Acts 15:16-17, Why We Needn’t Circumcise, part I of II
And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: … After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
//This topic will require a little introduction. The book of Acts tells how Paul argued before the heads of the church that Gentiles need not be circumcised like Jews in order to be accepted as Christians. James, the head of the Jerusalem church, agrees. He stands up and offers this argument: God selected a people (the Jews) out from among all the nations, and gave them special circumstances that didn’t relate to the gentiles.
Thus the course of Christianity is drastically altered, allowing Gentiles to enter the fold without living up to the law of the Jews regarding issues like circumcision. It’s hard to imagine a more important decision in the course of Christianity.
In presenting his argument, James directly quotes the prophet Amos. Note the similarity between what he says and what is written in the book of Amos:
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this. –Amos 9:11-12
Amos is talking about the coming Day of the Lord, when God would send a Messiah to rescue the Jews and set the world right. First-century Christians argued that that day was upon them; the long-awaited Messiah had arrived. Thus, says James, the time has come and Gentiles can finally be accepted as they are.
But don’t read the verses in Amos too carefully, or you’ll see the problem. More tomorrow.
Fantasy Football, Anyone?
Put on the whole uniform of the Team, that ye may be able to stand against the blitz of oncoming linebackers. Don the hip pads of truth, the shoulder pads of righteousness, the cleats of preparation. Don’t forget the facemask of faith and the helmet of salvation. Then clutch the pigskin with much Spirit, for that is what the Play Book of your Coach in Heaven demands.The River of Life
Twice before Lee Harmon has written about Christian topics, once on the gospel of John and once on the book of Revelation. But the question people keep asking him is this: As a liberal Christian, why do you care so much about the Bible? Others wonder whether he is truly a Christian at all.
The Way It Happened
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| Revelation: A love story gone awry. | The Gospel: A love story set aright. |
What really happened 2,000 years ago? How did a persecuted minority of end-time believers known as Christians, with their dreams of Armageddon and a conquering Messiah named Jesus, evolve into the largest religion in the world? Author Lee Harmon explores the period in which the New Testament was written in his books about John's Gospel and Revelation.
(Bloggers: you may be eligible for a free review copy! Just contact us.)
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The God Show
Lee Harmon interviewed on The God Show about the History Channel's miniseries The Bible and Lee's latest book, John's Gospel: The Way It Happened.
About Lee
Hello! I'm an author, historical Jesus scholar, book reviewer, and liberal Christian, which means I appreciate and attempt to exercise the humanitarian teachings of Jesus without getting hung up on any particular supernatural or religious beliefs.
The Bible is a magnificent book that has inspired and spiritually fed generations for thousands of years, and each new century seems to bring a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. This is true of not only Christianity; through the years, our age-old religions are slowly transforming from superstitious rituals into humanitarian philosophies. In short, we are growing up, and I am thrilled to be riding the wave.
I avidly read all thought-provoking religion titles. New authors: I'd love to read and review your book!
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About Leslie
Hi! While Lee writes the articles and reviews the books, I edit, organize, and maintain the blog. The views expressed here are Lee's but I'm his biggest supporter! :-)
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