New Beginnings
Acts 15:27-29
We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
For so knew the 1 Corinthians of the things touching the body and of service to Christ. Even they could tell the early church much of this doctrine along; so also, was sent the confirmation of the message: Judas and Silas. See, with them comes the read receipt unto the rest of the church. Now I find it very strange how this Judas, while not the same as that of the twelve that was lost, still shares his name. I wonder how often wherever Judas went someone thought he crucified the Lord. Such might sound silly to us today. But back then the situation was what we call very real indeed. We all know the Scriptures. See, have not all our sins crucified the Lord. But is that not just how we do when we start pointing fingers and taking blame. We seem to have forgotten all about the other sinful people present. This is why the early church sent them Judas and Silas. There in Matthew 18:16 we see the mouth of two witnesses that establishes every word. For indeed, the Scripture came with power and authority. So, it matters not if the gospel came with murderers, thieves, insurrectionists, and the common betrayer. For therein lies the power to change them both. Their testimonies also will confirm those of the Hebrews before and of the Corinthians now. Then it should seem no small thing to you how God is moving among the Gentiles. Unless of course, the work of the Lord is especially offensive to you. But indeed, if you are saved, so also it should not be. For as said Paul before, shall God's grace offend them all. For this reason, is it good to be a say-so believer, to tell everyone what God has done.
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Do you not just love it when the entirety of Scripture is so weighty. Yet, after bundling their two most troublesome apostles, two pesterous messengers, and their four epistles together, the church leaders of that day then had the nerve to describe them as no great burden. I am sure the early church would not have called them thus. But thankfully we answer not to the men of Acts 5:29, but rather unto the Holy Spirit. For this cause was no greater damage done by the Judean men; so, they went their way. Indeed, this is how it should be. See, the gospel is no great burden, for Jesus already bore them all in Isaiah 53:4. Thus, no matter what we face or go through, we can still look to Jesus and keep our sense of humor. Now here comes 1 Corinthians to join the rest. But really, when it all centers around love, all we go through will be made as no great burden at all. One day when I sit before Jesus as in Matthew 25:23, I will hear a well-done good and faithful servant from him who loved me. So, it matters not if I have been martyred, sore-tested, nor yet barely escaped with my life from the house of my forefathers. Jesus Christ is necessary. In him is life and in his words love. Might well I just be content to sit and learn of him. When you walk with him, little one, your burden also will be light in Matthew 11:30.
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
Little ones, I have but few things to say to you. Chiefly among them is this: that you keep yourself from idols. But see something with me again. Remember, Paul got ambushed in the city and ran up and down nearly naked to avoid sacrifice. Remember, he got stoned to death and the rest of the disciples gathered round watching him. Remember, the church at Jerusalem and other places did not believe God had sent his testimony and his writings. He was strangled silent in that sense. Remember, how he came to preach Jesus and instead found himself fending off marriage proposals from all sorts of interested folks. At the very last, the church at Jerusalem summoned them in one last desperate attempt to reconcile Judaism with the faith; this would have suitably kept themselves from Paul. Well might the early church have isolated Paul and thereby Christ. How many know that in so doing, they were also shutting out Christ. His testimony echoes throughout Paul's life and for all eternity as the man who could entertain naught but Christ. Not even the things of this world nor all the comforts of home, which were nice, would do. But the testimony of the Savior he bore was stronger even than himself. My, these are some fighting words. You would have to be Heaven-sent to undergo as much as he. See, the gospel does not come without its' challenges. Well might you do well to live in legalism and the keeping of oneself as in Judaic times. But how many of you know that where he called you, God will also keep you. Now the church elders bid farewell unto the rest of the believers, committing them even unto God for his faithful keeping.