Reading
SAA Notes
Peter and James accepted the Apostle Paul as an equal and defended both him and his apostleship to the Gentiles. They supported him by letter and by representatives.
SJA Notes
* Dear God, thank You for Your living word, given to us that we might know You better.
“And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.”
Sometimes we can let our scepticism override our belief and trust.
We need a healthy scepticism of human nature, God’s word is clear on that.
However, while sceptical of human nature, we are to be trusting of God’s nature. His grace and mercy, His ability to affect real and lasting transformative change in people’s lives.
The church in Antioch received a letter from the church fathers at the time, delivered by Paul and Barnabas and others.
This is the outworking of the previous chapters, where the church leadership clearly rebuked the false doctrine of adding more to God’s free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.
The letter also gave direction on what to abstain from. “Don’t do these things”.
The letter as a whole was an encouragement to the Antioch believers!
Being told what to do can bring about angry pride, or it can bring true meekness.
God’s people at Antioch chose humility and they were encouraged!
Is this how we respond today?
* Mighty God,
Please help us trust in You and walk in obedience under Your will for us.
You are our God, You and You alone. Creator. Sustainer. Life-Giver.
There is none like You!
Amen.