We see a striking example of Satan’s attempt to divide the assemblies, that the Spirit of God had formed, by bringing in false teaching. It is beautiful and most instructive to see how the believers at Antioch do not try to settle things on their own, but, in order to maintain the unity of the Spirit, they send disciples to Jerusalem that there might be fellowship in the decision about the bad teaching.
Many important principles of assembly functions and actions are presented in this chapter. The result of the efforts of the believers to walk together in fellowship was blessing and one which encouraged the hearts of all believers.
Because unity is of God, Satan will always seek to divide and bring in confusion among God’s people. May we be given grace, as the early believers, to walk together in oneness of mind and in peace!
1. The question of the bad teaching that was presented by the Jewish teachers from Jerusalem had to do with adding works to the wonderful salvation of God by pure grace that Paul preached. Find the verse that clearly teaches the difference between grace and works. Romans 11:___
2. Is it possible to be justified before God by the works of the law?
Galatians 2:___
3. If it were possible to be saved and justified by man’s works, what would he start to do? Ephesians 2:___
4. Why did God save us and call us to Himself? 2 Timothy 1:___
5. What does the blood of Christ purge our conscience from?
Hebrews 9:___