Acts 15 describes what some scholars call the Council of Jerusalem. Those early leaders in the Jesus movement had to decide if Gentiles, non-Jews, could be full members of the nascent Church. Inspired by the Holy Spirit they determined “not to place on you any burden beyond the necessities.” In other words, the Mosaic Law would not be a requirement to be a Christian. You can imagine Paul felt justified at the affirmation of the stance he had taken. However, when you read the epistles, you find that the list of what “the necessities” are expanded as the Church grew. For example, Paul chided the Corinthians for divisions among the rich and the poor at the “Lord’s Supper.” What for you are the “necessities” of faith?
MAY42018
By Church Staff
