he dispute raised by Judaizing teachers. (1-6) The council at
Jerusalem. (7-21) The letter from the council. (22-35) Paul and
Barnabas separate. (36-41)
Verses 1-6: Some from Judea taught the Gentile converts at Antioch,
that they could not be saved, unless they observed the whole
ceremonial law as given by Moses; and thus they sought to
destroy Christian liberty. There is a strange proneness in us to
think that all do wrong who do not just as we do. Their doctrine
was very discouraging. Wise and good men desire to avoid
contests and disputes as far as they can; yet when false
teachers oppose the main truths of the gospel, or bring in
hurtful doctrines, we must not decline to oppose them.
Verses 7-21: We see from the words "purifying their hearts by faith,"
and the address of St. Peter, that justification by faith, and
sanctification by the Holy Ghost, cannot be separated; and that
both are the gift of God. We have great cause to bless God that
we have heard the gospel. May we have that faith which the great
Searcher of hearts approves, and attests by the seal of the Holy
Spirit. Then our hearts and consciences will be purified from
the guilt of sin, and we shall be freed from the burdens some
try to lay upon the disciples of Christ. Paul and Barnabas
showed by plain matters of fact, that God owned the preaching of
the pure gospel to the Gentiles without the law of Moses;
therefore to press that law upon them, was to undo what God had
done. The opinion of James was, that the Gentile converts ought
not to be troubled about Jewish rites, but that they should
abstain from meats offered to idols, so that they might show
their hatred of idolatry. Also, that they should be cautioned
against fornication, which was not abhorred by the Gentiles as
it should be, and even formed a part of some of their rites.
They were counselled to abstain from things strangled, and from
eating blood; this was forbidden by the law of Moses, and also
here, from reverence to the blood of the sacrifices, which being
then still offered, it would needlessly grieve the Jewish
converts, and further prejudice the unconverted Jews. But as the
reason has long ceased, we are left free in this, as in the like
matters. Let converts be warned to avoid all appearances of the
evils which they formerly practised, or are likely to be tempted
to; and caution them to use Christian liberty with moderation
and prudence.
Verses 22-35: Being warranted to declare themselves directed by the
immediate influence of the Holy Ghost, the apostles and
disciples were assured that it seemed good unto God the Holy
Spirit, as well as to them, to lay upon the converts no other
burden than the things before mentioned, which were necessary,
either on their own account, or from present circumstances. It
was a comfort to hear that carnal ordinances were no longer
imposed on them, which perplexed the conscience, but could not
purify or pacify it; and that those who troubled their minds
were silenced, so that the peace of the church was restored, and
that which threatened division was removed. All this was
consolation for which they blessed God. Many others were at
Antioch. Where many labour in the word and doctrine, yet there
may be opportunity for us: the zeal and usefulness of others
should stir us up, not lay us asleep.
Verses 36-41: Here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no
less than Paul and Barnabas, yet made to end well. Barnabas
wished his nephew John Mark to go with them. We should suspect
ourselves of being partial, and guard against this in putting
our relations forward. Paul did not think him worthy of the
honour, nor fit for the service, who had departed from them
without their knowledge, or without their consent: see ch.
(13:13). Neither would yield, therefore there was no remedy but
they must part. We see that the best of men are but men, subject
to like passions as we are. Perhaps there were faults on both
sides, as usual in such contentions. Christ's example alone, is
a copy without a blot. Yet we are not to think it strange, if
there are differences among wise and good men. It will be so
while we are in this imperfect state; we shall never be all of
one mind till we come to heaven. But what mischief the
remainders of pride and passion which are found even in good
men, do in the world, and do in the church! Many who dwelt at
Antioch, who had heard but little of the devotedness and piety
of Paul and Barnabas, heard of their dispute and separation; and
thus it will be with ourselves, if we give way to contention.
Believers must be constant in prayer, that they may never be led
by the allowance of unholy tempers, to hurt the cause they
really desire to serve. Paul speaks with esteem and affection
both of Barnabas and Mark, in his epistles, written after this
event. May all who profess thy name, O loving Saviour, be
thoroughly reconciled by that love derived from thee which is
not easily provoked, and which soon forgets and buries injuries.
he dispute raised by Judaizing teachers. (1-6) The council at
Jerusalem. (7-21) The letter from the council. (22-35) Paul and
Barnabas separate. (36-41)