Acts 15:5 (KJV)
But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
The question at hand was raised by a particular group of Christians who had not yet let go of the tenets of their past. These Pharisees could have followed the apostles' example and surrendered those teachings to the will of the Lord. It is intriguing to consider that they most likely knew Paul or were at least familiar with him as a former leader among the Pharisees.
I’m not questioning whether these particular Pharisees were saved—I believe they were. They had a legitimate argument, especially so early in the Christian faith. The Bible was not yet complete (though I find it notable that James rested his decision on the authority of Scripture). Asking questions is not wrong. What would be wrong is refusing to be content with the answer.
I have no idea what became of these Pharisees after this meeting. What I do know is that men with their sentiment continued to hound the apostle Paul throughout the rest of his ministry. That same sentiment persists even today.
While I do not question the sincere faith of these original questioners, their failure to relinquish these concerns led to a movement that I am certain is filled with false professors. It has also prevented multitudes of believers from uniting with God’s one institution intended for the perfecting of the saints—a local, independent (and I believe, Baptist) church.
#PhariseeDebate #LawOrGrace #Acts15Discussion #BiblicalAuthority #LocalChurchTruth
Pharisees of the Faith: Early Christianity’s Struggle with Legalism
Are you clinging to tradition over truth? Acts 15:5 shows how even believers struggled to let go of the law. Don’t make the same mistake—take action today! Obey God’s Word and fully commit to the local church.
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