ACTS 15 - GRACE WINS

 

Acts 15

 shows how the early church dealt with a major conflict about salvation and grace.

 V 1–5 the issue about legalism versus grace – every church encounters this issue when legalism tried to creep into the church – some men from Judea who were Jewish Christians – (messianic Jews) – they blend Jewish traditions with Christian beliefs. They insisted that to be saved they need to be circumcised.

A foundational issue – salvation by grace alone or by keeping the law.
--- we must learn from this, that when traditions threaten truth, the church must return to the Gospel, to the Word. Indeed, the church must always be bible based.

v6-12 – To solve the issue the church council (elders and leaders) gathered and Peter reminds them of how God gave the Holy Spirit to the gentiles before they were circumcised – proving grace comes first and grace breaks barriers that the law could never bridge.

Even Paul and Barnabas testified how God performed miracles among the Gentiles confirming that the Lord has accepted them as His own.  They emphasized that the gospel changed the life of the Gentiles and the power of the Holy Spirit working in the Gentiles proves the authenticity of the gospel because where grace works, transformation follows.

v 13-21 – James’ wisdom and the final decision – the church must uphold the TRUTH (salvation by grace) and love. Grace saves us and love guides how we live with others.

 

V 22-35 – then the church sent out a letter to the Gentile believers, confirming they don’t need to be circumcised to be saved that brought – clarity, unity, harmony. Indeed, clarity brings peace and truth unites when handled with humility.

THE APOSTLES MODELED WISE, SPIRIT-LED DISCERNMENT, NOT AUTHORITARIAN CONTROL. TRUE LEADERSHIP LISTENS BEFORE DECIDING. It shows that the Church must stand on truth, walk in love, and listen to the Spirit to remain united.

“A true church is not built on rules, but on relationship — with Christ and with one another.”

Let us pray:

Lord,
Thank You for saving me by Your grace alone.
Forgive me when I try to earn what You have freely given.
Teach me to walk in the freedom of Your Spirit, yet in love toward others.
Help Your Church to stand firm in truth and remain united in purpose.
May every dispute lead us back to Your Word and Your heart.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.