The big question about whether the Gentiles had to become Jewish first raged into a huge debate in Jerusalem. Many Jews found it hard to believe that Gentiles could be saved apart from keeping the Law of Moses. Peter, one of Jesus’ original twelve apostles, testified that Christianity was opened to Gentiles. Barnabas and Paul also told all about the miracles and wonders that God had done among the Gentiles during their recent mission trip. These were impressive arguments, but several of the doubting Jews waited to hear from another man.
James was the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55). Their mother was Mary, but they had different fathers. Jesus’ Father was God! At fiirst he, nor his other siblings, did not believe that Jesus was the Christ (John 7:5). At some point, James became a believer. After Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, He made a special visit to James (I Corinthians 15:7). James wrote one of the letters in the New Testament that bears his name. He had become a leader in the Christian community. It was his turn to weigh in on this important question.
James began by referring to the Holy Scriptures. He pointed out that what God had done with Peter at Cornelius’ home was prophesied in the Bible! He quoted Amos 9:11-12. James praised God for knowing what He was going to do before the world even began! Through the testimonies of Peter, Paul, and Barnabas and the Holy Scriptures themselves, it had become obvious to James that the Gentiles did not have to keep the Law of Moses to be saved. However, he had a valid concern!
James was the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55). Their mother was Mary, but they had different fathers. Jesus’ Father was God! At fiirst he, nor his other siblings, did not believe that Jesus was the Christ (John 7:5). At some point, James became a believer. After Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, He made a special visit to James (I Corinthians 15:7). James wrote one of the letters in the New Testament that bears his name. He had become a leader in the Christian community. It was his turn to weigh in on this important question.
James began by referring to the Holy Scriptures. He pointed out that what God had done with Peter at Cornelius’ home was prophesied in the Bible! He quoted Amos 9:11-12. James praised God for knowing what He was going to do before the world even began! Through the testimonies of Peter, Paul, and Barnabas and the Holy Scriptures themselves, it had become obvious to James that the Gentiles did not have to keep the Law of Moses to be saved. However, he had a valid concern!