Acts 15:22-35 The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

   You know, events in your life many times are confusing and hard to understand, however, if we sit back, take time to pray about it, we will have a clear mind and know which way to go, where to direct our energy.  We just went through an event which caused the anxiety barometer to rise slightly, but knowing God is involved and leading makes it a lot easier.  Stay in prayer my friend.  

  Okay, we have had the Pharisees saying circumcision was necessary for salvation.  The council had met and concluded it was not through Paul and Peter's witness and testimony.  

   So now, the apostles, elders, and the whole church decided they should send some people with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch with a letter. Accompanying them was Juda, called Barsabbas, and Silas .

     22 Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers.

   Here is the letter - Verse 23 letter - This letter was sent unanimously from the chuch.  The letter is clear, direct, uncomplicated an simple and not lengthy.  Plain and to the point.

  The people at Antioch were elated to hear from them and the issue was permanently settled in that church.  The scripture refers to Judas and Silas as prophets.  Paul and Barnabas began heavily involved in teaching and preaching the word of salvation, the truth of Jesus Christ.  All in all, this was a great time for the believers.

  30 So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets,said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. [34] [d] 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord. 

   When speaking of many others taught and preached the word we have to infer that many in the church, as a whole, were involved in sharing the word of the LORD.

  All seems happy and rosy until Paul and Barnabas get ready to visit some of the towns they had visited before. Now comes a disagreement between the two. More of that on Monday.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny