Acts 15:6-21 shows clearly the means by which the apostles and early church sought authority for their teaching and practice when sufficient revelation had already been made. In this passage a dispute had arisen over whether the Gentiles were to be circumcised and to follow the law of Moses in order to be saved. It is interesting that the apostles do not turn to the Holy Spirit for direct revelation, instead relying on the revelation that had already been provided. So how did they go about determining the truth? Peter 15:6-11 argued the point on the basis of necessary inference. Peter first presented the pertinent facts:
- He was sent by God to preach to the Gentiles,
- God acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit even as He did to us (the apostles),
- He made no distinction between us (Jews) and them (Gentiles), purifying their hearts by faith.
With these three facts before the audience, Peter then drew the necessary conclusion: “Therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples…But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we (Jews) shall be saved in the same manner as they (Gentiles).” (verse 10-11). Though God had not specifically said that the Gentiles did not have to be circumcised or keep the law of Moses, Peter was able to necessarily infer that they were not under such a requirement because of the facts of how God went about saving Cornelius and his household. Of course, we might add that Peter also uses an approved example as the basis for his necessary inference.
Paul and Barnabas (15:12) take up the argument on the basis of approved examples. They refer to their preaching tour among the Gentiles and how that God performed miracles and wonders through their hands as they preached the gospel without requiring circumcision or the law of Moses. The miracles and wonders God gave them as they preached placed God’s approval on this method of saving Gentile people.
Finally, James 15:13-21 refers to a direct precept in scripture where God plainly approved the acceptance of the Gentiles when the tabernacle of David was rebuilt. That day had come, therefore the Gentiles were to be accepted.
Jesus used the method of approved example to teach in Matthew 12:1-5. He also used necessary inference in Matthew 22:41-45 when He tried to teach the people that He was both the Son of God as well as the Son of Man.
Possibly related:
- I may not being doing what the Bible says, but you are not suppose to judge me. I know the Bible condemns that!
- I can’t believe God is as picky as you make Him out to be. If we love Him and are sincere it doesn’t matter if we do everything exactly the way the Bible says.
- I realize that God was strict in the Old Testament and even struck people dead, but now through Christ, God is far more lenient.