FRIDAY August 4, 2023
Final Decision Implemented
We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
Acts 15:27-29
The Apostle James completed his letter and sent, not only Paul and Barnabas, but they added Judas and Silas to the company. They took the journey together to make sure the church in Antioch understood that their decision was made by the entire council in Jerusalem. This was not a decision made by just Paul and Barnabas. Judas and Silas were in on the meeting and could attest to all that was said and agreed upon.
The Church leaders wanted the council’s decision to be made known in Antioch. The truth had to be spread all over the place. Salvation was secured by faith––by believing in Christ––not by the keeping the Law. Their decision needed to be implemented in the churches. Notice, they were in complete agreement with the Holy Spirit. The Gentiles could be free!
When all the men arrived in Antioch, they gathered the people and read to them the Jerusalem council’s decision. It was such an encouragement and a relief to them! Then Judas and Silas––using their spiritual gifts of prophecy, exhortation, comfort and edification––built up the believers in the faith. They remained in Antioch to teach the Word of God along with Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:30-35).
Biblical community, then, incorporates this idea of an active partnership in the promotion of the gospel and the building up of believers.
~Jerry Bridges~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
