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Perhaps this discourse will help you.
--Marlin
http://www.eliyah.com/transcripts/01042002.html01/04/2002Sabbath Meeting Transcript"Acts 15: verse by verse"
EliYah's message:HalleluYah!!!Last week, we examined the various scriptures in regards to whether or not the Torah/law was "Jewish". This week we will continue that theme by examining one of the more controversial chapters in scripture, verse by verse. There are many out there who believe that the Jews are to be keeping Yahweh's law, but the Gentiles need not. It is commonly stated that for Gentiles, the Torah is "optional". Others believe that if one starts observing the Torah, they are "fallen from grace". But let's examine this chapter....did the Jerusalem Council meeting in Acts 15 free the Gentile believers from having to be obedient to Yahweh's law? Most modern teachers of scripture say that Paul never taught Gentiles to keep the law of Yahweh. This is a false teaching... Paul clearly taught that we should keep His commandments. Let us remember Isaiah 8:20:
Isaiah 8:20 - To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.I believe that this scripture is true. Since it is true, then anyone who might come along that teaches contrary to the law would have 'no light in them'. But Paul never taught anything like that Now let's examine Acts 15:
Acts 15:1 - And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.This is what the remaining chapter is about. Can a person have salvation if they are not circumcised? This is what the 'men from Judea'. (likely the Pharisees) taught the brethren...that 'you cannot be saved' unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses. As we also seen in the book of Galatians, some of the Jews believed that when you were circumcised, you were then considered a son of Abraham and therefore, you are among Israel and are then "saved". This also becomes evident when we read what John the Baptist said to them:
Matthew 3:7 - But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Matthew 3:8 - Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Matthew 3:9 - And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that YAHWEH is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Matthew 3:10 - And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.He warned them that their belief was false doctrine. He also warned them to put no confidence in their flesh, but that unless they would bear fruits worthy of repentance that they would be 'cut down and thrown into the fire'. The leaders of the Jews held the position of being a 'son of Abraham' in very high regard:
John 8:31 - Then said Yahushua to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 - And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:33 - They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
John 8:34 - Yahushua answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
John 8:35 - And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
John 8:36 - If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.So we see that John pointed out that it was false doctrine, Yahshua pointed out that it was false doctrine and we will see that Paul and the apostles at Jerusalem also conclude that it is false doctrine. It is by His grace that we are 'saved' and are made sons of Abraham. As we will see, salvation was always the issue in Acts 15. Peter even repeated this in verse 11. The issue was what a person needed to do to be saved. Continuing in Acts..
Acts 15:2 - When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
Acts 15:3 - And being brought on their way by the assembly, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.Paul and those with him were reporting what Yahweh had done with them concerning the Gentiles. There were great miracles, including the Holy Spirit falling upon the Gentiles even though they had not been circumcised nor kept the law all their life. It seems that this triggered a response from among the Pharisees:
Acts 15:5 - But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.Though it is not specifically written in this particular place, we can be certain it was understood that they were saying it was as a prerequisite to salvation...this was the common teaching and the whole reason the disciples came to Jerusalem. Also, once again we will see Peter/Kepha brings up this issue as it relates to salvation in verse 11 as the context of this chapter:
Acts 15:6 - And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
Acts 15:7 - And when there had been much disputing, Kepha rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago YAHWEH made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
Acts 15:8 - And YAHWEH, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us;
Acts 15: -
Acts 15:9 - And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.Peter is reflecting back to an earlier time.. I believe that this is a key point Peter is referring to a situation back in Acts 10:45 where the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles:
Acts 15:43 -
Acts 10:43 - To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Acts 10:44 - While Kepha yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word.
Acts 10:45 - And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Kepha, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.Why were those of the 'circumcision' astonished? Because they simply could not believe that an uncircumcised man would be saved and receive the Holy Spirit! Later, some of the Jews were quite upset until Peter explained the vision and how Yahweh had shown that they were accepted. The Gentiles received the Spirit and spoke in tongues. Then they agreed with him when Peter concluded:
Acts 11:16 - Then remembered I the word of Yahushua, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 11:17 - Forasmuch then as YAHWEH gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on Yahushua the Messiah; what was I, that I could withstand YAHWEH?
Acts 11:18 - When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified YAHWEH, saying, Then hath YAHWEH also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.Now, reading again in context..
Acts 15:7 - And when there had been much disputing, Kepha rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago YAHWEH made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
Acts 15:8 - And YAHWEH, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us;
Acts 15:9 - And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Acts 15:10 - Now therefore why tempt ye YAHWEH, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
Acts 15:11 - But we believe that through the favor of Yahushua the Messiah we shall be saved, even as they.What was that yoke? Note carefully that Kepha/Peter relates this to the subject of salvation From the context we see the Pharisees are suggesting that we must be circumcised and keep the law to be saved but we all know that NO MAN has ever kept the law (except Yahushua). Therefore Peter equated this doctrine to what it was like before Yahushua came and died for us and our sins. The Fathers certainly couldn't bear the yoke of observing the Torah for salvation and neither could the Gentiles..especially the Gentiles. This is the whole reason we need Yahushua for salvation! Peter was never suggesting that they not observe the law at all, but that trying to lay circumcision and all of the Torah on these disciples at one time in order to be saved would certainly be burdensome. These Pharisees were teaching: Obedience and circumcision first, then salvation. Yahweh teaches: Repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit and you are saved If these Gentiles could not be saved unless they kept the law of Yahweh, then both the Gentiles and the Jews alike are all lost forever because all have broken the commandments. But we also know that once we have been given salvation, Yahweh desires us to walk in obedience The final decision in Acts was not to tell them "Hey, the law of Yahweh is done away with now, you are free!" but to give them something to start with. Peter walked with Yahshua during His ministry. He knew Yahshua's teaching on the Pharisees. This is a study in opposites The Pharisees were always wanting to lay a yoke on men but it is Yahshua's yoke that we really need! Now let's read this again in full context:
Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:30 - For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.Looking again at acts 15:
Acts 15:12 - Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders YAHWEH had wrought among the Gentiles by them.Barnabas and Paul declared all the miracles that Yahweh had worked thru them among the Gentiles and I believe this even more so reinforced that Yahweh had indeed purified their hearts by faith, apart from circumcision and Torah/law keeping for salvation. Perhaps this was the "second witness" that James was looking for so then he spoke up with his decision:
Acts 15:13 - And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
Acts 15:14 - Simeon hath declared how YAHWEH at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
Acts 15:15 - And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
Acts 15:16 - After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
Acts 15:17 - That the residue of men might seek after YAHWEH, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith YAHWEH, who doeth all these things.
Acts 15:18 - Known unto YAHWEH are all his works from the beginning of the world.
Acts 15:19 - Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to YAHWEH:A study of the greek reveals a more accurate translation in verse 19 to be:
Acts 15:19 Wherefore I judge, not to trouble those who from the nations (who are) turning to YahwehJames was very specific in his edict in that he judged that they should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to Yahweh He isn't speaking of Gentiles that have for a long time been believers but he is speaking of those from among the Gentiles who are turning to Yahweh. This was the subject at hand. The word that is translated "turning" here is translated "converting" when James spoke in his own epistle (James 5:19,20). Therefore James is speaking of not troubling those from among the Gentiles by telling them that they aren't saved unless they are circumcised, etc As we have seen, this is the context of the entire meeting up to this point. Not even Moshe went and circumcised his son immediately after being called, but he did when Yahweh met him! Also, the children of Israel who went into the promised land in the book of Joshua weren't even circumcised until Joshua had them all circumcised right before they went into the promised land!
Joshua 5:2 - At that time YAHWEH said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time.
Joshua 5:3 - And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.
Joshua 5:4 - And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt.
Joshua 5:5 - Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised.Why didn't Yahweh say anything about the uncricumcision of the Israelites until they were approaching the promised land? It is certain that there were more important things to worry about at that point. There was some serious sin that Yahweh had to deal with first! Rebellion being cheif among them This is not unlike these Gentiles who are turning their hearts to Yahweh. There are more important things that Yahweh needs to deal with first before even worrying about circumcision Important things like what James lists right here:
Acts 15:19 - Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to YAHWEH:
Acts 15:20 - But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.James was certainly calling on these Gentiles to begin their observance of Yahweh's law. He lists some commandments here to get them started Commandments concerning not eating things offered to idols (Exodus 34:14,15). Keeping oneself from sexual immorality as commanded in all of Leviticus chapter 18:1-20 as well as Exodus 20, Deut. 5 and other places. Keeping from things strangled and blood as commanded in Genesis 9:4, Leviticus 3:17 7:23-27 and 17:10-14, Deuteronomy 12:16,23-25 14:21 and 15:23. Now James states his reasons for only requiring these "necessary things." Let's look again:
Acts 15:19 - Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to YAHWEH:
Acts 15:20 - But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
Acts 15:21 - For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.Because it contains the word "For" (meaning "in consideration of or in view of"), verse 21 is the voice of reason for the whole ruling It was also declared by James that the Gentiles would certainly be in the synagogues every Sabbath (There are several scriptures that show this). This proves that they must have been observing the Sabbath commandment already. Here then was an excellent opportunity for the Gentiles to learn the law of Yahweh and let the Spirit lead them into keeping the things that they learn. Obviously, not all the Gentiles had the advantages that we have today. We need only just go down to our local bookstore and pick up a copy of the scriptures. With no printing press available, it was certain that the law would be at least available in the synagogues AND it would be read to them. A crucial point in this chapter is that James did not forbid anyone from teaching them the law. In fact, he left a provision for them to learn the Torah! Also he did not forbid anyone from keeping the law. In fact, he gave them Torah precepts to start keeping! If it was forbidden, why did he allow them to ever go to the synagogue? Surely there would be Pharisees there. The issue was whether or not the Gentiles had salvation and how to get them started into obedience. If James believed the law was abolished or if he believed that observing the law wasn't necessary, why didn't He just say "Hey...we are free from the law..why is this even an issue!? Gentiles, you are free..Free...FREE!" Instead he declared that they would call on them to be obedient to Yahweh's law, but they certainly would not throw the whole load on them at one time, especially as a prerequisite to salvation. Let the SPIRIT lead...they obviously had it!
Acts 15:22 - Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
Acts 15:23 - And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
Acts 15:24 - Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:There is a portion of this verse that is not found in many greek manuscripts. It is the phrase "Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law". Therefore it should read... "Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls to whom we gave no such commandment:" I am not a proponent of the NIV but I'm glad that they weren't biased against Yahweh's law for once. The NIV scholars apparently were so convinced, that they didn't include this part that I have in italics and they didn't even include a textual note! The NIV reads in verse 24: "We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said" James judges that we not trouble their minds by saying (as in verse 1) " "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." This is what those from Judea had taught the brethren according to verse 1. According to James, it troubled and disturbed those who thought that Yahweh had accepted them.
Acts 15:25 - It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Acts 15:26 - Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Master Yahushua the Messiah.
Acts 15:27 - We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
Acts 15:27 - We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
Acts 15:28 - For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Acts 15:29 - That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
Acts 15:30 - So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
Acts 15:31 - Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.Note that there is no mention of a synagogue. This indicates that it was already well known that they all were meeting in synagogues and keeping the Sabbath. James later says the disciples are meeting in Synagogues in James 2:2 (See the greek there). We certainly cannot conclude that the list given in Acts 15 of things to observe is a complete list. Some are under the impression that those are the only requirements for Gentiles The writings of the apostle's mention many other things that was expected of them. As the assemblies grew, we read:
1Corinthians 6:9 - Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of YAHWEH? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
1Corinthians 6:10 - Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of YAHWEH.
Ephesians 5:5 - For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and YAHWEH.
Galatians 5:19 - Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
Galatians 5:20 - idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
Galatians 5:21 - envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of YAHWEH.If one were to take the Acts 15 ruling the wrong way, they could conclude that it is okay to steal, get drunk, be unclean, engage in hatred, contentions, jealousies, etc But all of these things are contrary to the Torah In conclusion, I see that the Apostles agree with Yahushua and John. Being circumcised and trying to keep the law to be saved is worthless. First and formost..the heart must be clean.
Acts 2:38 - Then Kepha said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Yahushua the Messiah for the forgiveness of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.This goes for all of us who love Yahweh and desire to keep His commandments... And with that, I will close.. may Yahweh bless you and may He help us all! EndofYAHWEH7 - Praise YAHWEH good study. EliYah, are you still planning on presenting a study on the Lunar calender verses the Solar calender? very important I think, what do you think about the subject? VictoryYAH - HalleluYAH! \o/ Praise Yahweh and Yahushua \o/ Jozef_Lydia - HalleluYah, for Yahweh is Just...... and HIS mercy endureth FOREVER. And His commandments are NOT BURDENSOME \o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/ BrMark - ((((((((((((((((((SOUND DOCTRINE))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) PRAISE YAHWEH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! downlo - HalleluYAH!! RuthYah - Watchman who is the King of Kings? RuthYah - \o/\o/\o/ Praise Yahweh \o/\o/\o/ Talmid - YHWH save us all. Kefa - Praise the Name of Yaweh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! anwule - HalleluYah! EliYah - ofYAHWEH: Possibly in the future yes turtle1 - praise Yahweh! Wayne - HalleluYAH! Angel - HalleluYah! ofYAHWEH7 - I will be there pjr - Praise yahweh and Yahushua BrBob - ================ PRAISE YAHWEH!! ================ Jozef_Lydia - HalleluYah, for Yahweh is Just...... and HIS mercy endureth FOREVER. And His commandments are NOT BURDENSOME \o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/ Angel - shalom pjr anwule - quit pjr - Yahweh bless angel BrMark - YHWH BLESS YOU BROTHER ELIYAH FOR YOUR WORK IN MESSIAH EliYah - Yahweh bless you too BrMark Wayne - +joh 8 17 Angel - !rs pjr - Praise yahweh turtle1 - HalleluYah turtle1 - hi pjr ofYAHWEH7 - EliYah, when you know when, please E-Mail me and let me know please> [EMAIL PROTECTED] EliYah - ok, I'll try to remember that pjr - Yahweh bless turtle ofYAHWEH7 - thankyou turtle1 - thankyou EliYah - Welcome, turtle1 :) Jozef_Lydia - Shalom kodeshapo BrMark - I wish every one would teach that way, there would be a lot less trouble in the world Eli - Praise the words of Yahweh brought to us by the mouth of His servent EliYah thank you EliYah turtle1 - thankyou EliYah pjr - Yahweh bless br tom Jozef_Lydia - {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Mesobaite}}}}}}}}}}}}} Kefa - I need to go now so you all have a Blessed Shabbat and see you all next week. Shalom all. turtle1 - shalom ofYAHWEH7 - thank yahweh, EliYah is a good tool in his hands Jozef_Lydia - Have a blessed weekend KEFA turtle1 - amen Mesobaite - ((((((((((((((((((((Jozef)))))))))))))))))))))) EliYah - Yahweh is good ofYAHWEH7 - yes BrTom - HalleluYAH! Prayer Service Witheld |
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