What is the Jerusalem Council and what Really Happen? Acts 15

What is the Jerusalem Council and what Really Happen? Acts 15

by | Oct 18, 2018 | Christianity, Daily Encouragement

Highlights of What Really Happened at the Jerusalem Council!

 

  • The apostle Peter the 11 apostles and all in the Jerusalem Church were still UNDER THE LAW. THEY BELIEVED THAT JESUS WAS THE CHRIST (ISRAEL’S MESSIAH) BUT THEY WERE STILL PRACTICING THE MOSAIC LAW!
  • Members of the Jerusalem Church were all saved under the “Gospel of the Kingdom” (Matthew 9:35; 10:5-7). There profession of faith was to believe Jesus was the Christ “the promised Messiah”, the Son of God (Matthew 16:16,17).
  • God sent Paul to the Jerusalem Church to tell them how it was going to be moving forward. It was Paul that told Peter and all at the Jerusalem what the risen Lord Jesus revealed to him. (Galatians 2:2, Acts 15:1-4, Acts 9:15,16)
  • Up until the time (51 AD) when God sends Paul to the Jerusalem Church there have been no revelations or record that Peter and the 11 or anyone at the Jerusalem Church were to stop practicing the Mosaic Law or stop Temple worship.
  • It was Paul that stood his ground against the Jerusalem Church defending what the “Risen Lord” had revealed to him. (Galatians 2:3-5)
  • God revealed the “Gospel of Grace” to Paul, not Peter 11 years after Pentecost (Galatians 1:11,12, 17,18, – Ephesians 3:1-10, Colossians 1:24-27).

The “mystery” was that the gospel of grace had been hid in God until revealed to the apostle Paul.

That now because of the finished work of the cross and the nation of Israel rejecting their promised King (Acts 2:23; 3:14,15, 7:51-50), in which God knew would happen in His foreknowledge (Romans 11:2,32,33). God has temporarily blinded Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles occurs (Romans 11:25; 32). So that since around 40 AD and not before (Ephesians 2:11; Romans 16:25), God has opened the gates of heaven pouring out His grace on all mankind, making salvation available to both Jew and Gentile alike apart  from circumcision, the Mosaic law and temple worship (Romans 3:19-22). With faith,  alone in the finished work of the cross being the only means for salvation. Amen!

 

  • At the time of the Jerusalem Council in 51 AD, Pentecost is 22 years in the past.
  • It was the apostle Paul that called Peter a hypocrite to his face for falling back under the law or legalism (Galatians 2:11-16).
  • Peter and the other 11 apostles offered nothing to Paul (Galatians 2:6,9). Not because Paul was any better but because it was to him that the risen Lord Jesus Christ chose as the vessel to dispense these new revelations, to both Jew and Gentile. A gospel message that was kept hidden since before time began (Ephesians 3:1-11; Romans 16:25). 

 

Christendom Minimizes the Apostle Paul

Christendom has minimized the apostle Paul’s role surrounding the Jerusalem Council. With most commentaries stating something like; “Paul was called up to the Jerusalem Church to discuss with Peter, James and John the problems he was having with members from the Jerusalem Church telling Gentiles that they needed to keep the law or they cannot be saved. (Acts 15:5) So Peter, James, and John with the help of Church Elders could make a decision on what to do about this issue.”

That is one of the popular narratives but across the board, most teaching on the “Jerusalem Council” completely distorts the truth of the apostle Paul’s role at the Jerusalem Council.

 

Example of “Wrong” on the Jerusalem Council

The popular Christian website Got Questions does an almost perfect job minimizing the apostle Paul’s role at the Jerusalem Council.

They gave the apostle Paul one sentence in the entire article. You can read the “sentence” for yourself below. Please read the entire Got Questions article titled “What was the meaning and importance of the Jerusalem Council?” So no one can say I was taking them out of context.

In Acts chapters 13—14, Paul and Barnabas had a very fruitful ministry among the Gentiles.

 

The Truth About Paul’s Role

The record shows that God revealed to Paul, not Peter,  the gospel of grace and all the doctrine for the grace age Church; the body of Christ. “ELEVEN (11) YEARS AFTER PENTECOST” Peter, James, John and all at the Jerusalem Church knew NOTHING about the gospel of grace until Paul shared it with them at the Jerusalem Council. (51 AD)

Peter, James and John and all the members of the Jerusalem Church were still practicing the law! The temple is in full operation. NO ONE HAS TOLD THEM TO STOP PRACTICING THE LAW.

Members of the Jerusalem Church Offered Paul Nothing

Paul makes it clear that Peter and the other apostles had zero to offer him (Galatians 2:6,7). Of course, Paul knew that Peter and the 11 spent 3 years with Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry but Paul knew that they didn’t.  Was the “Mystery” or what God kept secret (Ephesians 3:1-10, Colossians 1:24-27), until now, is that the crucifixion wasn’t just about the Jews along with the Romans killing Israel’s messiah.

The mystery is that now because of the cross and the nation of Israel’s rejection of their Messiah which God knew in His foreknowledge (Romans 11:2,32,33). God could now pour out His grace on all mankind making salvation available to both Jew and Gentile alike apart from circumcision, the Mosaic law, and temple worship. And now, beginning from the time God first revealed the gospel of grace to Paul. Salvation is by faith alone in the finished work of the cross. 

But of these who (Peter, James, the Lord’s brother, and the other apostles) seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person🙂 for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me.

Galatians 2:6

But contrariwise (or on the other hand) when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision (Grace 1 Corinthians 15:1-4) was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision (the gospel of the Kingdom Matthew 10:1-8) was unto Peter;

Galatians 2:7

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen (Gentiles), and they unto the circumcision.

Galatians 2:9

Really? Has anyone read their Bible lately?

Paul was chosen by God to preach to Gentiles. (Acts 9:15) God dealing directly with Gentiles was something that hasn’t happened since before the call of Abraham (2000 years) and is one of the main reasons why the Jews troubled Paul so harshly. The Jews as a whole could not except that their God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was now going to the “Gentiles”.

THREE YEARS WITH THE RISEN LORD JESUS IN ARABIA

The apostle Paul spends three years with the risen and glorified Lord Jesus Christ somewhere in the desert of Arabia (Galatians 1:17,18).  Paul was with the Lord in Arabia for 3 years until around 40 AD. During these three years, God reveals to Paul the gospel of grace, and doctrines for the grace age Church (Galatians 1:11, 12, 15, 16, 18).

 

So what were Peter and the 11 preaching while Paul is with the Lord Jesus?

What About Peter’s Visit to The Roman Centurion?

Yes, in Acts 10 around 40 AD the apostle Peter was sent by God to Cornelius and Cornelius along with others in his household were saved. This was 11-12 years before the Jerusalem Council. There is no record of Peter or the 11 with a ministry to the Gentile world from that day forward. As a matter of fact, there is no record of Peter and the apostles ever leaving Jerusalem! (Acts 8:1)

No one told Peter or any Jew to stop practicing the Mosaic law and the temple is in operation. (Acts 10:28, Acts 11:8) Cornelius and the other Gentiles that were with him were saved the same way those at Pentecost were saved (Acts 11:15).

This isn’t how it works for us today under grace! 1 Corinthians 12:13, is clear that it is the Holy Spirit that baptizes believer into the body of Christ.

 

 

 

The Holy Spirit

Just take look at the operation of the Holy Spirit and how God dealt differently with regard to the believer at different moments in Biblical history.

Jew Only. The operation of the Holy Spirit from John the Baptist was in preparation for the coming King, Israel’s Messiah. Jews were Baptized with water for the remission of sins. (Matthew 3:6, 11 – Luke 3:3, Mark 1:1-4)

 

Jew Only. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit fell upon the person that believed Jesus was the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God and they were to keep the Mosaic law. As a show of proof of their salvation, they were given the gift of speaking in tongues. The same Holy Spirit experience happened to Cornelius and his household. (Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:15)

 

Both Jew and Gentile. For grace-age believers, we are baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit. Completely different operation. The moment an individual Jew or Gentile believes they are a sinner hell-bound without hope and believe by faith alone that Jesus Christ died for their sins, was buried and rose again three days later. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) That person is baptized into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13) All grace-age believers are members of the Body of Christ which is His Church. (Colossians 1:24)

That’s not what happened in Peter’s experience with Cornelius. Not even close. Yes, Cornelius and his Gentile household were saved but not by believing the gospel revealed to the apostle Paul. How could they? Peter knew nothing about the gospel of grace it wasn’t revealed yet. THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL DOESN’T HAPPEN FOR ANOTHER 11 TO 12 YEARS.

“The whole purpose of the Jerusalem Council was so Paul could tell them what God told Paul to tell them. That we are not under the law but under grace. 

As stated earlier, even though God commanded Peter to go to Cornelius who was a Gentile. There is NO record of Peter or the 11 having a ministry to Gentiles. God did not command Peter to go to ALL Gentiles, God told Peter, to go to Cornelius.

 

 

 

In Conclusion

From the time of Peter meeting with Cornelius and the Jerusalem Council 11 to 12 years have gone by. If Peter, the eleven and everyone else at the Jerusalem Church had been preaching Paul’s gospel, ‘Why the need for the Jerusalem Council in the first place’? Makes no sense at all…!

 

Wake up and stop just reading Scripture and be a Berean to see what the apostle Paul was proclaiming was indeed TRUE.

The purpose of the Jerusalem Council is clear. God sent Paul to tell ALL at the Jerusalem Church that from this point forward both Jew and Gentile are EQUALS (Romans 10:12, Romans 3:22, Galatians 3:28)  SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE apart from THE MOSAIC LAW (Romans 3:21, Ephesians 2:8,9 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Romans 2:16), believers are indwelled with the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5, 8:9) that as believers in this newly revealed gospel of grace we are ALL baptized into His Body (1 Corinthians 12:12,13), the Body of Christ which is the Church. (Colossians 1:24)

That is the truth about what happened at the Jerusalem Church. The Biblical record of the apostle Paul’s role at the “Jerusalem Council” just may be the single most important event in Christianity next to the cross.

 

“It’s All Grace or Nothing at All”

No That Isn’t How Christianity Started

No That Isn’t How Christianity Started

by | Aug 27, 2018 | Christianity | 0 comments

No That Isn’t How Christianity Started

 

While there are many truths in the “Traditional Christianity Narrative” it is absolutely false and has led to so much confusion and division in the Body of Christ. Below is a list of Biblical truths that smash the traditional Christianity narrative.

 

Download our Biblical Timeline it will help clarify when Christianity Began

 

  • No, Paul did not join Peter and the eleven and spread the gospel all over the world, baptizing and adding believers to the Body of Christ.

 

  • John the Baptist was the prophet spoken of in Isaiah and Malachi that would come on the scene as the herald of Israel’s King.  (Isaiah 40:1,2) John the Baptist ministry wasn’t to set up the Body of Christ it was to announce to Israel that their King was coming!

 

  • The apostle Peter and the 11 preached the gospel of the Kingdom, (Matthew 10:5-7) it was the identical message that John the Baptist preached. (Matthew 3:2) Israel’s promised King was coming to fulfill the promises made to the fathers. (Romans 15:8) 

Jesus Christ was born of the woman, raised under the Mosaic law and preached the gospel of the Kingdom. Jesus never told anyone to stop practicing the law or shut down the Temple. Just the opposite. Jesus was among His people, the Messiah that Israel had been waiting for over a thousand years was walking among His people fulfilling the promises made to the fathers. (Romans 15:8, Luke 1:67-77) 

 

  • Jesus commanded the 12 not to go to the Gentiles and they didn’t.

(Matthew 10:5-8) There is no record of the apostles having a ministry to the Gentile world. If they did then the book of Ephesians, Colossians, Romans, are untrue. We either believe what God says in Ephesians 2:11,12 or not? As a matter of fact, there is no record of the 12 apostles leaving Jerusalem and preaching the gospel around the world. “Great Commission” (Mark 16:15-18).

  • It is clear from Acts 15 that Peter and the believers of the Jerusalem Church were still under the law and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom.

It is God who commands Paul to go up to the Jerusalem Church to set the record straight. (Galatians 2:2) And it is the apostle Peter who finally stands up during the “Jerusalem Council” and says “But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.” (Acts 15:11) Why would Peter need to say that if they were already preaching the gospel of grace?

  • 14 Years after John the Baptist and 10-11 years after Pentecost the apostle Paul received the gospel of grace and the doctrines for the Body of Christ, the Church directly from the glorified Lord Jesus. No one taught or instructed Paul (Galatians 1:11,12), it was the apostle Paul that delineated the gospel of grace and the doctrines of grace to Peter and the leaders of the Jerusalem Church, not the other way around! (Galatians 2:6,7)

 

  • The apostle Paul was the only chosen vessel of God with a ministry to the Gentile world.

Before Paul, the Gentile world was without hope and without God. But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15,16)

 

 

The “Body of Christ” Began with the Gospel of Grace

 

Christianity began when God revealed to the apostle Paul the gospel of grace, and the doctrines for the Body of Christ, the Church today. God makes it clear to us that before His revelation to Paul, the Gentile world was without hope and without God.

Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12  remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Ephesians 2:11,12

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began ‘

Romans 16:25

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Ephesians 3:1-11

 

 

 

The Body of Christ which is His Church was a Secret “the Mystery”

 

The resurrected Lord Jesus revealed the gospel and doctrine of grace to Paul fourteen years after John the Baptist and 11 years after Pentecost. So how could John the Baptist or the twelve apostles teach or preach grace when it wasn’t revealed. They couldn’t and they didn’t there is no record of the twelve apostles having a ministry to Gentiles. None! The gospel of grace the teachings for the Church today which is His Body was a Mystery a secret hid in God from before the ages. Revealed to God’s chosen vessel the apostle Paul, 11 years after Pentecost around 40 AD. Paul was out among the Gentile world preaching and teaching the gospel of the grace of God for around 11 years before the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15.

 

Paul, Peter and the Jerusalem Church in Agreement

It is at the Jerusalem council where the legalist attempt to convince Paul that the Gentiles need to believe the gospel but also keep the law and be circumcised. But Paul does not give in for a second, (Galatians 2:5) as a matter of record, Paul realizes that those who were of high reputation had nothing to offer he didn’t already know. (Galatians 2:6) It was Paul who shared new revelations with Peter and the Jerusalem leadership. (Galatians 2:7) From Acts 15 until the Church is taken of the scene all mankind will be both saved and judged by Pauls gospel, the gospel of the Grace of God. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

 

On the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.

Romans 2:16

24  Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. 25  Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 26  that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, 27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:24-27

Conclusion

Understanding when the Body of Christ, which is His Church started and when God temporarily put Israel aside. Will make studying the Bible so much easier and enjoyable. (Romans 11:11-12, 11:25-26)

Thank you for reading.

Please don’t hesitate to comment or ask questions below.

Mesa Bible Study

Jamie Pantastico

 

Can a Person Lose Their Salvation? “OSAS”

Can a Person Lose Their Salvation? “OSAS”

by | Aug 9, 2018 | Salvation | 0 comments

Can a Person Lose Their Salvation? 

Absolutely Not! God does not play games. Nor is He a liar. He promised if you believe the gospel you are saved. The doctrine of eternal security is simple to understand and clearly delineated in Scripture. God says if you believe the gospel you’re saved. Plain language but because of pride and lack of faith mankind says no to God. “I” must do more than just having faith in the finished work of the cross.

There are forums and hundreds of YouTube videos dedicated to this topic where all believers do is argue over OSAS “once saved always saved”. Did the translators get John 19:30 wrong? Did Jesus say It’s not really finished, you have to do a bit more every day or at least once a week to hold on to your salvation? 

Stop Calling God a Liar

Those that oppose what God has promised, that once you’re saved you’re His forever have no faith. They can’t take God at His Word. 

 

To those who oppose once saved always saved: 

STOP CALLING GOD A LIAR! 

 In the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago.

Titus 1:2

STOP FRUSTRATING THE GRACE THAT GOD HAS POURED OUT ON ALL MANKIND

 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. 

Galatians 2:21

STOP TELLING JESUS CHRIST HIS DEATH WAS MEANINGLESS

If mankind doing things would please God than the cross was never needed. But God knew from eternity past that He would need to send His Son Jesus Christ to redeem mankind because it is utterly impossible for mankind to do anything to save ourselves.

1 For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. 2  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? 3  But in those sacrifices, there is a reminder of sins year by year. 4  For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5  Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says,

“Sacrifice and offering You have not desired,

But a body You have prepared for Me;

6  In whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin, You have taken no pleasure.

7  “A Then I said, ‘ Behold, I have come

(In the scroll of the book it is written of Me)

To do Your will, O God.’”

8  After saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have not desired, nor have You taken pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the Law), 9  then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first in order to establish the second. 10  By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:1-10

 

This is What God Says on How a Person is Saved

 

‘For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.

I Corinthians 15:3-4

‘In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, ‘

Ephesians 1:13

‘in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.’

Romans 2:16

 

Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Romans 10:9-10 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved.  

These verses clearly state that you are saved the moment you believe. Remember this is God saying this not Paul. God doesn’t say you’re saved but I’ll check back with you in 3 months than again in 6 months. Don’t frustrate the mercy and grace that God has poured out to you and all mankind. (Galatians 2:21)  

Take a look at all the things God does the moment you believe…

 

  • The moment you believe the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 1:16) you are saved
  • Instantly sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13),
  • Baptized into the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13),
  • Indwelled with the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5, 8:9),
  • Become children of God; and Joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16,17),
  • and blessed with all spiritual blessing in the heavenly’s. (Ephesians 1:3),
  • We are all seated together in the heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 2:6)

Is our Lord going to take it all back every time you sin? Or is there one particular sin that takes you out? Ridiculous! That is the complete opposite of grace. Trust in His promises because of who He is. 

Savage Wolves Are Already Amoung Us

The apostle Paul warned of these “savage wolves” that would not spare the flock. (Acts 20:29,30) And they would come from within the Church speaking perverse things to draw believers to themselves. WOW! Sound familiar?

Let them come and test your faith, put your trust in what God promised! Nothing can separate you from Christ!

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33  Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34  who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35  Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:31-35

“Those that believe you can lose your salvation are calling God a liar”

 

It Comes Down to Faith

I know I repeat myself over and over on every topic or question but everything we do for God comes down to faith. Those that believe you can lose your salvation are themselves the very picture of someone with NO FAITH.

That’s why this topic is so important. On one side a person believes what God says and on the other side, the person doesn’t. One is going where the other isn’t, and if those with no faith (you can lose your salvation) in what God says can influence others (unsaved) with their work’s salvation message they’re not saving anyone.

I just hope that someone with questions about the assurance of salvation reads this post, takes the time to study the verses and can be assured once and for all that God promised salvation to all that believe the gospel. Believe God, not Man!!! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re a new believer and you have doubts about your salvation that’s normal. Satan will attack you with doubt but that’s where faith comes in. Put all your faith in what God promised you and rest on His promises because God can not lie and He is always faithful even when we are not. (2 Timothy 2:13) Doubt is normal, we’re only human but God is always faithful. (2 Thessalonians 3:3) 

Thank you for reading.

Please like, share and comment.  

Faith, Sine Qua Non

Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

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