1. “And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. ”
A severe test—from their “brethren”—confronts the young Gentile assembly in Antioch. It is often easier to deal with open opposition from the world than the subtle dangers involved in bad teaching disseminated by professed or real Christians.
This particular teaching was appalling, for it added to the infinitely precious, finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary’s cross.
The Spirit and the flesh, law and grace, old wine (Judaism) and new wine (Christianity)—none of these can be successfully united. Although believers today may not literally confront men from Jerusalem, the doctrine that we must do something to earn God’s grace is, sadly, very prevalent in Christianity. Such false doctrine is terribly dishonoring to the Lord Jesus.
2. “When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. ”
This verse would better read, “A commotion therefore having taken place, and no small discussion on the part of Paul and Barnabas against them” (vs. 2 JnD). Paul and Barnabas did not cause dissension by arguing or debating about the precious doctrines of Christianity they had received, but they vigorously defended the truth, and we should do the same.
The early believers endeavored to “keep the unity of the Spirit” by sending Paul, Barnabas and other brethren to Jerusalem to settle this serious question.
Let us always settle every question concerning the precious truth of God by referring to the “apostles’ doctrine”—never by the efforts of man’s intellect.
3. “And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. ”
This is a vitally important principle to follow in these present days of confusion! Though beset with a most serious controversy, Paul and Barnabas didn’t spread the difficulty to other brethren. Rather, they “caused great joy” and enjoyed sweet fellowship.
Spreading sad and serious local difficulties to other believers is a poor way to build “up yourselves on your most holy faith. ”
4. “And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. ”
Here are two more helpful principles! (1) The assembly, not a select group of men, is mentioned first as receiving the brethren from Antioch. (2) It is to the assembly (along with the apostles and elders) that they declare, not the problem introduced by Judaizing teachers, but how God used them.
The assembly (not individuals) extends fellowship and receives an accounting from the Lord’s servants.
5-6. “But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter . ”
We find a fourth vital assembly principle. When dissension arises within the assembly, responsible brothers (apostles and elders)—not the collective assembly—gather to consider the details of the problem.
Today when there are no longer living apostles, it is responsible brethren (elders—overseers) using the Word of God (the apostles’ doctrine)—not the whole assembly—who come together to consider problems which may confront the local assembly.
7. “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. ”
The word disputing is better rendered discussion (vs. 7 JND). There is never an excuse for fleshly disputing or arguing within the assembly or within the brothers’ care meeting. “Let all things be done comelily and with order” (1 Cor. 14:4040Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40) JND). “Follow after the things which make for peace” (Rom. 14:1919Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Romans 14:19)).
8-9. “And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. ”
In halting the wrong teaching of the overly-zealous Jewish believers, Peter (who himself could be swayed by strong Jewish prejudice; see Gal. 2:1111But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. (Galatians 2:11)) shows that there is no difference in the way God was now working with Jews and Gentiles in grace. The foundation of God’s blessing among both races of people was faith, not works.
10. “Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?”
The law had not brought the Jewish nation into blessing, and it could never do so for the Gentiles. May we never forget the absolute futility of our efforts and the all-sufficiency of His sovereign grace.
Further, seeking to obtain blessing through human efforts is not only fruitless, but it is still trying (tempting) to do what God has already judged as worthless. If the most divinely favored earthly race of people (the Jews) were unable to obtain blessing through works, why do Christians think they can gain God’s blessings through those means? Religious labor, so valued by the flesh, is, in fact, nothing more than an intolerable yoke which none could ever bear to God’s glory.
11. “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. ”
The Jewish nation had failed in their responsibility of keeping the law. Grace alone suited such a condition. The Gentile had never been in such a privileged and responsible place as the Jew; grace alone could suit his condition. Only the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ can save those who are responsible for sinning against God.
Ed.