Friday 20 May 2022

May 20: Acts 15:23-29

Key Verse: Acts 15:24
We have heard that some went out from us without our authorisation and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said.

Devotion:
When I first read this letter the apostles sent out, I was a bit disturbed by what they wrote; so I sat down and re-read it a few times to get my head round the words… How often have you read a letter your received and gone off in a rage because you thought they were not understanding the situation or they were being flippant with their writings?

When we receive a letter, it is normally written with some forethought and maybe discussion amongst people about the content. So, if they have taken the time to think about what they are writing, should you not take the time to think about what they have written!

This is not a letter going out to apologise for the apostles or disciples which went there to teach about the Gospel – this is a letter to apologise for other people who have gone and spread their own stories, possibly even the religious leaders going and demanding the believers get circumcised… This letter was followed up by men going with Paul and Barnabas to remind them of the Gospel but to also set their minds at ease regarding the circumcision demanded by others.

The apostles listed clearly what the people should AIM to do. This was not telling them they would be damned if they did these or did not get circumcised; this was laying down a few truths they ought to try and keep with! Consuming food which was dedicated to idols was just wrong, both for the people consuming and for the people who had offered. Why go out of your way to upset others by disregarding their beliefs; rather we should be opening up the gospel and showing them what really happened. Keep things real and trust in Christ!

Points to Ponder:
Do you try to keep the commandments?

Will you try to keep these at the very least?