The Jerusalem Council: Applying the Torah to Gentiles

Introduction to Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council

The sermon delivered at Founded in Truth Fellowship explores the pivotal narrative of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. The speaker delves into the controversial question addressed by this council: “Is it necessary to circumcise Gentile believers and order them to keep the law of Moses?” This question, presented by some Pharisees, was debated among the apostles and elders, leading to a decision that would shape the early Christian community.

Four Commandments for Gentile Believers

Acts 15 reveals the apostles’ decision that Gentile believers must follow four specific commandments: abstain from things polluted by idols, avoid sexual immorality, refrain from consuming strangled animals, and abstain from blood. These rules, derived from Leviticus 17-18, demonstrate that the apostles expected Gentile followers of Yeshua to start with these basic tenets of Torah observance.

Challenging Common Interpretations

A major part of the sermon challenges the interpretation that Acts 15 represents a rejection of the Law of Moses for Gentiles. Instead, the decision is seen as a starting point for Gentiles to grow in Torah observance over time. This approach refutes the notion that the apostles discarded the Torah’s relevance for Gentiles, suggesting instead that the apostles imposed these commandments as a foundation, intending that Gentiles would learn more as they heard the Torah preached in synagogues every Sabbath.

Contextualizing the Debate

To understand the Jerusalem Council’s decision, the sermon refers to the broader biblical context and Jewish history. Comparisons are drawn with the story of King Azates and his Jewish advisor Ananias, as described by first-century historian Josephus. This historical account reflects similar debates about circumcision and Torah observance for Gentiles, showing that differing views existed even within early Jewish communities.

Tying Circumcision to Torah Observance

The sermon examines the Torah’s instructions on circumcision, notably distinguishing between passages relevant only to Israelites and those applicable to Gentiles. Exodus 12:48 is identified as the only passage concerning adult Gentile circumcision, which applies specifically to partaking in the Passover sacrifice. This distinction supports the notion that Gentiles were welcomed into the community without mandatory circumcision, contrary to some first-century Jewish beliefs.

Implications for Gentile Inclusion

The results of the Jerusalem Council, as described in Acts 15, highlight the apostles’ approach to inclusion and discipleship. Rather than imposing circumcision, the apostles provided the four commandments as a basis for fellowship, allowing Gentiles to integrate into the community and gradually adopt further Torah observance. The weekly reading of Moses in synagogues served as a tool for ongoing discipleship and learning.

Takeaways and Life Applications

• Recognize the importance of starting with foundational teachings in discipleship, as seen in the apostles’ decision to impose four key commandments on Gentile believers.
• Acknowledge the ongoing relevance of the Torah for all believers, encouraging personal growth in understanding and applying its teachings.
• Understand that inclusion in the faith community should precede expecting complete conformity to all aspects of biblical teaching, allowing for growth over time.
• Embrace the biblical standard upheld by the apostles, aiming to align personal faith practices with scriptural teachings rather than subjective preferences.

Conclusion: The Apostolic Standard

The message concludes with a call to adhere to the biblical standard set by the apostles, emphasizing the relevance and application of God’s Word. Inclusion in the community should be prioritized to facilitate discipleship, allowing new believers to grow in their faith through continued engagement with scripture. The speaker encourages listeners to study, understand, and correctly apply the teachings of the Torah as part of their faith journey.

Bible Verses Referenced

• Acts 15
• Matthew 28:20
• Matthew 5:17-20
• Ephesians 6
• Romans 13
• Romans 8
• Exodus 12:48
• Leviticus 12:3
• Leviticus 17
• Leviticus 18

Recommended Resources

• The New Testament and the People of God by N.T. Wright
• Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
• The Bible Project by Tim Mackie

For more Bible Teachings, click here.