The Jerusalem Council: Applying the Torah to Gentiles

Today’s message from Matthew Vander Els dives deep into the events of the Jerusalem Council as recounted in Acts 15. This council, comprised of Jewish apostles and elders, addressed a crucial question of the early church: Should Gentile believers be circumcised and adhere to the Law of Moses? The discussion unfolded in response to certain Pharisees’ insistence on this necessity, particularly the requirement of circumcision before keeping the Torah.

Main Points of the Teaching

The apostles decided that instead of requiring physical circumcision, Gentile believers should adhere to four specific commandments found in the Torah:

• Abstain from things polluted by idols.
• Abstain from sexual immorality.
• Abstain from strangled animals.
• Abstain from consuming blood.

These instructions are rooted in the Law of Moses, specifically from Leviticus 17-18, which highlights that they are not merely arbitrary but follow a biblical precedent for both Israelites and foreigners living among them. This challenges the common interpretation that the apostles intended to dismiss the Torah for Gentile followers.

Debating the Common Interpretation

The common view suggests that Acts 15 signifies a rejection of the Torah for Gentile believers. However, Vander Els challenges this by exploring the implications of the apostles’ decisions. The four commandments presented were not the complete set of expectations but a starting point for Torah observance.

The belief that both uncircumcised Jews and Gentiles should observe some Torah commandments is supported by broader biblical context. Historically, Jews like Ananias, mentioned by Josephus, contended that circumcision wasn’t necessary for Gentiles eager to follow the God of Israel, aligning with the apostles’ decision to not enforce circumcision upon Gentiles.

Peter’s Argument and James’ Conclusion

Peter argued before the council that God had already accepted Gentiles without circumcision, as witnessed by their receipt of the Holy Spirit. James supported this by referencing Amos 9:11-12, which foresaw the inclusion of the Gentiles. Consequently, the council rejected the Pharisees’ proposal, opting instead for the aforementioned four commandments.

The apostles’ stance was clear: circumcision wasn’t necessary for Gentiles to be included among God’s people. Their decision was twofold: Gentiles must comply with these initial prohibitions and learn more about the Torah over time as they attended synagogues where Moses was preached every Sabbath (Acts 15:21).

Implications and Practical Takeaways

Acts 15 presents a model for inclusion within the faith community, affirmed through these commandments. Gentile believers were expected to gradually adopt more of the Torah’s teachings over time, facilitated by their attendance in synagogues.

Today’s believers can glean several practical lessons from this:

• Avoid sexual immorality, idolatry, and dietary prohibitions outlined by the apostles.
• Adopt a biblical standard, as the apostles did, by applying the Torah appropriately to life.
• Embrace inclusion before expecting complete conformity to every detail of biblical teaching. Meeting people where they are is crucial for effective discipleship.

Vander Els emphasizes that inclusion must come before expecting perfection. This approach mirrors how the apostles welcomed Gentiles into the community, allowing for a journey of learning and growth in adherence to the Torah.

Final Reflection

The central takeaway from the Jerusalem Council’s decision is the ongoing relevance and applicability of God’s word. It is a reminder that our task is to understand and rightly apply the scripture without adding or taking away from it.

For more Bible Teachings, click here.

Bible Verses Referenced

• Acts 15
• Matthew 28:20
• Matthew 5:17-20
• Ephesians 6
• Romans 13
• Romans 8:4
• Leviticus 17-18
• Exodus 12:48
• Genesis 17:12

Recommended Books & Resources

• The New Testament in Its World by N.T. Wright
• The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
• Torah Matters by Benjamin Frostad