Slices
Prepare
Hold up to God a decision you are facing and ask for his perspective.
Bible passage
12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13 When they finished, James spoke up. ‘Brothers,’ he said, ‘listen to me. 14 Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. 15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:
16 ‘“After this I will return
and rebuild David’s fallen tent.
Its ruins I will rebuild,
and I will restore it,
17 that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
even all the Gentiles who bear my name,
says the Lord, who does these things” –
18 things known from long ago.
19 ‘It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21 For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.’
Explore
Here comes the crunch point: stories showcasing God’s work among the Gentiles have been shared with the rapt gathering, and now James gets up to speak. Brother of Jesus and a senior leader in the young church at Jerusalem, the decision seems to fall to him. His suggestion is bookended by two panoramic perspectives: the prophetic voice of scripture (vs 15–18) and the priority of mission (v 21). In reminding his listeners that the promise has always been meant to widen out to include the Gentiles, he is persuading them that they are part of a bigger picture.
From that standpoint, twin principles emerge: first, that no unnecessary burdens be added to the belief of Gentile converts (eg circumcision); and secondly, that no unnecessary barriers to faith be erected for Jews (eg Gentile converts continuing with offensive pagan practices). So James recommends a ‘third way’ for Gentile engagement with Mosaic Law – one that is neither all nor nothing, and one guided by a vision just as relevant today. No unnecessary burdens for believers because all are welcomed into God’s family by grace; no unnecessary barriers to belief because there are many still to receive his grace. Salvation’s brushstrokes, encompassing every people group, paint a big, big picture. May we learn to live as part of it.
Respond
Draw a picture and place yourself within it as a way of reflecting on and responding to today’s passage.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Numbers 15,16; Acts 18
Pray for Scripture Union
This is a crucial time for the leaders of our missions and holidays as they gather core teams and begin to prepare their programmes. Pray that teams will come together with no gaps and that they will have wisdom, Spirit-inspired creativity and excitement as they plan the year ahead.
