Monday, May 22, 2017

Scriptural Church Polity

Acts 15:19-22   
19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” 22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

After accepting that non-Jews also were inheriting eternal life in Christ, the church wrote not that they keep the Law but only aspects that were at the heart of offense to God.  They were to not have other Gods (idols), be sexually pure, from sacrifices and blood (life) in meat.  They knew he Law was read every week if they really wanted to hear it.  So they wrote a letter to those gentile churches and sent some with Paul and Barnabas with the ruling.  Church polity based on scripture had begun.

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