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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comThrough the Bible Day by Day - Acts 15:22 - 15:22
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“Confirming the Churches”
Act 15:22-41
This letter was a noble document and fitted for its immediate purpose, but it does not apply directly to us, as the circumstances which called it forth have long since passed away. It was explicit in denying that the rite of circumcision was needful for salvation. It bore ample testimony to the character and work of the two great missionaries whose action had been impugned. It denounced the false teachers whose intrusion had broken the peace of the Church, and laid down the principles which had been embodied in James’ speech. Notice the conjunction of the Holy Spirit with the persons who issued this letter, Act 15:28. Here is convincing proof that the Spirit of God is a person; that He presides in the Church; and that He is willing to become our guide and teacher whenever we are perplexed.
The arrival of Judas and Silas, attesting by their presence the importance that the mother church attached to the question at issue, and the reading of the letter, brought great relief to the believers at Antioch, and a blessed season of teaching and preaching ensued.
It is unpleasant to see the contention between the two leaders over John Mark, but God overruled it for good and Paul could later write to Timothy, “Take Mark and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering,” 2Ti 4:11, r.v.