Ep 421 – Acts 15:12-21

Things were moving at a rapid pace for the early church. God was doing incredible things and the Spirit of God was moving mightily, not only in Jerusalem, but around the world. And all this change was causing consternation for many in the church, especially those Jews who felt that Christianity was an extension of their Jewish faith. They could not fathom a religion that was anything but Jewish at its core, with circumcision and the Mosaic law as central tenets and non-negotiable requirements. But in Acts 15:12-21, Luke records the testimonies of Paul and Barnabas as they reported their efforts among the Gentiles. But their real focus was on what God had been doing. What had taken place among the Gentiles had clearly been the work of God, and not the result of men’s efforts. And what they had to say was going to have a dramatic impact on those who heard them, because it became clear that God was doing a new and different thing among them. Who were they to dictate to God the rules by which He was going to redeem mankind. They were walking on thin ice if they thought they could tell God how to accomplish His divine redemptive plan. Paul and Barnabas had simply walked in unity and rhythm with God, obediently and submissively doing His will His way. And the results spoke for themselves. Peoples’ lives had been radically changed. The Spirit had come and the light of the gospel had begun to permeate the darkness in which the Gentiles nations were trapped.