Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel."
Text: Ephesians 3:6
ATTENDING TO THE PROBLEMATIC ISSUE
With great care and concern the apostles and other church leaders addressed the issue of the place of Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. Significant leaders like Peter, Paul and James lent their weight in the discussion and resolution of this problematic Gentile issue.
1. Peter’s contribution
Peter, with the experience of the conversion of Cornelius in his mind, weighed in with this significant word.
Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago
God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles
should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them
by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,
and made no distinction between us and them,
purifying their hearts by faith.
ACTS 15:7-9
The following points may be highlighted:-
a) No distinction made between Jews and Gentiles.
b) The Holy Spirit was given in the same manner to both Jews and Gentiles.
c) Hearts were purified by faith- this is equally applicable to Jews and Gentiles.
2. James’ contribution
James (the half brother of Jesus, and author of the epistle that bears his name) also spoke up on this issue. He argued from a strong Biblical position. Responding to Peter’s testimony of his ministry to the Gentile centurion, Cornelius, he said,
And with this the words of the prophets agree…
Just as it is written:
‘So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
Says the Lord who does all these things.’
Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those
Who are from among the Gentiles who are turning to God…
ACTS 15:15, 17, 19
THE DECISION OF THE COUNCIL OF JERUSALEM
The wise council came to the most obvious of conclusions. The testimonies of Peter and Paul (Cf. Acts 15:12) and the Scriptures were in full agreement. God had given salvation full and free to both Jews and Gentiles out of His grace and mercy. Gentiles need not comply with the traditions of the Jews.