Session 2 Journal Entry December 3 2023
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Colorado Christian University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
THE-203-ON
Subject
Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by MasterInternet8018
1
Session 2 Journal Entry
Cody Colin
Colorado Christian University
B9IB-332A
Professor Colin Campbell
December 3, 2023
2
Session 2 Journal Entry
Luke wrote the Book of Acts between 60 and 62 AD. The book documents how the Holy Spirit worked through believers to spread the Word of God. The church at Jerusalem was the first Christian church, founded in 33 AD, and hosted the Council at Jerusalem in about 50 AD. This first council publicly established that Gentiles did not have to convert to Judaism for salvation. The Acts is divided into three sections, describing the spread of the message of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, Judea/Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth. Acts 15:1-35 stands at the center of the book, being the most crucial chapter that develops the total plot of the book. The result of this meeting in Jerusalem would produce the most significant movement of the Gospel in the early church. No study of the early church would be complete without examining the life and writings of Paul. Any such research should position Paul as a central figure, second only to Jesus himself in terms of influence. His efforts transformed Christianity from a regional offshoot of Judaism into a recognized religious movement, even by the Romans. At the heart of Christianity lies the question posed at the Council of Jerusalem - what must one do to be saved?
The Council at Jerusalem, as recorded in the scriptures, is where the 5 Solas of the Reformation were derived from. This council established that the highest authority is scripture alone and that a
person is saved by grace alone through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. The council concluded that the Old Testament law was a yoke that only Christ could and had fulfilled and that any works by an individual contributed nothing to their salvation. Therefore, Gentile converts were not required to become Jewish to be saved. It is important to note that the council at Jerusalem was not just a meeting of apostles and early church fathers. Still, God himself was present and part of the discussions (Acts 15:28).
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:. Acts 15 is not the
3
only scripture where God gathers with His servants. We see God meeting with His divine council
in Psalm 82, and Micaiah saw God meeting with the host of Heaven in 1 Kings 22:19. It is notable that God often confers with men and angels in "council" when issues must be addressed. This decision that Gentiles did not need to become Jewish was signed and sealed by God. The discussions and declarations made almost 2000 years ago in Jerusalem continue to impact the Body of Christ today. Paul would carry the Gospel of Christ to the Gentiles from Jerusalem (Romans 15:19). This is the only Gospel that saves, the Gospel of Grace, by faith in the finished work of Christ. Paul would be imprisoned multiple times and suffer greatly, just as Jesus said he would during his ministry (Acts 9:16).
Paul was a powerful instrument of God who played a crucial role in spreading Christianity. His letters are still a source of Christian doctrine distinguishing true Christians from false ones. Paul studied under Gamaliel in Jerusalem as a young teen. Despite having previously persecuted the Church, he was dedicated to spreading the word of Christ and suffered for his faith. Our salvation is based on the grace of Christ, not our merit.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
4
References
Polhill, J. B. (1992).New American Commentary: Vol. 26. Acts. Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Porter, S. E. (2016).The Apostle Paul His Life, Thought, and Letters. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Gable T. The New International Bible copyright 2015