Wednesday 13 May 2009

Background

This passage illustrates that even the early Church was not freefrom controversy. While the good news about Jesus was restricted toJewish believers, the Christian faith could be essentially regardedas a sect of Judaism - a group with distinct beliefs and emphaseslike the Pharisees or Saducees. But now, beginning with Peter'soutreach to the Roman centurion Cornelius (Acts 10) andreinforced by Paul's first missionary journey, many non-Jews(Gentiles) were coming to faith in Christ.

For the strict Jew daily living required adherence to the MosaicLaw (Torah), circumcision and dietary restrictions (no pork or meatthat had not been bled). The central question was: are the Gentileconverts to be regarded as Jews? If yes, then they should observethe Jewish traditions. Furthermore, how could a Christian from aJewish background eat with Gentile Christians who, in their view,ate contaminated food?

This was a contentious issue that resurfaced repeatedly in Paul'sministry. Paul felt strongly that the Gentile Christians should notbe burdened with Jewish 'traditions' but others felt equallystrongly that they needed to become Jewish converts with all thatimplied. The heated argument at Antioch is rather gently describedby Luke as "no small dissension and debate".

Clearly an impasse was reached and so the parties concerned agreeto consult the Church leadership in Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas,amongst others, were appointed as the official delegates to go toJerusalem. On reaching Jerusalem, they report in detail theirfruitful ministry among the Gentiles. This immediately provokessome Christians from among the Pharisees (a Jewish sect emphasisingthe Mosaic Law) to demand that the converts observe the Jewish Lawand submit to circumcision.

The controversy is now placed in the hands of the Church leadershipat Jerusalem to consider. (Note that now the leadership inJerusalem included not only the 12 disciples, but also otherelders, one of whom was James - the brother of Jesus.) At thistime, the church in Jerusalem was considered to be the MotherChurch and would be consulted in matters of faith and practice.

To Ponder

What are some of the contentious issues that facetoday's Church or wider society?

We all tend to find security in tradition. Canyou identify traditions within the Christian Church that perhapsdeter those 'outside' from coming to faith in Christ?

What can be done when we encounter heated debatewithin the community of faith?