Part 5: “The Law and the Gospel” // Acts 15:1–21

Overview:

Acts 15 is not a chapter that is commonly used for sermons. It usually is not something we spend time on because it’s a long theological debate. But this debate teaches us at least four incredibly important things about the gospel itself. Truth matters because truth has consequences for how we live. Secondly, no other religion offers freedom from burdens like Christianity because Christ took on our burdens for us. Next, God uses community to reveal things to us and to teach us about him. Finally, unlike the sacrifices of the Old Testament, we are made pure by the work of Christ.

Summary:

After Paul and Barnabas complete their first missionary journey, the Gospel message begins to take greater root among the Gentiles. Subsequently, a religious faction among Jewish Christians arose, teaching that Gentile Christians must abide by the entire law of Moses in order to be welcomed into God’s family, including the sign of the Mosaic covenant: circumcision. As a result, Paul and Barnabas were brought “into sharp dispute and debate with them” (v. 2a). It became clear that the issue was so serious that a formal decision had to be taken by the church in Jerusalem; hence a team was sent under the leadership of Paul and Barnabas (v. 2b).

In this chapter, the Apostles convene a major gathering, known as the “Jerusalem Council,” to discuss the conditions of Gentile membership within the church. Without getting too deep into the weeds, the Mosaic law was divided into three sections:

(1) Ceremonial laws related to the Jewish Temple;

(2) Civic laws related to the national life of Israel; and

(3) Mosaic law concerning objective moral issues of right and wrong, like the Ten Commandments.

Because Gentiles are not required to worship in the Temple,

(1) does not apply; and because they do not live in Israel,

(2) does not apply. Peter’s argument (vv. 7–11) means that

(3) does not apply in the sense that neither Jew nor Gentile is required to meet the demands of the moral law in order to be saved, since we are saved by faith (v. 9b) through God’s grace.

Once the issue of whether there are OT requirements for salvation are settled, James brings up an important issue that impacts fellowship between Jewish and Gentile Christians. He urges Gentile Christians to abide by the Mosaic law concerning moral issues and, while in the presence of Jewish Christians, to respect Jewish dietary restrictions (vv. 20–21). Because Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Mt. 5:17), that means the purpose of the law was completed in Him, through His life death and resurrection. He brought Moses’ law to its intended completion and end. Paul says the same: “Christ is the end [Gr., telos, goal/purpose] of the law for righteousness” (Rom. 10:4). When we understand how Law and Gospel relate to one another, we gain a great appreciation for the purpose of the Mosaic law and can see Jesus’ Gospel of grace anew.

 

Key Passages:

  • Peter and Cornelius’ conversion

    • v. 7–11 Peter defends Paul and Barnabas’ missionary work

    • v. 9 “No distinction between us and them” means no Mosaic ritual ever provided salvation

  •  Jesus’ Brother, James, Leader of the Jerusalem church

    • v. 14–9 James argues that if God called the Israelites out from the nations, He can also call from within the nations a people for Himself

  •  How Jesus Fulfills the Law for us

    • The Mosaic law is not a mechanism for salvation and never was

    • Israelites were made into God’s people by God’s gracious covenant (Ex. 33–4), not by obedience to the law

    • NT authors expect this question and provide answers: Acts 15; Rom. 8:3, 10:4

 

Key Ideas:

We have all been asked, or may have even wondered ourselves, why Christians are not required to practice the entire Mosaic law. Whether in the form of shellfish, mixed clothing materials, or contemporary ‘hot button’ topics, we have likely encountered this inquiry before though we may not already know the answer. God’s providence in Acts presents this question and its answer in a direct and straightforward manner in this chapter. God’s moral law (the Ten Commandments) is timeless, applying to all people; the Civil law set Israelites apart from other nations; and the Ceremonial law is for religious sacrifices in the Temple.

  • Jesus fulfilled God’s moral laws, saving us regardless of how morally good or bad we may be;

  • Jesus fulfilled the Civil laws by expending God’s people from Jerusalem to every corner of the earth;

  • and Jesus fulfilled the Ceremonial law by being the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

    Because Christ completes the law for us, Christians are not bound to the Mosaic law. Just as important, NT authors urge us to continue abiding by God’s moral law throughout our lives, and to honor civil and ceremonial aspects in the presence of Jewish Christians who honor these laws themselves. But it is not obedience to these laws that save us any more than it was for the Israelites; just as it was back then, it is purely the grace of God given to us in the Gospel of Jesus’ saving work to redeem us.