The beloved physician Luke shared how Paul and Barnabas, “abode long time with the disciples” in Antioch, “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved”, and in chapter fifteen and verse two of the book of Acts Luke shared how “Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them”, where we read:
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.
The verse begins, “When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, ...” Luke began with the words, “when therefore” which means “at the time and moment then, wherefore, consequently and these things being so” “Paul” whose name means “small or little” “and Barnabas” whose name means “son of rest” and was “the surname of Joses or Joseph, a Levite, a native of Cyprus He was a distinguished Christian teacher and companion and colleague of Paul” “had no small dissension” or “did not have a little strife, insurrection and controversy” “and disputation” which means “and questioning, reasoning and discussion” “with them” or “with the men who came from Judaea who were teaching that men needed to be circumcised to be saved”. Luke shared how “Paul and Barnabas” had a great contention and dispute with the men of Judaea over the idea that a man must be “circumcised” to be saved.
The verse goes on to say, “... they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.” Luke continued with the words, “they determined” or “the brothers and fellow believers in Antioch of Syria appointed, assigned, ordained and ordered” “that Paul” whose name means “small or little” “and Barnabas” whose name means “son of rest” and was “the surname of Joses or Joseph, a Levite, a native of Cyprus He was a distinguished Christian teacher and companion and colleague of Paul”, “and certain other of them” or “and particular other brothers and believers in Jesus from Antioch”, “should go up to Jerusalem” which means “should rise up and ascend to Jerusalem whose name means set you double peace and is the capital of Palestine” “unto the apostles” or “to Jesus' messengers, delegates and sent out ones” “and elders” which means “and senior ranking Christians who presided over the churches” “about this question” or “concerning this debate and law”. Luke shared how the “believers” in “Antioch of Syria” decided to sent “Paul and Barnabas” along with some of their fellow believers in Jesus to go to “Jerusalem” and discuss the law of circumcision with the “apostles and elders” who were located there.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn more about this first “council” of the church. Jesus knew there would be differences in people and their ideas within the church, and He set methods of order that were to be followed when contentions arose. The believers in Antioch of Syria decided it would be best for “Paul, Barnabas and a contingent from their assembly” to go to “Jerusalem”, find the“apostles and elders” there and discuss the idea of “circumcision” as a basis for salvation. We shall learn how the “church” dealt with this issue in the remainder of this chapter, but for now, let all who read these words understand that Jesus came to provide “salvation” from the penalty for sins to anyone who puts their faith and trust in Him. People were unable to keep the “law of God”, so Jesus kept it and died in the place of every person in the world. God loves people, and nothing should keep them from yielding themselves to Him. When contentions arise among believers in Jesus, let them understand there are no greater laws than to love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love their neighbor as their own self. This perspective will help them when disagreements arise.
Next time Luke shares how Paul and Barnabas, “passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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