The Pivotal Moment: How the Jerusalem Council Changed History
In the year AD 49, a crucial meeting took place in Jerusalem that would shape the future of Christianity. The apostles and elders gathered to discuss a pressing issue: what to do with Gentiles (non-Jews) who were joining the movement in droves. Should they be required to convert to Judaism or follow Mosaic customs and laws to be part of the early Christian community?
A Turning Point in History
The meeting, recorded in Acts 15:6-21, was a turning point in history. Peter spoke first, recounting his experience with Cornelius’s household, where the Holy Spirit had been poured out like at Pentecost. Paul and Barnabas shared their own stories of miracles and signs among the Gentiles. But it was James, the brother of Jesus, who delivered the decisive speech.
The Power of Scripture
James appealed to Scripture, quoting from the prophets Zechariah, Amos, and Isaiah. He demonstrated how these passages pointed to a future time when God would gather both Jews and Gentiles under his lordship. By combining these prophecies, James showed that the fate of both groups was intertwined.
Remixing the Old Testament
The apostles did not simply copy and paste Old Testament passages unchanged. Instead, they “remixed” them, bringing out fresh melodies and rhythms as they applied them to new situations. James did precisely this, using the prophets to show that Jesus had come to establish a forever kingdom that would enfold believers from both Jew and Gentile alike.
A New Understanding
The insight of the prophets was stunning: the people of God would be a third thing, made up of Jews and Gentiles, with all mutual hostility gone. James’s conclusion was clear: what the prophets foresaw was now a reality. The day of restoration had arrived, and the kingdom was open to all who believed.
The Mic Drops
The matter was settled. James’s appeal to Scripture changed the course of history. God had spoken, and that changed everything. The Jerusalem Council marked a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, one that would shape its future and inform its understanding of God’s plan for humanity.
Lessons from the Past
The use of the prophets at the Jerusalem Council has much to teach us about the nature of God’s kingdom and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles. It shows us that the Old Testament is our story, now completed in Christ. As we reflect on this pivotal moment, we are reminded of the power of Scripture to shape our understanding of God’s plan and to guide us in our journey of faith.
A Guide to the New Testament Use of the Old Testament
For those interested in exploring the New Testament use of the Old Testament, Greg Lanier’s book “Old Made New” provides a helpful guide. Lanier demonstrates how the New Testament authors used the Old Testament to communicate the gospel and present the person and work of Jesus. His work offers valuable insights into the way the apostles “remixed” the Old Testament, bringing out fresh meanings and applications for the early Christian church.
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