Better Words
Acts 15:5-6, 12
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.
There seems to be a space of time between the consideration of the elders and the testimonies of Peter. Shortly after these things, James will also give an answer. Now, I could go in much detail and wax eloquent here. But this is not the place. We are here because of a walking with Jesus that began with the stoning of the apostle Stephen; so, it continues even before the great men of that day. Now, I know that might not please everyone. But God is pleased and that is enough. Maybe that is what is wrong with some. You spend more time considering matters which are of little to no importance. Then you spend less time considering the most important things of all. But what does it matter really when you ought to consider Jesus. It is for no small reason Paul encourages the church to consider him. Hebrews 12:3 says it is lest you grow weary and "faint in your minds." I imagine some of you might well if you heard how Jesus saves from everything. Then a believing Jew comes around to spread more nonsense about keeping the rules again. My friends, hear me out carefully.
The law of Moses came to show man the need for a Savior. Therein was a pit dug and covered into which the people fell. This is why we teach neither circumcision nor keeping Moses' law. For these are opposed to Christ. Otherwise, they be not termed as belonging unto Moses. I hardly think the matter bears consideration. But nonetheless, when you lose sight of Jesus on your journey, all sorts of bad things are bound to happen. That is why Scripture later says in John 8:36 that if the Son makes you free, "you shall be free indeed." Moreover, the changes spoken of such as keeping morality and other bodily effects might come. My friends when you have been made free, all the extra effort and striving becomes most unnecessary. This is why I find it so disturbing today to hear of people doing things unto their bodies by force. But please make note, Scripture is abundantly clear that Peter and James come next in their order, although not borne out here.
Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
Is it not interesting that the apostles came together to consider these things. But there is a larger audience here at stake. The people assembled with but one thing in mind. Here we see them steadfastly considering Jesus. There is order and progression to be seen here. See, faith comes by hearing. Then that always is found with the Word of God. So now they keep silent. They know that what they have just heard makes little to no sense at all. Like the disciples on the sea of Galilee, they also tire of toiling all night. These caught nothing rowing against the contrary wind of Mark 6:48. You know the feeling. Some of you have faced all sorts of things that others have not. Yet you just do not seem to be blessed despite your best efforts. Then you are tempted to wonder what on earth is wrong. Just come to the feet of Jesus and sit awhile. Rest like Mary before him. See, the people "gave audience to Barnabas and Paul." There were many others they might have heard. Yet among them all, came the two that no one else asked for nor yet recognized. Is it not an unbidden and unwanted testimony. But to the people, it seemed marvelous. For there are some miracles and wonders to be seen. God has such things in store for the little people of his flock or family that you would not believe. Hush now. God is doing great things among you. It takes but a little faith and some time to perceive. Soon also will it spring forth. Let God finish telling his story.