How can Acts 15:14 guide our approach to evangelism among diverse cultures? Setting the Scene: Acts 15:14 in Context “Simon has described how God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people for His name.” (Acts 15:14) • The Jerusalem Council wrestled with how Gentile believers fit into God’s plan. • Peter (“Simon”) testified that God had already shown His acceptance of Gentiles through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10–11). • James drew the theological conclusion: God Himself is gathering a multicultural people, and the church must join—not hinder—that work. Key Observations from Acts 15:14 • God initiates the mission (“God first visited”). • The target is “the Gentiles”—all ethnicities beyond Israel. • The goal is relational and worship-oriented: “to take from them a people for His name.” • The identity marker is God’s name, not cultural conformity to Judaism. Principles for Cross-Cultural Evangelism • God’s initiative assures success. Our task is to cooperate, not create the mission (Matthew 28:18-20). • Every culture is a potential harvest field; none are outside God’s invitation (Revelation 7:9). • Conversion forms a new people centered on God, not on adopting someone else’s cultural customs (Galatians 3:28). • Unity in diversity showcases God’s glory (Ephesians 3:10-11). Practical Steps to Embody These Principles 1. Start with God’s agenda – Pray for His direction; expect Him to open doors (Colossians 4:3). 2. Listen before you speak – Learn local stories, values, and struggles. – Identify “bridges” that point to the gospel (Acts 17:22-23). 3. Present the unchanging message in culturally clear ways – Use heart-language Scripture translations. – Employ familiar illustrations without altering core doctrine (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). 4. Avoid cultural imperialism – Distinguish between biblical mandates and personal preferences. – Encourage indigenous worship expressions that honor Christ. 5. Disciple toward allegiance to Jesus – Teach obedience to Scripture above all traditions (John 14:15). – Form local leadership early (Titus 1:5). 6. Celebrate diversity in the body – Share testimonies across cultures. – Gather for combined worship when possible to illustrate kingdom unity. Supporting Scriptural Echoes • Isaiah 49:6—God’s Servant is “a light for the nations.” • Romans 15:7—“Accept one another…to the glory of God.” • 1 Peter 2:9—Believers are “a people for His own possession.” These passages reinforce that God’s redemptive plan has always been multiethnic. Final Encouragement Acts 15:14 reminds us that evangelism among diverse cultures is God-initiated, Christ-centered, and Spirit-empowered. When we join Him in gathering “a people for His name,” we reflect heaven on earth and honor the Savior who died for every tribe and tongue. |
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