Acts #44 - Limitations or Invitations?

Acts 15:22-35 (NIV)
Read by: Sarina Chatman

When you hear about ethical and moral boundaries, do you hear them as limitations or invitations?

Today’s episode of Daily Read picks up where yesterday’s passage left off. A council has gathered in Jerusalem to discern what to do about the growing number of Gentiles who are receiving the Holy Spirit and beginning to follow the way of Jesus. So far we’ve heard some say that they think the gentiles should be required to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses, while others have objected saying “we should not make it difficult for the gentiles who are turning to God.”

James speaks up and suggests three things to abstain from. For a more explanation listen to yesterday’s episode. The thing I wonder is, what do we typically hear when we hear rules and moral boundaries from the Bible. Do we think, here goes an ancient text telling us how to live in the modern world? Or do we think, these are the rules and if you don’t abide by them you’re done for? It’s not that simple, is it?

James suggests these regulations not out of a way to filter out people, but a way to help break down the barrier to them belonging. This is the bare minimum!, don't operate like the rest of the world. The people wanting circumcision and torah to be observed weren’t as interested in earning their salvation as is often said, they were concerned with the integrity of being set apart from the world and belonging as God’s people. The reality now is that that marking out and that belonging is centered on the Grace of Jesus and the Holy Spirit!

----------REFLECT----------

1. What is your initial reaction to this passage?

2. The people who gathered to hear this letter from the council received the message as encouraging. What would you find encouraging about the letter from the council, if you were to hear something like it read today?

3. Sometimes our relationship to rules causes us to mistake the good news of Jesus with the gospel of behaviour modification. We can believe that as long as we don’t do this or that then we’re good. Or on the other hand as long as we do this act of justice or say this thing the right way at the right time, somehow we’re in the right. Rather, how can you embrace the good news that Jesus invites you into as you are into a light of Righteousness and Justice?

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Bible Project: Acts 13-28 Overview >>

InterVarsity Press Selections: Acts >>

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