---

I. A DEPUTATION FROM THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH AND A FULL DISCUSSION OF THE SUBJECT AT A GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH (vers. 4, etc.)(1) It was a general synod, not a mere meeting of the apostles and elders. It is not necessary to believe that every Church member was present, but that all were represented.

(2) It was a popular assembly. Notice —

1. The speech of Peter. It is noteworthy that there is no assumption of superiority on Peter's part. He speaks only as one of their number, strongly, but with deference to the common judgment. He shows that Jewish ritualism was —

(1) Unnecessary. He quotes his own experience in proof of this, and states that his ministry to the Gentiles was —

(a)  By the appointment of God. "God made choice among us."

(b)  Divinely sanctioned. "Giving them the Holy Ghost."

(c)  Productive of the same spiritual results. "Put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith." This work the gospel effects as well without Jewish ritualism as with it, and achieves it in connection with faith and the agency of the Holy Ghost.

(2) Inexpedient (ver. 10).

(a)  Ritualism is an intolerable yoke.

(b)  Men, by their bigoted conduct, may tempt God to put this yoke upon people. Were England to renounce her Protestantism, she would tempt God to put the yoke of Popery upon this country.

(3) Contrary to his faith (ver. 11). This is the last speech we have of Peter. Adieu, great apostle!

2. The speech of James. The speech of Peter produced such a deep impression, that, amidst breathless "silence," Barnabas and Paul arose. Their speeches are not recorded; only so much is said about them as to show that they were historic. But the speech of James is given. He was chairman, summed up the matter, and gave his judgment. He accepts the position of Peter, and supports it by a prophetic quotation, which points to a great restoration —

(1)  Among the Jewish people. The building up of that which was in ruins.

(2)  That would lead the Gentiles to seek after the Lord.

(3)  Effected by that God who sees the end from the beginning.

3. The decision contained four prohibitions. Against —

(1)  Food which had been offered to idols.

(2)  "Fornication" — mentioned in connection with idolatry, because horrible licentiousness mingled with the devotions of those heathens.

(3)  "Things strangled" — things held in abomination among the Jews, and in high esteem among the heathens.

(4)  "Blood" (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 10:14; Deuteronomy 12:23; 1 Samuel 14:34).

II. A DEPUTATION BACK TO ANTIOCH WITH THE RESULTS OF THE DELIBERATION (vers. 22, etc.)The apostolic letter may be regarded —

1. As a homage to the right of private judgment. It is not an enactment enforced by penalties, nor a mere moral appeal addressed to a corporate body; it is directed to the judgment of every member of the Church in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. The questions at issue were vital to every man, and to every man appeal is made. The whole Bible recognises this right.

2. As a condemnation of ecclesiastical decrees. Its benign and tender spirit, touching references, popular and advisory features, are in striking contrast to the deliverances of later councils. Little men, who claim to be the successors of these apostles, have issued decrees whose arrogance and intolerance insult the Christian name.

3. As a charter of the Church's liberties. With this letter issuing from the great council of the mother Church at Jerusalem, the result of apostolic deliberation and heavenly guidance, we claim a liberty from the reign of ritualism.

III. THE ASSEMBLING OF THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH TO RECEIVE THE COMMUNICATION FROM THE MOTHER CHURCH (ver. 30). The whole Church is assembled. Paul and Barnabas, Barnabas and Silas, deliver the letter, which yields great "consolation." The strangers exhort the brethren and confirm them, and after a little while return home. Conclusion: Such was the method of settling this first discussion in the Christian Church. How simple, wise, and successful! Would that more recent councils had imitated it.

(D. Thomas, D. D.)

---

---

KJV: And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

WEB: Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moses, you can't be saved."