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What did Luke reveal about the Sabbath in the lives of Yeshua and the apostles? This teaching explores every Sabbath reference in Luke-Acts and shows how early Christians—including Gentile converts—continued to keep the Sabbath holy. Show Notes:This teaching walks through Luke and Acts to demonstrate consistent Sabbath observance by Yeshua, Paul, and other believers. From synagogue customs to Gentile inclusion and the Jerusalem Council, the Scriptures reveal that Sabbath never stopped being part of faithful obedience. Even Acts 20:7 fails to show any transition to Sunday worship. Learn why Luke emphasized the Sabbath and how it applies to followers of Messiah today. Spiritual Takeaway:If the earliest followers of Yeshua honored the Sabbath, shouldn't we?
In this episode, we explore Acts 15:21 and its often-overlooked role in defining the apostles' expectations for Gentile believers. Far from replacing Torah observance, the Jerusalem Council outlined a process by which Gentiles would begin their discipleship in the synagogue—learning Moses week by week.Show Notes: How were Gentile believers expected to grow in their faith after being welcomed into the community without circumcision? Acts 15:21 provides the key. James assumed regular synagogue attendance, where Moses was read every Sabbath. This teaching challenges the idea that the four rules in Acts 15:20 are the totality of Gentile responsibility. Instead, it shows how Torah learning was foundational to early discipleship. Scripture, scholarship, and first-century practice come together in this powerful teaching.Takeaway: Torah observance for Gentiles was never off the table—it was always on the calendar: every Sabbath.
Inland Empire Church of Christ
In today's message, Pastor Ray unpacked how the church in Acts 15 overcame conflict on the path to unity at the Jerusalem Council. First, we explore the cultural and historical context that led to the dispute before moving to the defense of Peter, Paul, and James for what God was doing among the Gentiles. We then unpacked James' Holy Spirit-directed decision that would promote unity between Jews and Gentiles. The legalists should lighten up and not lay too heavy a yoke on the Gentiles and the converts should be sensitive concerning their habits. Finally, we consider the direction-- what Holy Spirit might want us to focus today with "these three things:" Seek unity, Avoid offense, and Maintain a holy lifestyle. -Featuring Ray Grubbs
A group of Pharisees called "Judaizers" boldly declared that Gentile believers must submit to the rite of circumcision and come under the law of Moses. This led to a monumental church council in Jerusalem with the apostles and elders present. Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James all weigh in at this important meeting. Their ruling is that the Gentiles do not have to be circumcised, nor did they need to keep the Law of Moses. They were given four decrees that foster good relations between the believing Jews and Gentiles.
Is the Torah (Law of Moses) relevant to Gentile followers of the Messiah? Many say no, citing the Jerusalem Council event in Acts 15 as proof. In this message, David Wilber challenges that common interpretation through a careful reading of this passage within its historical and theological context. Far from rejecting the Torah, we'll see how the apostles wisely and faithfully applied the Torah to Gentile believers joining the Messianic Jewish community.https://davidwilber.com/
Acts 15 records one of the most important moments in church history—the Jerusalem Council. Faced with a serious debate over salvation, the apostles and elders had to answer a crucial question: Is faith in Jesus enough, or must believers follow the Law of Moses?Main scripture: Acts 15:1–41; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Galatians 1:6-9
Pastor Sean Steinke opens with a moving story of piloting a tandem bike for his friend Greg, then invites us to let God strengthen our “core” through Acts 15. Walking through the Jerusalem Council, we see the Holy Spirit bringing freedom, not extra burdens, and forming one new family in Jesus. Peter, Paul, and James point us to a salvation by grace through faith that produces love, unity, and holy living. Pastor Sean then connects this freedom to our lives in Madison with practical next steps of worship, community, and embodied discipleship. If you need your core strengthened to finish your race, this message is for you.Primary textActs 15:1–35SupportingJohn 3:1–8John 8:31–322 Corinthians 3:17Ephesians 2:11–22Galatians 5:1–26Romans 6:23Romans 12:1–21 Samuel 15:22Amos 9:11–12 (quoted in Acts 15:16–18)Exodus 12:7, 13Matthew 7:24–27
In this enriching episode of the Double Edged Sword Podcast, we journey with Father Genard into Acts 15, where faith, obedience, and divine authority converge. Discover how the early Church faced the challenge of Gentile salvation, learning that true faith in Christ transcends the law through love and obedience to His commandments. Drawing from the wisdom of the apostles and the unity of the Jerusalem Council, we're reminded that to know and love our Heavenly Father, we must embrace the Son as the way, and honor the apostles He appointed. As James 2:17 teaches, faith without deeds is lifeless—let us live out our belief, trusting in Christ's authority and the guidance of His Holy Spirit. Tune in and be strengthened in your walk with God!
There's always been confusion about the differences between Jews and Gentiles and the question of how they're saved. Are they saved the same way, or has God established a different means for these two distinct people groups?Your support sends the gospel to every corner of Australia through broadcast, online and print media: https://www.vision.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this sermon, we explore the theme of unity in the Christian faith, drawing from Acts 15 and the early church's struggle with division over doctrinal issues. The sermon highlights the danger of adding requirements to the gospel, emphasizing that salvation comes through grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone. Through the story of the Jerusalem Council, we learn the importance of setting aside religious practices that distort the gospel and finding our identity solely in Jesus Christ. The message challenges listeners to examine any "add-ons" they might hold and to embrace the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for salvation. For more information about our church, visit npfcc.org To help support the ongoing work of NPFCC and our mission partners around the globe, you can make a donation at npfcc.org/give
This week we dive into Acts 15 and the powerful moment in Church history when early believers confronted what it really means to belong. As Paul, Barnabas, Peter, and James wrestled with legalism and tradition, the Jerusalem Council boldly declared that salvation comes by grace alone—not by outward signs or cultural conformity. We explore how this turning point redefined the Church as a place of radical inclusion, anchored in the Gospel and led by the Spirit. Through it, we're challenged to tear down modern-day barriers and remember that Christ alone is enough. No matter your background or story, the invitation to the table is wide open—because grace doesn't just welcome you, it unites us all.Support the show
The end of Boundaries of Reconciliation #1, True & False Unity, was the ruling of the Jerusalem Council on the controversy of Gentiles becoming followers of Jesus. This second teaching in the series picks up there by addressing the gift of apostles to the church; the role of apostolic authorities in safeguarding unity, and the beauty of healthy mutual submission. At the end of the teaching, Amy introduces the word "apostolate" and the concept of Christ the Reconciler as an apostolate, whose leaders carry apostolic authority for the community, but are also submitted to apostolic authority in their own traditions. Teaching given at a Christ the Reconciler retreat on 12 November 2022.
Join Matt Swords and David Burr as they discuss this weekend's message on the call to love and unity within the church, even when we don't agree. It's so easy to let our disagreements divide us, but God calls us to put relational connection above agreement, as evidenced in the book of James and the story of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. Tune in for Matt and David's personal insights and strategies for how we can walk this out in our daily lives.
see link below: https://pastorsteverhodes.com/2025/06/15/the-jerusalem-council-acts-151-35/
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! This sermon is based on Acts 15:1–18, which is the story of the Jerusalem Council and an important conversation in the early Church about inclusion of Gentiles in the community of faith. Hope it will be a meaningful word to you this week.To find out more about our church, you can head on over to www.williamsburgbaptist.com. If you have a moment, we'd also love for you to click over to follow us on Instagram or Facebook.We are a small but vibrant and growing congregation, and there are lots of ways to connect. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can help support you in any way! Thanks so much for tuning in!
In our last program we learned about the Jerusalem Council's conclusions regarding Gentiles and the Law of Moses' instruction regarding food and other things. The conclusion was freedom, but some restrictions that most people don't realise. That's what we'll be learning about today on Foundations. Your support sends the gospel to every corner of Australia through broadcast, online and print media: https://www.vision.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The church, led by the Holy Spirit, resolved conflict through truth, grace, and unity. Acts 15 explores how the gospel was preserved from legalism, and how today's church can still hold convictions without creating barriers.
This week, Joel (Central Service) explores one of the most crucial moments of the early church at the council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). We explored the ‘tidal' nature of faith: diving into God's presence, which then ripples out to others. Through the passage, we see our call as disciples to embrace opportunities to share our faith, and embody a diverse, open, and formative Christian community.
This account shows how God used the Jerusalem Council to elucidate and affirm the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, apart from works, for Jews and Gentiles alike! The post The Jerusalem Council and Salvation by Grace (Acts Sermon 34) appeared first on Two Journeys.
This account shows how God used the Jerusalem Council to elucidate and affirm the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, apart from works, for Jews and Gentiles alike! The post The Jerusalem Council and Salvation by Grace (Acts Sermon 34) appeared first on Two Journeys.
This account shows how God used the Jerusalem Council to elucidate and affirm the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, apart from works, for Jews and Gentiles alike! The post The Jerusalem Council and Salvation by Grace (Acts Sermon 34) appeared first on Two Journeys.
Today, this episode is all about the local church at Antioch in the early days. Do you remember some of the particulars that Dr. Luke and the Apostle Paul documented about that extraordinary church? Well, for two thousand years, Antioch has been an amazing model for local churches desiring high impact for God's mission. Join Kevin as we walk through the nine key lessons for our churches that we can glean from the church at Antioch! // Download this episode's Application & Action questions and PDF transcript at whitestone.org.
Cody emphasizes that conflict is an inevitable aspect of church life, highlighting examples from Acts 15 where both theological disputes and personal disagreements arose among believers. He encourages congregants to view conflict as an opportunity for growth and unity, as the Jerusalem Council demonstrates. Additionally, he discusses the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, illustrating how God's sovereignty can bring good even from division by multiplying their missionary efforts. Cody reminds everyone to trust in God's plan during unresolved conflicts, remain humble, and seek peace, knowing that God works through all situations for His purpose. Cody King | Acts of the Church stonepointchurch.com
After the success of Paul's first missionary journey amongst the Gentiles, the church experienced some growing pains. Though some believed that Gentiles must adhere to Jewish law to follow Jesus, the Council at Jerusalem decided otherwise.
With the goal of unity and not overburdening new Gentile believers, the council at Jerusalem sent a few people to Antioch with a letter of encouragement and invitation. The concessions that they requested revolved around avoiding pagan worship and enabling table fellowship between Jews and Gentiles.
Every time we perform a behavioral act and believe it puts us in right standing before God, we undermine the work of Christ on the cross. We are called to maintain the pure gospel message while preserving biblical unity. The post The Church in Acts, Part 13: The Jerusalem Council appeared first on Reston Bible Church.
As we continue to work our way through the book of Acts, we are not going to spend very much time on the retelling in verses 4-14. But we are not setting this repetition aside as unimportant because Luke obviously intends to emphasize it. He wants us to note it. He tells the story in chapter 10, and then repeats it in detail in chapter 11. Then there is a strong reference to this episode at the Jerusalem Council later (Acts 15:7-11). This incident was a significant event.We can note a few additional details we learn in this recounting. We learn that six Jews accompanied Peter from Joppa (v. 12). We learn that the angel told Cornelius that the message that Peter would bring would be words of salvation (v. 14). And Peter tells us here that the Spirit fell on them near the beginning of his talk (v. 15). So we will begin our exposition at verse 16.
I Corinthians 16:1-24 We begin with an examination of the terms “Paul’s Missionary Journeys” and “The Jerusalem Council” which are both part of a long tradition of churches and theologians misreading, misunderstanding, misapplying, and misrepresenting everything God has been trying … Continue reading →
What if Paul's vision of Christ reshaped Christianity in ways Jesus' own brother, James, never intended? In this episode, we explore the intense clash between Paul's Christ movement and the Jesus movement, led by James in Jerusalem, as they battled over the faith's direction. Paul's independent gospel, born from a divine encounter, drove him to spread his message to Gentile cities like Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome, outpacing the Jewish-focused Jesus movement. As the Jerusalem community waned after the city's fall in 70 AD, Paul's universal vision took root, defining the Christianity we know today. Join Nate and Shelby as they uncover these pivotal shifts, question Paul's authority, and ask: could the Jesus movement have changed history if it had prevailed? Tune in to rethink the origins of your faith. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium #apostlepaul #earlychristianity #biblepodcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Christ Movement 03:03 Understanding Paul and His Background 05:31 The Conflict with Jerusalem Leadership 08:35 Paul's Independent Revelation 11:40 The Divergence of Movements 16:28 The Tension of Jewish Customs 19:01 The Jerusalem Council and Gentile Inclusion 22:45 Paul's Distinct Gentile Christianity 25:13 The Expansion of Paul's Movement 35:22 Grassroots Movement and Rituals 40:19 The Decline of the Jesus Movement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I am joined by renowned biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan for an exploration of the relationship between Paul and Luke in early Christian texts. Crossan provocatively challenges traditional understandings by arguing that Luke-Acts presents a deliberately modified version of Paul's mission to make Christianity more palatable to Roman authorities. Through detailed textual analysis, Crossan reveals how Luke downplays Paul's apostleship, reimagines his conversion, and strategically portrays Jews as hostile while depicting Romans as receptive. The discussion weaves through complex topics, including the Jerusalem Council, Paul's missionary strategy targeting "God worshipers," and the broader political implications of religious accommodation to the empire. With his characteristic blend of historical insight and contemporary relevance, Crossan ultimately suggests these ancient dynamics remain instructive today, as the merging of religion and politics continues to threaten not just democracy but "our soul." Perfect for listeners interested in biblical criticism, early Christianity, and the intersection of faith and power. To access all 5 of Crossan's lectures, submit questions, and join future live streams, head here to join the class. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus at DePaul University, is widely regarded as the foremost historical Jesus scholar of our time. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Historical Jesus, How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian, God and Empire, Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography, The Greatest Prayer, The Last Week, and The Power of Parable. He lives in Minneola, Florida. Previous Podcast Episodes with Dom & Tripp Paul & Thecla Ask JC Anything Diana Butler Bass & John Dominic Crossan: The Resurrection of Jesus Brian McLaren & John Dominic Crossan: The Message of Jesus & the Judgement of Civilization Brian Zahnd & John Dominic Crossan: God, Violence, Empire, & Salvation Why the Biblical Paul is Awesome Christian Resurrection & Human Evolution The Cross & the Crisis of Civilization The Coming Kingdom & the Risen Christ The Parables of Jesus & the Parable of God How to think about Jesus like a Historian the Last Week of Jesus' Life Jesus, Paul, & Bible Questions Saving the Biblical Christmas Stories the most important discovery for understanding Jesus The Bible, Violence, & Our Future Resurrecting Easter on the First Christmas From Jesus' Parables to Parables of God Render Unto Caesar on God & Empire Join Dom Crossan at ...Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025 3 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends. A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan Join us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time. For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here. _____________________ Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join us as we discuss the communication of the decision of the First Jerusalem Council and the dispute between Paul and Barnabas about John Mark. Who do we need to encourage?
As the church grew, Jewish believers disagreed about integrating new Gentile believers into the church. Must they become Jews first? Should they abide by all the laws and traditions of Jewish culture? What about the practice of circumcision? Paul discussed important theological implications with the other apostles, including Peter and James, to guide the growing church. Together, they sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit to resolve their division and seek unity. This Jerusalem Council reached pivotal conclusions that set the pattern for Paul's subsequent missionary journeys and shaped the church's future. What they discovered about grace, unity, and God's plan for his people guides the church to this day.
Acts 15:1-35 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Acts 15 is usually referred to as “The Jerusalem Council” because it records a gathering of apostles, elders, and the church to wrestle with an important question. Many Gentiles were being saved and added to the church, but some people thought they had to become Jews before they could become Christians. In other words, they needed to have faith in Jesus, but they also needed to follow the Mosaic Law. Thankfully, God's Spirit and God's Word led the church, and they concluded that salvation requires no works of the Law. But they also concluded that salvation changes our lives (for the better). Gentiles didn't need to become Jews to be saved. But they couldn't live like pagans either. People who turn to God don't need to turn to works, but they should turn from their idolatrous past. Christ alone is the basis of our salvation, and he graciously transforms our lives. May he be praised both now and forever.
Join us as we delve into Acts 15, where the early church faces its first major doctrinal dispute: How is one saved? Understand how the church leaders, including Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James, debated the necessity of Jewish law for salvation and ultimately confirmed that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. Learn about the cultural and religious tensions and how the early church addressed and resolved critical theological issues, setting a precedent for doctrinal clarity and church unity. Turn to Acts 15 to follow along.
What happens when religious traditions clash with the gospel of grace? Today, Pastor Breaux unpacks Acts 15, where the early church faced a pivotal moment. Some Jewish believers wanted to impose old rituals on Gentile converts, but Peter, Paul, and James affirmed that salvation is through faith in Jesus alone—Jesus plus nothing else. This decision brought great joy to the church and set the foundation for how we approach faith today. ➡️ For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive
In this Bible Story, we learn about certain Jewish believers forcing Gentiles to be circumcised to be accepted into the family of God. Outraged by this, Paul and Barnabas hold a council of all the leaders in Jerusalem. They debate whether Gentiles should be forced to follow the Jewish customs laid out in the law. This story is inspired by Acts 15:1-35. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Acts 15:19 from the King James Version.Episode 230: The lies that began in Antioch continued to spread throughout the Christian communities causing division between Jewish and Gentile believers. So Paul and Barnabas called for the apostles and pastors to hold a council around this issue. In the middle of this debate, Peter stood and addressed the crowd reminding them what God has done among the Gentiles in their presence. In the end, James and the leaders wrote a letter of encouragement to clear up the confusion for the Gentile believers.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.