v1 The Judeans question whether the uncircumcised can be saved.
v2 Paul and Barnabas had a big dispute with them. So, it was determined that they should go to the apostles and the elders about the question. APOSTLES AND ELDERS
v5 The Pharisees who believed “rose up” saying it was necessary for circumcision and to keep the law of Moses.
Even in believers we find the religious spirit.
v6 The apostles and elders met to decide.
v7 Peter rises up to speak. He is the leader.
v8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them (the Gentiles who were saved) by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,
v9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
They went back to what God was doing for the answer.
Hearts get purified by faith.
v11 It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ not the works of the law and tradition that we are saved.
v12 Paul and Barnabas give testimony to the miracles of God. Now, they go to God’s release of power for confirmation. “A testimony of two witnesses…”
v13 Then James refers back to scripture in the OT to show what the Word says.
v19-20 James’ conclusion is that they shouldnt trouble those who are turning to God. Rather, they should write to them to abstain from those things POLLUTED BY IDOLS, FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY, FROM THINGS STRANGLED AND FROM BLOOD.
v25 The group spoke out as one accord. They also sent folks from them to Antioch to verify what the verdict was. Judas and Silas were sent.
v29 They reiterate again to restrain from idols, blood, strangled things and sexual immorality.
v30 The letter was read to the “multitude” in Antioch. Everyone heard the verdict.
v31 The result was encouragement for the whole group.
1) They went to the apostles and elders for counsel.
2) The A’s & E’s looked at:
a) what God was doing overall
b) the testimony of witnesses to what God was doing there
c) the Word and what God says on the matter
3 ) Peter proclaims. James confirms and adds.
4) The group agrees and sends witnesses to the originators to testify that the verdict is true.
5) The entire group hears the verdict and is encouraged.
v32 Judas and Silas prophesied over them (exhorting and strengthening the brethren with many words).
The stage gets set for conflict. Is this God orchestrating events? Is this attack by the enemy after such a great victory against the spirit of religion?
v33-39 After they stayed there a while, Paul wants to leave. Silas had decided to stay (It seemed good to him). Barnabas wants to bring Mark. Paul insists that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. Is Paul unforgiving here? He appears to have a hard heart towards Mark.
v39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.
v40 But Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.
v41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches.