Acts 15:12-21 (NKJV)

Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

‘After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up;
So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
Says the Lord who does all these things.’

“Known to God from eternity are all His works. Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

The surprising thing in this passage isn’t what James says, it’s how he says it. In verse 19, James says, “Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God.” The surprise is the word, “judge.” Is James actually declaring that he has decided the issue? Does he have that kind of authority over this illustrious group?

The word in Greek is “krino” and its main translation is “judge” – though it can mean something weaker like “think.” But the context makes it clear that James was doing more than just expressing his opinion. As we’ll see in the next lesson, after James announces his decision there’s no more discussion about what to do. The council only works on how to transmit it.

Yes, James now has everyone’s absolute respect and can simply rule on an issue this important.

James wasn’t elected to lead the church; it just happened. That’s how it works with great saints. No one chose Augustine, Patrick or Luther either (no human anyway). They didn’t seek the roles they played. In fact, they could never have imagined the shoes they’d end up filling. Are you ready for what the Lord has in store for you?

Of course not; no one is. But seek to be. That means asking Him to show you where you need to grow.

This prayer is different. You need to lay the request out and wait for God to point out your weaknesses.

That can hurt. It’s best to take notes.

The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies