Damascus and Council
Saul’s conversion dramatically changed the missional focus of the early Church and Christianity as a whole. During that time, the gospel opened the door to both Jews and Gentiles, and the Jerusalem Council ensured it would stay that way.
Author
Travis Agnew
Lead Pastor
Gospel
Damascus and Council
Saul’s conversion dramatically changed the missional focus of the early Church and Christianity as a whole. During that time, the gospel opened the door to both Jews and Gentiles, and the Jerusalem Council ensured it would stay that way.
Travis Agnew
Lead Pastor
Damascus
Saul’s Background
- Saul was a pivotal member of the Pharisees and possessed an impressive religious resume (Acts 22:2-5; Philippians 3:4-6).
- Saul catalyzed Stephen’s martyred death (Acts 7:58; 8:1).
- Saul began an aggressive campaign to hunt down Christians to silence the movement (Acts 8:3; 26:10-11).
Saul’s Conversion
- Jesus dramatically gained Saul’s attention while he was “still breathing threats and murder” (Acts 9:2).
- Jesus indicated that Saul’s persecution of His disciples was a direct offense against Him (Acts 9:4).
- God led Ananias to approach Saul and lead him into his next steps of obedience (Acts 9:15).
Saul’s Ministry
- Saul meets with Peter and other Jerusalem leaders, indicating his official inclusion (Acts 9:26-30).
- Luke begins to reference this missionary as “Paul,” which is the Greek version of the Hebrew name “Saul” (Acts 13:13).
- Paul’s ministry focuses on mission endeavors to unreached people and clarifying letters sent to church connections.
Council
The Reason for the Council
- The Holy Spirit sent Peter to a Gentile man named Cornelius and taught him that there is no partiality regarding salvation (Acts 10).
- The Church at Antioch had successfully seen many Gentiles receive the gospel (Acts 11:20-21).
- Paul and Barnabas had led many Gentile conversions on their mission trips (Acts 14:27).
The Ruling of the Council
- A vocal group believed that Gentile Christians couldn’t convert to Christianity until they were circumcised according to Old Testament Law (Acts 15:1).
- Since the Holy Spirit came on the Gentiles, they agreed that all people are saved only by grace (Acts 15:11).
- After James’ clarifying suggestions, they agreed and wrote a letter explaining the expectations for all believers (Acts 15:22-35).
The Result of the Council
- This unifying ruling from the Church leaders fanned the flame for missions toward Jews and Gentiles (Acts 15:30-35).
- Paul recommended Timothy to be circumcised (Acts 16:1-3; 1 Cor. 9:20) but forbade Titus to do the same (Gal. 2:3-5) based on each pastor’s missional focus.
- The dividing distinction between Old Testament believers and New Testament disciples was removed at the cross (Eph. 2:11-22).
