Speaking from Authority

 Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15 

“’We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you…’…Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.”

Acts 15:24, 25, 32

The controversy in Antioch created by Pharisees, who followed Christ from Jerusalem, tested the early Church in their understanding of authority.

Who spoke for the Church, and more importantly, who spoke for God?

These converted Pharisees were teaching both circumcision and forgiveness in Christ; however, they were not teaching with the authorization of the Jerusalem elders.

How much pain and confusion have been created today in the emerging Church of the Global South by self-proclaimed teachers from the West who bring a gospel other than the costly Gospel we see in Christ?

Healthy missionaries must be both called and sent. The ministry and message of Judas and Silas encouraged and strengthened the Antioch Church. This resulted in ‘good fruit’!

“Lord Jesus, you are expressing your authority in and through the Church. I pray for humility and the grace to minister with this authority, for your glory.”