Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Testing the Issue

How did this question confront the apostles? BR-ASI9 275.11

“And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” Acts 15:1. “Certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment.” Verse 24. BR-ASI9 275.12

What decision was then reached by the apostles? BR-ASI9 276.1

“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.” Acts 15:28, 29. BR-ASI9 276.2

Note.—The question before the council at Jerusalem concerned the ceremonial law. Christian Gentiles and Jews were keeping the seventh-day Sabbath, and in other matters observing the Ten Commandments, for the apostle James says pointedly, “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10. BR-ASI9 276.3

Of what was Stephen accused concerning the Mosaic law? BR-ASI9 276.4

“And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.” Acts 6:13, 14. BR-ASI9 276.5

What similar charge was brought against Paul? BR-ASI9 276.6

“This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.” Acts 18:13. BR-ASI9 276.7

What statement did Paul make concerning his faith? BR-ASI9 276.8

“I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.” Acts 24:14. BR-ASI9 276.9

Note.—The charge against Stephen and Paul was not based upon any violation of the moral law, but upon their teaching concerning the ceremonial law; and Paul’s admission that he was guilty of what they called heresy meant simply that he differed from them as to the obligation to observe any longer the ceremonial law, which was imposed upon them “until the time of reformation.” The simple fact that such charges were made against these able teachers of the gospel shows that in their view the ceremonial law had been abolished by the death of Christ. BR-ASI9 276.10