Holding the Line on the Gospel

The gospel had a plus sign added to it: believe in Jesus, and get circumcised, and keep the law. In Acts 15 the Jerusalem Council meets to settle whether grace alone is enough. Their answer, and ours: Jesus plus nothing. Here is how they held the line. Five moves in the text: 1. Submitted to authority (v1–6) — instead of splitting, Paul and Barnabas bring the dispute to the apostles and elders. Hard questions belong before godly authority, not settled alone. 2. Established by experience (v7–12) — Peter testifies to what he saw: God gave the Spirit to Gentiles by faith, apart from the law. 3. Confirmed by the Word (v13–21) — James shows it agrees with the prophets. Experience is tested and confirmed by Scripture, never the other way around. 4. Delivered in writing (v22–31) — the decision goes out in a letter so the churches aren't left to rumor. Clarity protects the flock. 5. Reinforced by witnesses (v32–35) — Judas and Silas come in person to encourage and strengthen the believers. You cannot add one thing to your salvation. It is Christ alone. Hold the line on the gospel.