversion of Gentiles brought some challenges to the early church, starting from Antioch. The question was whether or not gentile converts were to pass through the Judaistic rituals of circumcision and cleansing to become Christians. The debate was fierce and the disagreements were sharp, even among leaders. It was finally resolved that this question be referred to the Elders and Apostles in Jerusalem, the first headquarter of the church.
Q2b. WHAT PRINCIPLES WERE ADOPTED TO RESOLVE THE CONTROVERSY?
In resolving this controversy, the first strategy was to submit to higher authority, who were better placed in spirit and experience, to resolve doctrinal issues. The protagonists also exhibited matured patience with opposing views. The conduct of the meeting was orderly, speakers allowed to contribute freely and to share experiences. There was no threat of violence or rebellion. They did not resort to voting or casting lots, but depended on the convincing power of the Holy Spirit. There was a presiding officer who by the power of the Holy Spirit, aggregated all the views and came up with a God-inspired decision.
Q3a. WHAT WERE THE DECISIONS REACHED?
The decisions reached were a case of no victor, no vanquished. It was a win-win situation for the church. In taking cognizance of the operations of the Spirit of Grace, circumcision and ceremonial law were not imposed on gentile believers. But in practical conduct, idolatry and sexual immorality were to be abhorred by all eminent Elders were delegated along with Paul and Barnabas to relate the decisions to the brethren in Antioch, who were most traumatized by the strange doctrine.
Q3b. WHAT ARE THE SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES AMONG BELIEVERS? 1 Cor. 6:1; Rom. 12:10; Eph. 4:26
By scriptural standards, disputes are to be resolved in love and a sense of fraternity in Christ. Believers must be willing to discuss, forbear, concede fault and sincerely forgive offenses. There should be no room for mediation by unbelievers, we should not tarry long at malice or provocation, and we must allow for parties to express themselves before we pronounce a decision. Most importantly, we must keep eternity in view in all our decisions.
Q4. WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM THE LETTER TO THE GENTILE BELIEVERS? Acts 15:22-29
One of the lessons of the letter is the need to document important decisions of leadership. Next the language of the letter was conciliatory and soothing to both sides of the controversy. Furthermore, the letter was delivered by neutral hands who were eminent in the church. A commendation of those that will comply was used to enforce the letter, instead of a condemnation of those who will disobey it.
Q5. WHAT WAS THE EFFECT OF THE DECISIONS ON THE CHURCH?
Acts 15:31-35
Both the decisions and the letter had a tremendous effect on the church as Antioch in particular and the whole body of Christ in general. The decisions brought joy and consolation to the gentile believers as people of equal status before God. It restored pure and impartial fellowship which is a favorable condition for numerical growth. By the letter, the Elders and Apostles acquitted their consciences of guilt before God and refused to be distracted by rituals.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
Disputes and controversies are common occurrences whenever people gather or associate. The church is not immune to such occurrences, many a times, disputes are functions of restricted personal perspective or can be a product of zeal that has not been properly directed. The Council at Jerusalem was called to address a major doctrinal controversy. The way and manner the Council was conducted and decisions communicated teaches us a lot of lessons in today’s church James was the presiding Bishop at the meeting. His wisdom, sound judgment and administrative wisdom is worth emulating.
MEMORY VERSE:
Acts 15:31
“Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
Monday: Be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Gal.5:1
Tuesday: Saved
by grace through faith.
Eph.2:8
Wednesday: Don’t follow divers and strange doctrines.
Heb.13:9
Thursday: Set your affections on things above.
Col.3:2
Friday: A wise son maketh a glad father.
Prov.10:1
Saturday: Let brotherly love continue. Heb.13:1