Mass Gentile conversions created serious stress in the early church. Jewish Christians accepted the conversion of Cornelius, but did not consider implications. Now some believers from Jerusalem travel to Gentile churches teaching it is necessary to become a Jew in order to be a true Christian and be saved (15:1). Paul and Barnabas dispute this teaching and soon head a delegation to Jerusalem to “see the apostles and elders about this question” (vv. 2–5). There the church holds its first general council. After much discussion and prayer, a consensus is reached and is stated by James (vv. 6–13). Scripture foretells a day when Gentiles as Jews will bear God’s name (vv. 14–18). They should be free then to turn to God as Gentiles, without unnecessary hindrances (vv. 19–21). This conclusion is made official in a letter circulated to Gentile churches, where it is received with joy (vv. 22–35).
The church has resolved a major theological dispute harmoniously. Yet Paul and Barnabas find themselves entangled in a bitter personal dispute—which they do not resolve (vv. 36–41). Key verse. 15:19: No hindrances. Personal application. When you witness make the Gospel the only issue. Richards, L. O. (1991; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.) (722). Wheaton: Victor Books.
If you recall the over arching metanarrative that we borrowed from Ken Easley pertaining to the summary of all of scripture is that "the Lord God through his Christ is graciously building a kingdom of redeemed people for their joy and for his own glory." If you ask Dr. Easley he would profoundly state that God's glory is the highest good, he would agree with the apostle Paul and say, "whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).
With that in mind you might imagine that the words "a people for His name," might catch my attention. Especially since you and I fall into those coming from the Gentiles. Check out this passage in Acts.
Act 15:12-18 Then the whole assembly fell silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul describing all the signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they stopped speaking, James responded: “Brothers, listen to me! 14 Simeon has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for His name. 15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
16 After these things I will return
and will rebuild David’s tent, which has fallen down.
I will rebuild its ruins and will set it up again,
17 so that those who are left of mankind may seek the Lord—
even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
says the Lord who does these things,
18 which have been known from long ago.
It is important for us, the called, to remember that it is for HIS name sake, it is for HIS glory...HE is the highest good, humanity is not the center of the universe...God was, is, and will always be!
Ps 23:3--He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
Ps 148:13--Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven.
Acts 5:41--So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Acts 15:14--“Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name.
Rom 1:5--through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake,
1 John 2:12--I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake.
Isaiah 43:7 Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.”
Isaiah 48:9-11 I will delay My anger for the honor of My name, and I will restrain Myself for your benefit and ⌊for⌋ My praise, so that you will not be destroyed. 10 Look, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. 11 I will act for My own sake, indeed, My own, for how can I be defiled? I will not give My glory to another.
Actually this is very good news! How is that you say? I know that God will do mighty things for HIS glory and for HIS great name...HE will not allow HIS name to be defiled! Since I belong to HIM and HIS name is at stake in my care I have absolute confidence that HIS grace power and might will bring me through!
John 17:9-11 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world but for those You have given Me, because they are Yours. 10 All My things are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I have been glorified in them. 11 I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by Your name that You have given Me, so that they may be one as We are one.
Jn 10:27-31 My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish —ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.” 31 Again the Jews picked up rocks to stone Him.
As Jesus went to the Cross, you and I were on HIS heart and mind...indeed, HE came to seek and to save that which was lost...BUT HE DID NOT THINK OF US ABOVE ALL! ABOVE ALL HE WENT TO THE CROSS TO DISPLAY THE GLORY OF THE TRIUNE GOD! HE WILL NOT SHARE HIS GLORY WITH ANOTHER!
love,
m