SCRIPTURE: Acts 15 

KEY POINTS TO PONDER: In Luke’s first book we have read (the gospel of Luke) we see Jesus again and again going against the religiosity of the Pharisees to show that the kingdom of God is not a list of rules to be followed but freedom from sin and a restored relationship with God (if you want a refresher on this read Luke 11: 37-54). In Acts 15, we see our human tendency to opt for a works-based faith. The people coming down to Antioch in verse 1 were still living the lie that we are saved by our own doing, and not God’s, saying that people need to be circumcised to be saved. This would be an especially heavy burden for the Gentiles to bear. When the Church gathered together God revealed once again that we aren’t saved by our works but by what Jesus has done for us by his grace. It’s so important that we come running again and again into this grace in which we stand as Christians. 

CHALLENGING TERMS: Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement in verses 36-41 because the previous missionary partner John Mark had deserted them at the start of their previous journey (it never explains why). Paul may have seen this action as disqualifying him from serving. Eventually Mark gains Paul’s favor again (2 Tim. 4:11). John Mark also wrote the gospel of Mark. 

REFLECTION: Has there been a time you’ve felt pulled towards trying to earn your salvation by your works? How does this story help reframe that mindset? 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that our standing with you isn’t about what we have done, but is about what Jesus has done for us. 

Pray for protection against trying to earn your favor with God by your works.