The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 2 — Section 15

Vel'II. 1-21.-The first council: spiritual liberty established. The controverey between a corrupt Judaism and the go~pel of Christ certain to be brought to a oriels. 'l'he conversion of Se.ul, taken in connection with hie special mission to the Gentiles forced the matter on the attention of the Church. The scene of the controversy wa~ Antioch, where Pe.ul would have many supporters. But Jerusalem was the proper place for a settlement-not because any authority was assigned to the spot, but because there could be gnt.hered a more really representative assembly of the whole Church. Notice-- L THE FACTS TIIEMBELVEs are never questioned, but gladly acknowledged. The acceptance of the Gentiles, the blessing on the ministry of Paul and Barnaba&, the gift of the Holy Spirit bestowed on others than the Jewish believers. IL THE POINT OF OONTENTION is the claim asserted by a small section of the Jewish Church, of Pharisaic spirit, to impose on the new Gentile converts the obligations of the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision. This showed that they regarded Christ as only a Reformer of the Law, not as substituting the gospel for the Law. III. THE WHOLE Cm:raOH is the body of referees. The apostles and elders are the speakers and leaders, but the multitude is present, and to them (ver. 22) the decision is referred. IV. THE TESTIMONY OF THE SrmIT in the facts rehearsed, the signs and wonders wrought, is plainly the voice of God to the apostles. Both Peter and James stand firmly on that foundation-God hath called them. Therefore we must obey his voice. The witness of the facts agrees with the witness of the word. V. THE RESTRICTIONS which were deemed necessary were simply the dictates of brotherly love. Stumbling-blocks should not be thrown in the way of weak brethren. Let the Gentiles use their liberty, only let them respect the feelings of Jews and the moral demands of the Law. VL THE co:s-TENTIOUB PARTY must have been a mere handful of men. They are condemned by the letter sent to Antioch. The effect of the epistle was to silence them and produce a happy peace. Which representation entirely overthrows the statement of such critics as Baur, tha.t there was a Pauline element in the Church opposed by the Petrine. YIL THE CAUSE OF STRIFE IS BURIED in the depth of zealous labour for Christ and souls. Judas and Silas, the messengers from Jerusalem, soon forgot the trouble in much higher topics and co-operation with the Church at Antioch in their evangelistic efforts. Thus this first occasion of ecclesiastical settlement shows the Church pervaded with the spirit of brotherly Jove and faith. They ha.d no conception of Church authority apart from the voice of God's Spirit. They came together in perfect equality. They reverenced age and spiritual distinction, and the mind of the brethren gathered together in conference, but their chief dependence was on the promise of the Holy Ghost and his guidance, so tha.t they could say, "It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to 118."-R. Ver. 9.-Tl.e spirituality of the gospel. "Purifying [cleansing] their hearts by faith." Purity comes from within. The influence of pure thought and pure feeling on practice. The purification of Judaism typical 'l'he Holy Ghost did the work. When the temple was closed, the kingdom of grace opened. The Spirit must operate upon the spirit. All ritualism, as such, contradicts the essential principles of gospel liberty. I. THE HEART NEEDS CLEANSING. 1. Of its falsehood. The heathen world a world of lies. The tendency of fallen nature to believe strong delusions. 2. Of its corrupt dau-es. The Fall was a lowering of the spirit of humanity to the level of the inferior races. Animalism is the characteristic of heathenism and of an unregenerate state. 3. Of itll self-justification and pride. The evil holds to it. A broken and contrite heart is required. II. 'l'HE HEART IS CLEANSED. Consider the nature of the purity bestowed. 1. The conscience, by a sense of forgiveness; "perilous stu1f" cleansed away. 2. An object nf love revealed to whom the heart is surrendered. "Thou knowest that I love thee." The germ of the new life in the soil of the affections. 3. Consecration. Circumcision was e. covenant sign. "Out of the heart are the issues of life." A pure will ii that which is pledged by a changed COU1'18 of action and a new position. Cl!, XV, 1-11.] TilE ACTS OF THE APOSTLE~ 17