Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1925-07-23
Lesson for July rs
THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM
LESSON TExT-Acts 1916.

GCl4CLN IGAI-- w e DellGNe lndt
through the grace of the Lord Jesus
Christ we shall be saved, even as they
Acts 1911
PRIMARY T0PIC-Jesus the Friend
of Little Children.
JUNIOR TOPIC-A Great Gathering
at Jerusalem
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-The Council at Jerusalem.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-What Is Christian Liberty?
|. The Controversy in the Church
at Antioch (vv. 1-5).
This difficulty was a most serious
one for it threatened the disruption of
the church into a Jewish and a Gentle
division. 1t was not a question of the
admission of the Gentiles into the
church. That had been settled some
years before when Peter received Cor
neIius and his household. The ques-
ton now was, on what ground could
they be received? Should Gentle con-
verts be required to keep the Mosaic
law as a condition of salvation? This
issue was brought on by the coming of
certain men from Jerusalem, who de-
after the manner of Moses, ye cannot
be saved ". H." The question was so
difficult that Paul and Barnabas We're
unable to put the men to silence.
These Jewish legalists had the letter
of the Scripture on their side. They
could point to the command in which
this was enjoined upon believers
(Gen. II :14). Paul could not point to
any Scripture where it had been abro-
gated. If Paul could plead that Abra-
ham was justified before he was cir
cum0ised, his antagonists could an
swer, Yes, but after justification the
rite was divinely imposed" The
brethren at Antioch decided to refer
the matter to the mother church at
Jerusalem. Accordingly, Paul and
Barnabas and others were sent as
deputation to Jerusalem. At an in
formal reception by the church at
Jerusalem they rehearsed the things
which God had done for them.
II. The Deliberations Of the coun-
Gil wv. Cpd.
1. Peters Speech wv. GID.
He argued that God had borne wit
ness to His acceptance of the Gentiles
by giving the Holy Spirit to them as
unto the Jews (Acts 10:34-4). Since,
therefore, God had not made a differ
ence it would be folly for them to do
so.
2. Paul and Barnabas Rehearsed
Their Experience Nv. 12).
They told how God had set his seal
of approval on their preaching Of sal
walton by grace through faith, apart
from works, by the working of signs
and wonders through them
8. The Argument OF James wv.
l4-21).
He took the declaration of Peter and
showed how it harmonized with the
prophecy of Amos (Amos OILED.
He showed that the reception Of the
Gentiles was not in conflict with Gods
plan, but in strict harmony herewith
AS set forth by James, Gods plan Is
as follows:
CD To take out from among the
Gentiles people for His name ".
14). This is what is now going on
the preaching of the gospel to the ends
of the earth, and the calling out of the
church.
(2) After the church is completed
and removed, the Hebrew nation will
be converted and restored to it's own
land and privileges by the Lord Him
self at His return wv. 1G-17).
(3) Following this will be the CON
version of the world through the
agency Of converted Israel ". II, CT.
Rom. II :15l. He showed that there
is no conflict when the Scriptures are
rightly divided,
His judgment was that the GentlIes
should not be troubled with things that
are Jewish, but should be warned
against the perils of heathenism, such
as meat offered to idols, fornication
and blood
Ill. The Decision wv 22-29).
The Mother church came to unan-
imous agreement and accepted the res
olution offered by James. The apos-
ties and elders not emily sent letter
stating the decision of the conference.
but took the wise precaution to send
Influential men along with Paul and
Barnabas to bear the same testimony
by word Of mouth The letter denied
the authority of the Judaising teach
ers ". 24) and stated the method by
which this decision had been reached
(vv. 25-2D. They put the Holy Spirit
first
~. The Dacision Delivered to the
Church Wv. 30-35).
The church was called together TO
hear the report. It's reading brought
rejoicing. They were now free ia