Daily Devotions
Filled with the Holy Spirit
"Acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit..."
Text: Acts 15:8
PRINCIPAL MARKERS
As the Church continued to grow, issues arose that caused the leaders to establish the principal teachings that would distinguish Christianity. What were some of the principal features? There were challenges from the Jewish quarter that insisted that Christians must keep religious traditions and practices.
A Council, made up of Apostles and other church leaders was convened in Jerusalem to study and to resolve this problem. Key Apostles like Peter, Barnabas, Paul and James were present at that Council.
1. The insistence of those who advocated the keeping of Jewish traditions and practices
a) It is necessary to circumcise all Gentile believers (Acts 15:5).
b) To command them to keep “the law of Moses” (Acts 15:5).
2. The findings of the Jerusalem Council
a) Gentiles should hear the word of God and believe (Acts 15:7).
b) God has acknowledged the Gentile believers (Acts 15:8).
c) He had given the Holy Spirit to them (Acts 15:8).
d) God has made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles (Acts 15:9).
e) He has purified their hearts by faith (Acts 15:9).
f) All are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:11).
i) Both Jews
ii) And Gentiles
3. Rejection of the proposals made by the Jewish quarter
a) No yoke should be placed on the Gentile believers (Acts 15:10).
b) Israel has never been able to bear the yoke (Acts 15:10).
i) Thus no insistence on circumcision.
ii) No necessity of keeping “the law of Moses” (Acts 15:5).
ADDITIONAL TESTIMONY
Barnabas and Paul shared how the Lord was with them in their ministry to the Gentiles.
1. Miracles and wonders were given (Acts 15:12).
2. These testified and confirmed that God has indeed acknowledged the Gentiles.
THE PERSON AND DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
This teaching was firmly established as a principal marker of true Christianity.