Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Acts 15:5-19.
As readers and hearers of these verses, we have the advantages of being over 2000 years past this debate and being somewhat removed from their concerns. It is as if we are in the gallery and can so easily see the solution even before James speaks! God’s grace through Christ is enough!
For a moment, let’s walk in the shoes of the believing Pharisees. They had heard that the Gentiles in Antioch were being baptized and welcomed into the fellowship without circumcision. Speaking for the church, this group said: "You cannot be saved unless you are circumcised." They thought you could not be a Christian unless you first became a Jew and if you didn’t accept the law, Christ wouldn’t accept you!
Peter responds in verses 9-11, “He (God) did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” During biblical times, the surgery of circumcision past early infancy could be life-threatening!
James’s words, quoting the prophets Amos and Isaiah, are a welcome balm of assurance of God’s grace for all people. James offers clarity for what is right and possible for the new believing Gentiles to change from their old ways to the new ways of following Christ.
Personal Worship Option:
Can we see as easily how God’s grace is at work in the lives of people beyond our comfort zone? Open our eyes, Lord. Amen.
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