Here
James referred to Peter’s Hebrew name, Simon, and summarized how God through
Peter had raised a people for Himself among the Gentiles. His conclusion was
that Peter’s ministry was a fulfilment of God’s plan as foretold by the
Prophets. Quoting Amos 9:11-12, he showed that in God’s plan, His people would
consist of two collective groups - the people of Israel and the Gentiles who
are called by His name.
James then wisely called for sound actions. He
resolved that the Gentiles who were turning to God should not be excessively
burdened. He called for a letter to be written to them, stipulating three
requirements: (1) to abstain from food offered to idols, (2) to abstain from
fornication, and (3) to abstain from eating food strangled and have blood in
it.
In these requirements, James also referred to
Moses. He was saying that these three stipulations were found in the writings
of Moses. These writings had always been read in synagogues on the Sabbath, by
those who preached about him since time past. Hence, they were not additional
regulations. James brought this up, most likely, to address the group of people
who were insistent on circumcision and other legal requirements for salvation.
Here we see a call to be balanced. People should
not be unduly burdened as they trust the Lord. Two applications for our
consideration: firstly, since God has saved us by His grace, we should not set
more non-Biblical impositions on others who trust Him. Secondly, since we are
under grace, we should gladly restrict our exercise of freedom for the sake of
others. In relating with other believers, we should live our lives by the principle
of love and consideration so that we will not to stumble them.
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