15:1 These "certain men" came to counteract the message the apostles had brought. Their argument was that unless someone is circumcised, they will not be welcomed by God. (For various health and cultural reasons, many people have varying opinions on circumcision; initially it was implemented for health purposes.) These men, who loved exerting their authority and fear over people, wanted everyone to follow their laws and their rules not because they were concerned about their well-being but because they loved to control.
15:2 The apostles wanted to respond appropriately (taking into consideration that Moses had indeed recommended circumcision for health reasons) but also knowing that God's only requirement from us is our kindness.
15:3-4 The apostles had not paused their ministry in the journey of answering this question. Along their way, people were glad to see them and to receive their message; God's inclusive love continued to inspire.
15:5 Yet this topic of circumcision remained a dispute between believers and therefore the apostles gave attention to answering it. The apostles were deeply entrenched in teaching to the "gentiles" who were the people who were new to the Christian-faith and therefore had not previously followed the (health)laws of Moses. Certain people were questioning whether in fact the gentiles could be part of God's family for this reason...
15:6-9 Peter rises to answer with wisdom, compassion and truth. God had opened His heart and His house to all of humanity and therefore there was no question as to who was or was not accepted. There is no distinction between peoples.
15:10-11 Peter asks a question in order to inject empathy in their argument against the gentiles: How can we condemn them for falling short when we, each of us, has fallen and continues to fall short? Flaws and all, God accepts us equally.
15:12 Paul and Barnabas share all of the miracles and blessings God gave and spread among the gentiles (that, if nothing else, is proof of His acceptance of them).
15:13-17 As God's children always do, James rises to inject further logic into the discussion. God Himself had welcomed the gentiles in Amos 9:11-12. God's plan had always been to include all people. He implements His plan step-by-step to yield effective results of gathering all compassionate people.
15:18 This is how in control our God is: Known to God from eternity are all His works. There has never been a time when His perfect plan was not organized and efficient.
15:19 James does not want to waste time on nonsensical arguments; James, knowing our God, understands that all people are loved and protected by God if they wish to be. God does not ever exclude anyone... it is people who walk away from Him.
15:20-21 James wants to live with the instruction taught by both the Old and New Testament, following health laws of the Old as well as the inclusive philosophy of life emphasized in the New. The New Testament was not written to replace or denounce the Old Testament; they are one, compliments of each other.
15:22-26 Therefore, having resolved the disagreement, the apostles write back concerning the matter. Paul and Barnabas have risked their lives for this message and this letter reminds the recipients that this matter was discussed and pondered wholeheartedly by those most passionate about it.
15:27 Additionally, the apostles arranged to send Judas and Silas (apostles) to deliver the message orally. It was imperative that this message of inclusion-of-all was delivered and absorbed officially.
15:28-29 They remind the gentiles of the health laws God had shared generations ago. Their intent is to promote the well-being of the recipients rather than any authority. They wanted all people to eat and live clean, out of danger from germs and subsequent ailment.
15:30-31 People need reassurance and encouragement, especially against tribulation. These "gentiles" were actually worried that they might not be accepted by God; it is important for us to never let anyone or any group exclude others. Our God is impartial and therefore we must be also. Diversity is beautiful, why wouldn't we want to join in compassion with all?
15:32-33 Judas and Silas, apostles, prophets: faithful, determined, passionate fellow-workers with God. They strengthened. That is our purpose in life, to strengthen others with our compassion and encouragement. Do not underestimate that word, strengthened, because so many in the world feel weak. Weak against tribulation, against enemies, in so many ways, humans find inadequacies in themselves. God's work give self-value, purpose, love, encouragement, strength and those qualities are desperately needed among humanity.
15:34-35 Silas remained, he saw a need, he perceived a benefit to his presence there. The apostles dispersed to reach all regions, equally. Yet Silas felt that if he remained there was more he could do and therefore he had no inclination to leave. God places us where we can do the most good; be perceptive, there is good, purposeful work to do all around you!
15:32-33 Judas and Silas, apostles, prophets: faithful, determined, passionate fellow-workers with God. They strengthened. That is our purpose in life, to strengthen others with our compassion and encouragement. Do not underestimate that word, strengthened, because so many in the world feel weak. Weak against tribulation, against enemies, in so many ways, humans find inadequacies in themselves. God's work give self-value, purpose, love, encouragement, strength and those qualities are desperately needed among humanity.
15:34-35 Silas remained, he saw a need, he perceived a benefit to his presence there. The apostles dispersed to reach all regions, equally. Yet Silas felt that if he remained there was more he could do and therefore he had no inclination to leave. God places us where we can do the most good; be perceptive, there is good, purposeful work to do all around you!
15:36 God's work is complete. The apostles did not teach and then never return; their purpose was to ensure that God's philosophy spread throughout the world but also to ensure that it was effectively absorbed and true. Faith is a journey and we must always nourish it to promote its strength and its health. The apostles truly cared. They wanted people to be able to access God's protection and love and they covered and then re-covered their tracks to make sure that could happen.
15:37-40 Barnabas wanted to take Mark along but Paul was hesitant because Mark had previously been overwhelmed by the responsibility and adversity that came with being an apostles. Rather than punish Mark, Paul wanted to take seasoned-prepared apostles along because he felt it was crucial in ensuring their mission was effectively accomplished. Yet Barnabas wanted to give Mark another chance. (Just a tiny reminder that we all have flaws, even the apostles. We just and must do our best.)
Therefore Barnabas and Mark journeyed together and Paul and Silas journeyed together.
13:41 Contention resolved, the apostles went out to do what they most loved to do: strengthening the faith of humanity throughout the world.
15:37-40 Barnabas wanted to take Mark along but Paul was hesitant because Mark had previously been overwhelmed by the responsibility and adversity that came with being an apostles. Rather than punish Mark, Paul wanted to take seasoned-prepared apostles along because he felt it was crucial in ensuring their mission was effectively accomplished. Yet Barnabas wanted to give Mark another chance. (Just a tiny reminder that we all have flaws, even the apostles. We just and must do our best.)
Therefore Barnabas and Mark journeyed together and Paul and Silas journeyed together.
13:41 Contention resolved, the apostles went out to do what they most loved to do: strengthening the faith of humanity throughout the world.
