The Jerusalem Leaders Endorse Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

Text: Acts 15:12-21

Reflection and Question: We step into the midst of the struggle among the Christians whose roots grow deeply in the ground of Jewish tradition to accept into their fellowship the believers in Jesus whose roots are in non-Jewish religion and culture. Quoting Scripture from the prophets, James articulates the minimal expectations of faithful Gentiles for joining the growing church. And James sees that these Gentiles will lead the church in a new direction for they are different from the God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogues. When new people change the dynamics of your group how do you feel?

Prayer: Most Holy Spirit, You inspired James to see that You can also call Gentiles into the church even though he could not see all the changes this process would bring. Inspire us to do the same when new possibilities are placed before us. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).