Unburdened - by the symphony of the Spirit
When difficult things happen, things that test our faith, we can be sure that God can use them to actually strengthen our faith and the faith of others. It can take much time and painful effort, but God gives us three things to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones. See how God uses the Scriptures, Signs and wonders and the testimony of the Saints to turn serious stumbling blocks into faith strengthening blessings, even when we don’t realise that we need them.
Scripture
Acts 15:12-35 ESV And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. [13] After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. [14] Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. [15] And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, [16] “‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, [17] that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things [18] known from of old.’ [19] Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, [20] but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. [21] For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” [22] Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, [23] with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. [24] Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, [25] it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, [26] men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [27] We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. [28] For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: [29] that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” [30] So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. [31] And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. [32] And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. [33] And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. [35] But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Through the Scripture
A Stumbling Block
Some unnamed men come from the Church in Jerusalem and cause a major problem for the gentiles and those ministering to them in Antioch. These men seem credible because of the fact that they come from the Church in Jerusalem, but not everything that comes out of the Church comes from God. The gentiles have been saved from slavery to a false religion of works and now that salvation is being threatened The issue isn’t just about circumcision but this contradiction of salvation by grace.
Acts 15:1 ESV But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
Galatians 5:1-4 ESV For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. [2] Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. [3] I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. [4] You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.
Saved by Faith, the testimony of Peter
Peter, the Apostle to the Jews, whom God used to open the way for the gentiles testified that he has witnessed the work of the Holy Spirit in those who believed the Gospel without doing any works like circumcision or even baptism. They simply received the Gospel in faith.
Acts 15:10-11 ESV Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? [11] But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”
Acts 10:45-48 ESV And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. [46] For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, [47] “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” [48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
The Statement of Signs, the testimony of Barnabus and Paul
The testimony of the travelling missionaries Barnabus and Paul agreed completely with Peter’s. They recounted the miracles that God had done through them among the gentiles. God works these signs and wonders in order to authenticate His message given through human messengers like Paul and Barnabus. We are warned by the Lord to take such authenticated messages very seriously.
Acts 15:12 ESV And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
Matthew 18:16 ESV But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Hebrews 2:1-4 ESV Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. [2] For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, [3] how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, [4] while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Symphony of Scripture
We’ve had three men witness that God has worked powerful signs through them to the uncircumcised gentiles, and their witness is in symphony with the words of the prophets in the Scriptures. James goes straight to the witness of Scripture to establish beyond all doubt the authenticity of the testimony that has been heard. He refers to the words of at least two prophets, Amos and Isaiah, not to say that these events are fulfilling their specific prophecies, but to show that the salvation of gentiles as gentiles fits perfectly into God’s plan. Gentiles don’t need to become Jews to be saved.
Acts 15:13-18 ESV After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. [14] Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. [15] And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, [16] “‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, [17] that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things [18] known from of old.’
Amos 9:11-12 ESV “In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old, [12] that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by my name,” declares the LORD who does this.
Isaiah 43:6-7 ESV I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, [7] everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
Stumbling blocks removed through James
James is given the authority to make the decision. James is known for his emphasis on the value and necessity of the law, and it’s relationship to faith. This gives the decision even more weight. James’ declaration not only removes the stumbling block from the gentiles but stipulates that they should act in a way that removes any possible stumbling block from the Jews too..
Acts 15:19-21 ESV Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, [20] but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. [21] For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”
James 1:25 ESV But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
James 2:26 ESV For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
1 Corinthians 8:9-13 ESV But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. [10] For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? [11] And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. [12] Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. [13] Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
Sent with Authority, confident of the work of the Spirit
The severity of the trouble caused by the false teaching and the importance of removing the subsequent stumbling blocks demands that the solution be delivered with great care. The message is sent not only with Paul and Barnabus, but with Barsabbas and Silas, verbally and in writing. This provides transparency and irrefutable proof that the stipulations come with all the authority of the Church. The leaders are confident that the judgment comes from the Holy Spirit of God.
Acts 15:22-29 ESV Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, [23] with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. [24] Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, [25] it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, [26] men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [27] We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. [28] For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: [29] that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
Strengthened and Encouraged
From the false teaching to the final delivery of the resolution, God uses everything to glorify His name and work out His will. There is much joy in those who were troubled and their faith is strengthened, and so is the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. God has established their ministry even more firmly than before. It’s terrible how a few words from some anonymous men required so much effort to address, but wonderful how that resulted in a stronger Church than if it would have been, had it never happened.
Acts 15:30-35 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. [31] And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. [32] And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. [33] And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. [35] But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Romans 8:28 ESV And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
James 1:2-4 ESV Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, [3] for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. [4] And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Daily Devotions
Monday - Turning Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones
Today's Verse And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. Acts 15:12
Reflection This verse introduces us to a crucial moment where Barnabas and Paul recount God's mighty works among the Gentiles. When difficult things happen, things that test our faith, we can be sure that God can use them to strengthen our faith and the faith of others. It might take much time and painful effort, but He is able to turn our stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Just as the early church faced challenges that rocked their path, so too do we encounter moments that shake our quiet, peaceful, comfortable place. The incredible truth is that God doesn't just get us through these difficulties; He actively uses them to bolster and strengthen our faith, and even the faith of those around us. We may experience pain and long periods of testing, but it is in that waiting that our faith is truly tested and, by God’s grace, strengthened.
Additional Scripture
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Life Application Consider what "stumbling blocks" you are facing in your life right now. These could be unexpected challenges or situations that threaten your peace. Instead of being crushed, understand that God can use these very things for your good and for His glory. Be patient and endure, trusting that He will ultimately turn your struggles into something that strengthens your faith.
Prayer points
To recognise God’s presence and purpose in all life’s difficulties.
For strength and patience to endure trials, trusting Him to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
For our faith to be strengthened and used by God to encourage others.
Tuesday - Guarding Against False Teaching
Today's Verse But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Acts 15:1
Reflection This verse highlights a major problem that arose in the early Church: unnamed men from Jerusalem causing trouble by teaching that Gentiles needed to be circumcised to be saved. This teaching directly contradicted the truth of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, threatening the freedom the Gentiles had found from a religion based on works. Paul later emphasised how serious this was, stating that accepting circumcision for salvation meant being obligated to keep the whole law, effectively severing oneself from Christ and falling away from grace. This demonstrates how quickly and destructively false teaching can undermine the Gospel, causing deep spiritual distress.
Additional Scripture
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. Galatians 5:1-4
Life Application Be extremely careful with false teaching, as it can be incredibly destructive for a long time. Be discerning about messages that contradict the simplicity of salvation by grace through faith. Do not allow traditions or cultural preferences to be imposed on others' relationship with God, creating stumbling blocks for them. Cling to the truth that your salvation is not based on your efforts or adherence to a set of rules, but solely on His grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Prayer points
For discernment to identify and reject any teachings that deviate from the true Gospel of grace.
For protection from those who might unintentionally or intentionally cause others to stumble in their faith.
To stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given us, relying solely on His saving work.
Wednesday - Saved by Grace, Through Faith
Today's Verse Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” Acts 15:10-11
Reflection Here, Peter, the Apostle to the Jews, powerfully testifies to the work of the Holy Spirit among the Gentiles. He challenges the notion that salvation requires burdensome works like circumcision, reminding everyone that neither their ancestors nor they themselves could bear the full weight of the Law. Peter witnessed first-hand how God poured out His Holy Spirit on those who simply believed the Gospel, without needing to perform any works. This underscores the profound truth that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith, not as a result of our own doing or efforts. Our Heavenly Father did not ask them to follow a path that the Jewish Christians themselves could not perfectly walk.
Additional Scripture
And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Him to remain for some days. Acts 10:45-48
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10
Life Application Embrace the profound comfort and freedom that comes from knowing you are saved solely by God's grace through faith in Jesus. This truth frees us from the burden of trying to earn His favour through our own efforts. While we are saved by grace, God created us in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared beforehand. Let your life be an expression of gratitude for His incredible gift, walking in the good works He has prepared for you, empowered by His Spirit.
Prayer points
To fully grasp and rest in the truth of salvation by grace through faith.
For freedom from any lingering sense of needing to earn God’s love or salvation through works.
To live a life that naturally overflows with good works, as a demonstration of His transforming grace within us.
Thursday - God's Authentication Through Signs and Wonders
Today's Verse And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. Acts 15:12
Reflection This verse recounts how Barnabas and Paul shared their powerful testimony of God’s supernatural work among the Gentiles. They detailed the signs and wonders that God had performed through them. These miracles were not random occurrences; they were God’s way of authenticating His message given through His human messengers. Peter also bore witness to such events, seeing the Holy Spirit poured out visibly on the uncircumcised Gentiles, proving God was indeed calling them. Our Lord warns us to take such authenticated messages very seriously. The collective witness of Peter, Paul, and Barnabas served as irrefutable evidence that God was working powerfully outside of traditional Jewish customs to bring Gentiles into His family.
Additional Scripture
But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. Matthew 18:16
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. Hebrews 2:1-4
Life Application Just as God authenticated His message in the early Church, He continues to work in powerful ways today. While not always dramatic, God loves to do signs and wonders in the lives of those who expect and trust Him. Be attentive to how God confirms His Word and directs your path, whether through a powerful experience or even subtle encouragements, like a child sharing a relevant Scripture. Pay close attention to the truth that has been attested by God Himself.
Prayer points
For eyes to see and acknowledge the signs and wonders God is performing in our lives and around us.
For greater faith to expect God to work supernaturally as He confirms His truth.
To pay closer attention to the message of salvation, recognising its divine authentication.
Friday - The Symphony of Scripture
Today's Verse After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for His name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.’ Acts 15:13-18
Reflection After the testimonies of Peter, Barnabas, and Paul, James, a respected leader, stood up to confirm their witness. His crucial contribution was to show that what God was doing among the Gentiles was not new or unexpected; rather, it was in perfect harmony with the ancient prophecies. He referred to prophets like Amos and Isaiah, demonstrating that the salvation of Gentiles as Gentiles fit perfectly into God's long-standing plan. The word "agree" here points to a "symphony"—a beautiful agreement where all parts work in sync. This reveals that God's plan is cohesive and consistent throughout history, validating the experiences of the early believers.
Additional Scripture
“In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old, that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by My name,” declares the Lord who does this. Amos 9:11-12
I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:6-7
Life Application When faced with questions or doubts about God's will, immerse yourself in His Word. Recognise that all of Scripture, from the prophets to the apostles, forms a unified "symphony" revealing His unchanging plan and character. This comprehensive understanding provides a solid foundation for your faith, enabling you to determine if situations or teachings are truly in agreement with His divine truth. Let the harmony of Scripture guide your understanding and deepen your trust in God's perfect plan.
Prayer points
For a deeper love and hunger for God’s Word.
For His Holy Spirit to open our understanding to the symphony and unity of Scripture.
To clearly see how God's ancient plan continues to unfold in the present day.
Saturday - Removing Stumbling Blocks for Others
Today's Verse Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” Acts 15:19-21
Reflection James’s judgment here is pivotal. While confirming that Gentiles do not need to be circumcised or follow the full Mosaic Law for salvation, he also laid down practical stipulations. These requirements were not about earning salvation, but about removing potential stumbling blocks for Jewish believers and fostering unity within the Church. Things like eating meat sacrificed to idols or blood were deeply offensive to Jewish believers, even if the Gentiles knew such idols were meaningless. By abstaining from these practices, the Gentiles demonstrated love and consideration for their Jewish brethren, ensuring that their freedom did not wound a weaker conscience. This shows the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in anticipating future issues before they even arose.
Additional Scripture
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:25
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. James 2:26
But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:9-13
Life Application Consider how your actions might impact the faith of others, especially those who may have different backgrounds or a weaker conscience. While you may have Christian liberty in certain areas, love calls us to avoid behaviours that could cause a fellow believer to stumble. This means sometimes foregoing a "right" for the sake of unity and protecting the faith of others. Strive to live in a way that blesses and unifies the body of Christ, rather than creating divisions or difficulties.
Prayer points
For wisdom and sensitivity to the consciences of others within the Body of Christ.
To exercise our Christian freedom with love, always considering how our actions affect others' faith.
For unity in the church, actively seeking to remove any potential stumbling blocks between believers.
Sunday - Joy and Encouragement in God's Work
Today's Verse So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. Acts 15:30-31
Reflection The delivery of the Jerusalem Council's letter brought immense rejoicing and encouragement to the Gentile believers in Antioch. After a period of troubling doubt and uncertainty caused by false teaching, the clear resolution from the apostles and elders, confirmed by the Holy Spirit, brought deep relief and strengthened their faith. This highlights God's faithfulness in bringing about His will, even through challenging situations. He orchestrated the entire process—from making use of the the initial stumbling block to the final delivery of the resolution—to ultimately glorify His Name and build a stronger, more unified Church. The very trial that threatened to undermine them became an opportunity for greater joy and confirmation of their faith.
Additional Scripture
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Life Application No matter what trials you are facing that might be shaking your faith, trust that God will ultimately turn them into something that strengthens your faith. Like the Gentiles in Antioch, you can find joy and encouragement, even when the solution isn't immediately clear or takes time to unfold. Do not withdraw in isolation; instead, seek out other believers who can share their testimonies of God's work in their lives to encourage you. Wait patiently for God to reveal His purposes and celebrate the strengthening of your faith that comes through perseverance.
Prayer points
For a spirit of joy and encouragement, even amidst trials and uncertainties.
To witness God's hand turning challenging situations into opportunities for faith strengthening.
For the courage to share our own testimonies of God’s faithfulness, and to be open to receiving encouragement from fellow believers.