Acts 15 represents a critical turning point in the church. There were certain people within the church who felt that new Gentile believers must be circumcised and obey the Law. Paul and Barnabas disagreed. Why? It is because they had seen personally how God was working to convert uncircumcised Gentiles. God had given them the Holy Spirit, just as he had given it to circumcised believers. To Paul, obedience to Mosaic law was a yoke the Israelites had been unable to bear. The source of eternal salvation is not through legalistic obedience, but through the grace of our Lord Jesus. His grace is our only salvation.

As Paul and Barnabas relayed the work of God among the Gentiles, James was reminded of the words of the prophets who spoke of these very times. In his judgment, God was fulfilling his promises among them. They should obey God’s direction and not make it difficult for God to work among the Gentiles through the grace of Jesus.
Application: Lord, thank you for the saving grace given in the gospel of Jesus. Help me to rely on Jesus only, that his name may receive all the glory.
One Word: Only through the grace of Jesus