Search
Scripture Reading: Acts 15:1-35
Prayer: Lord, we look unto You to show us more truth with the shining of Your light. Lord, bring us out of our darkness and into Your light. In Your light we see light. Thank You that we are in Your sanctuary, the place of Your speaking and shining. Lord, cover us with Your prevailing blood. Under this covering we claim Your full anointing. Lord, we have no trust in ourselves but trust instead in Your mercy, presence, and speaking.
We need to see something further concerning God’s administration. Acts 15 contains a unique record in the New Testament of a conference of apostles and elders. According to this record, there was no human head, authority, or “king.” Verses 1 through 35 say,
Certain men came down from Judea [to Antioch] and began to teach the brothers, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. And when no little dissension and discussion with them came about through Paul and Barnabas, the brothers directed Paul and Barnabas and certain others among them to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem concerning this question. They therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, telling in detail about the turning of the Gentiles; and they brought great joy to all the brothers. And when they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared the things that God had done with them. But certain men from the sect of the Pharisees who had believed rose up from among them, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them and to charge them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter. And when much discussion had taken place, Peter rose up and said to them, Men, brothers, you know that from the early days God chose from among you that through my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, the Knower of hearts, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit even as also to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Therefore why are you now testing God by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus we are saved in the same way also as they are. And all the multitude became silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul relating all the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. And when they finished speaking, James answered, saying, Men, brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles to take out from them a people for His name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, even as it is written, “After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen; and I will rebuild its ruins and erect it again, so that the remainder of men may seek out the Lord, even all the Gentiles upon whom My name has been called, says the Lord, who is making these things known from of old.” Therefore I judge that we do not harass those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from the contaminations of idols and fornication and what is strangled and blood. For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who proclaim him in the synagogues, he being read every Sabbath. It then seemed good to the apostles and the elders with the whole church to choose men from among them to send to Antioch together with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, who is called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, writing to them and sending by their hand the following: The apostles and the elder brothers, to the brothers throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are of the Gentiles, rejoice. Since we have heard that certain ones who went out from among us have troubled you with their words, unsettling your souls, to whom we gave no instruction, it seemed good to us, having become of one accord, to choose men to send to you together with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will 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: to abstain from things that have been sacrificed to idols and blood and things strangled and fornication, from which if you carefully keep yourselves, you will do well. May you be strong. So when they had been sent away, they went down to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they handed them the letter. And when they read it, they rejoiced at the encouragement. And Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, exhorted the brothers through much speaking and confirmed them. And when they had spent some time there, they were sent away with peace from the brothers to those who had sent them. But it seemed good to Silas to remain there. And Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and announcing the word of the Lord as the gospel with many others also.
Acts 15 reveals a few basic principles in God’s administration. First, the record in this chapter shows us that in the early days among the churches there was no head church. Many Christians believe that Jerusalem was the early headquarters of the church, controlling and giving orders to the other churches. However, in Acts 15 we can see that this was not so because the decision was not made by the church in Jerusalem.
The second principle revealed in Acts 15 is that no church should make a decision by itself. The problem arose in the church in Antioch when some came and taught that the Gentile believers had to be circumcised according to the Old Testament law. This was absolutely against the truth of the gospel. Because Paul, who was the apostle to the Gentiles, and Barnabas could not tolerate this false teaching, they brought about much “dissension and discussion” (v. 2). However, neither they nor the church in Antioch made a decision concerning this matter, because they did not assume that they had the authority to do so. Paul did not presume that he was a king to make the final decision or give orders to others.
Paul, Peter, and James were among those who gathered in Jerusalem. These ones are considered to be great names in church history. However, according to Acts 15, they conducted themselves merely as brothers. Peter and James addressed the others as “brothers” (vv. 7, 13). This indicates that they did not presume that they had a higher position than others. We need to read Acts 15 several times in order to get into the spirit of this chapter and see what kind of atmosphere there was at that time. The atmosphere indicates that there was no human authority or head.
As a principle in God’s administration, no single local church should presume to make a decision regarding the truth or in other matters affecting the other churches without fellowship. Accordingly, the church in Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem. Although Paul and Barnabas were apostles, they did not decide to go on their own. Instead, they were directed to go by the brothers (v. 2). This word is repeated in verse 3, which says, “Having been sent forward by the church.” Paul and Barnabas being sent forward by the church indicates that the church was higher than they were. At most, they were representatives of the church. Not only were Paul and Barnabas sent, but “certain others” were sent also (v. 2). This indicates that Paul and Barnabas were not “kings.” The record in Acts 15 shows that no human being presumed to be a head or authority above others.
The third principle revealed in Acts 15 is that not only the apostles but also the elders represented the churches. This chapter describes a conference of apostles and elders. No one attended the conference as a prophet because the prophets do not represent the churches. The apostles and the elders were included because in God’s administration the apostles represent the universal church, and the elders represent their respective local churches.
The fourth principle revealed in Acts 15 concerns the head of a conference of apostles and elders. It is difficult to say who was presiding over this conference. It seems that James gave the concluding, deciding word, but no one gave an opening word. Verse 7 shows that this conference opened with “much discussion.” We do not know who began the discussion, but it must have lasted a long time. After the discussion Peter rose up and spoke regarding his experience. No one can argue with history. Peter told the brothers what he had seen and personally experienced. There was no disagreement that God had visited and saved many Gentiles. In verse 9 Peter said that God made no distinction between the Jews and the Gentiles and that because God had cleansed the Gentiles’ hearts by faith, there was no need for them to be circumcised. After Peter’s testimony the others were silent because they were convinced (v. 12a).
Verse 12b says, “They listened to Barnabas and Paul relating all the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.” When Paul and Barnabas are mentioned in chapter 15, sometimes Paul is listed first, but other times Barnabas is listed first. In verse 12 Barnabas is first. There is some significance here. It appears that there is a shift in Acts 13. In the first part of chapter 13 and earlier, Barnabas’s name is always recorded first (11:30; 12:25; 13:2, 7). Then in the middle of chapter 13 Paul begins to be mentioned first (vv. 42-43, 46, 50; 15:2, 22). However, this does not mean that after Acts 13 Paul always took the lead (14:14). Acts 15 twice mentions Barnabas first in important circumstances (vv. 12, 25). In inspiring the writing of the Holy Scriptures, the Spirit indicated that there is no fixed leadership. One brother takes the lead today, but another brother may take the lead tomorrow. We must see that Paul was not always the leading one.
Barnabas and Paul also testified according to their personal history and experience, telling the others how God had done signs and wonders among the Gentiles through them, and then held their peace. After the testimonies of Peter, Barnabas, and Paul, the whole company was silenced. It is possible to argue concerning doctrines, opinions, and ideas, but no one can argue with historical facts. Therefore, there was no more discussion. However, they did not make a decision by voting. Instead, James said, “Men, brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles to take out from them a people for His name. And with this the words of the prophets agree” (vv. 13-15). Then he quoted some prophecies from the Old Testament to show that what Peter, Barnabas, and Paul had testified agreed with the word of the prophets. After much discussion and a few testimonies, James, a brother who knew the Scriptures, quoted from God’s Word to confirm the testimonies.
The account in Acts 15 is quite valuable because it allows us to see that there was discussion among the early apostles and elders. It is wrong to think that we need to avoid discussion in order to be spiritual. Only when a king is present can there be no discussion. Every meeting of the elders should include much discussion. This is scriptural. We should discuss, but no one should insist on anything. We need to be fully open. No one should merely be a yes man, agreeing with whatever is said regardless of his true feeling, because we all have been born again, love the Lord, and have Christ living within us. We also have a spirit and can exercise discernment. Much discussion took place in the presence of Peter, James, and Paul. These three were not kings, because their presence did not silence the others. The kingship was fully preserved for God. The only King is God, and we are all His subjects. We should never say that no one else should speak when a certain brother is present. This is a wrong concept and an insult to the headship of Christ.
The conference in Acts 15 progressed from discussion to testimonies and then to confirmation from God’s Word. This is the right way in God’s administration to reach a decision regarding problems among the churches. There should be no human authority. After James quoted the Word of God, he must have received authorization from the Lord, because he boldly said, “Therefore I judge that we do not harass those from the Gentiles who are turning to God” (v. 19). James received and transmitted the King’s decree.
This also shows us that we should not make decisions according to our experience alone. There must be confirmation from the holy Word. Any experience that cannot be confirmed by the Word should not be a deciding factor. The final factor of any decision must be the holy Word. Peter did not have the boldness to make a decision based solely on his experience, nor did Barnabas or Paul. Only after hearing the testimonies and finding confirmation in the Word of God did James utter a judgment. The authority was not with James but with the word he quoted from the Holy Scriptures. Because James found confirmation in the Word, he did not make a humble suggestion but spoke with authority. We can see the wisdom of James in his closing word. The judgment he spoke was according to the holy Word and corresponded with the testimonies of the experienced ones. This decision covered all the necessary aspects and met all the needs. We need to learn all these things.
Verse 22 says, “It then seemed good to the apostles and the elders with the whole church.” This wonderful record shows that although the conference was a gathering of apostles and elders, the decision was made with the whole church. The apostles and the elders considered that what they decided should be acceptable to the whole church.
Verse 28 says, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.” This shows that it was the Holy Spirit who was presiding over the conference. The decision was made by this presiding One, the Holy Spirit as the presence of the King. However, just as the apostles and elders made the decision with the church, so also the Holy Spirit made the decision with the apostles and elders. This is the right way. We must have the assurance that every decision in the church is made by the Holy Spirit with us.
We need to learn from this example. The fellowship of the apostles and elders should be open to all the saints and all the churches. Nothing should be hidden. Only false ones try to conceal what they are doing and are afraid to have fellowship. Every elder should feel free to open any matter in fellowship. The church must be crystal clear, transparent. The elders must learn to keep everything open, allowing the brothers to discuss everything. We should not hide or conceal anything. This principle applies not only to the elders but also to the local churches. No church should conceal anything from the other churches. A church should never do something secretly for fear that the other churches would not agree with it. The elders in a local church should present the major problems they are facing to the elders of the other churches to seek their feeling. Discussion is necessary because it helps us to find the truth and receive the light.
Nothing should be hidden or concealed among the churches because no church has the authority by itself to make decisions affecting the other churches. The church in Antioch did not claim to have the authority to make the decision because Paul was there. To do so would have made Paul the king, but there was no human king. We must learn this. We cannot say that a particular local church can make a decision affecting the other churches without fellowship. Of course, the local elders can make decisions concerning the local administration, but even locally no elder can make a decision by himself or rule over the other elders. Everything that a local church does must be made open to all the elders. The elders should discuss everything. We must keep this principle. No elder should think that he can give orders to the other elders because he is more capable than they are. To do so would make him a king and thereby insult the headship of Christ. An elder should simply present a matter in an open way to all the other elders. There should be much discussion, testimonies regarding the historical facts, and confirmation from the holy Word. This way allows the indwelling Spirit to speak to us. As a result, whatever the eventual decision may be, we will have the full assurance that it seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us (v. 28).
There is no earthly king among us, because our King is Christ our Head. If we keep this principle, we will have the Lord’s blessing. When the church is normal, the blessing comes. We all must honor the headship of Christ so that He will bestow His blessing on us.
The wonderful, unique record in Acts 15 shows us the proper headship and leadership. All the apostles and elders, including Peter, James, and Paul, honored the headship of Christ. None of these “great” men dared to assume or presume anything. In all that they said and did, each one conducted himself not as a leader or head but as a brother. Similarly, no local church considered itself to be higher than others. After the church in Antioch sent Paul, Barnabas, and others to Jerusalem to resolve the problem, the church in Jerusalem wrote a warm letter to Antioch. Acts 15:23 says, “Writing to them and sending by their hand the following: The apostles and the elder brothers, to the brothers throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are of the Gentiles, rejoice.” This letter shows no signs that the church in Jerusalem considered itself to be higher than the other churches. All the churches were equal in the one Body.
The record in Acts 15 is beautiful because it shows that among the saints and among the churches, there was only one Head. There was no human headship, leadership, or presumption. We all must learn not to assume or presume anything. We must conduct ourselves as brothers, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to us. In this way we honor the headship of Christ and can have the full assurance that the blessing will be transmitted from the Head to the Body.
This is not only a matter of doctrine but also of truth and light. We must learn the truth and be enlightened so that we may see the real situation. All the churches, co-workers, elders, and saints should keep these principles, not daring to assume or presume to be anything but honoring the headship of Christ, the unique King, who is present as the Holy Spirit. We must be open to Him.
The Holy Spirit made the decision in Acts 15 in the principle of incarnation — in and with humanity. The principle of incarnation can be seen throughout the chapter. The decision was apparently made by the apostles and elders, but it was actually made by the Holy Spirit with them. This is the principle of incarnation. We need to learn to discuss, testify concerning the historical facts, and find the confirmation in the Word. Then the Holy Spirit will guide us to the proper decision. This is the proper way to maintain God’s administration while honoring and respecting the unique headship of Christ.
We must learn not to hide anything or do anything independently but to open everything for discussion. However, we also must learn to discuss without losing our temper. This is not easy. In the early years of my service in the church, I learned much concerning this point. For the first few years that I served, I did not say much in the way of discussion because I did not have the assurance that I could control my temper. I knew that I should participate in the discussions, but I also realized that I was not qualified, because my temper was not dealt with. I repented to the Lord for not being purified from my temper so that I could be used by Him. I also confessed to the brothers the reason for my silence. Eventually, I learned to discuss without losing my temper.
We should not insist when we are in a discussion with the brothers. To insist is a sign that we are ruled by our temper. Acts 15 records that there was much discussion, but we also know that there was no insisting, because verse 25 says that they became of one accord. To avoid insisting is not easy. As long as we are natural, have a temper, and are in our self, we will insist on our opinion. To discuss in a proper way is quite difficult; it requires many lessons of the cross. If we do not learn these lessons, our discussions will become battles. Nevertheless, we need to have much discussion. We should not excuse our silence by saying that we want to keep the oneness when actually we dare not speak because we are weak in the spirit and not yet free from our temper.
The apostles and elders in Acts 15 had all learned much through many spiritual experiences. Therefore, they were qualified to participate in the discussion, and they did so without losing their temper. Because they discussed without insisting, they were able to accept the final decision even if the decision went against their initial opinion. It is not easy to not be offended when what we say in a discussion is set aside. Nevertheless, we must learn to discuss without losing our temper, insisting, or being offended. In the affairs of government, people often play politics in order to avoid offending others or to save face. However, in Acts 15 there was no offending, no saving of face, and no playing of politics. The brothers were open and genuine.
It is quite difficult to put the normal and proper principles in Acts 15 into practice. In order to perform an operation, a surgeon must be qualified, and he and his instruments must be sterilized, purified; otherwise, he will introduce germs into his patient and make the patient sicker. Similarly, in order to participate in the fellowship of the co-workers and elders, we must be qualified and purified. When we try to put the principles in Acts 15 into practice, we will find that we are not qualified or prepared if we have not learned the lessons of the cross and have not been purified or thoroughly dealt with. Our participation in a discussion will become a problem. If we are offended in a discussion, this indicates that we are in the flesh. If we are not in the flesh, we will not care to save our face or be concerned about whether others respect us. To be overly concerned about politeness is actually to play politics for the sake of the flesh, but the flesh has no place in the meetings of the co-workers and elders. The example of Acts 15 can be practiced only by those who have learned the lessons of the cross. Because the early apostles and elders had adequately learned the lessons of the cross, they were qualified to have such a discussion. They participated in the discussion because they felt that they had something to say, but they did so without insisting or losing their temper. As a result, their discussion ended not in offense but in one accord (v. 25). Therefore, especially among the co-workers and elders there is the need to learn many lessons of the cross.
