Previous Episode: First Missionary Journey

In this message we look at the first major crisis of the early church. After Paul and Barnabas returned from their first missionary journey, in which the gospel was received by the Gentiles, men from Jerusalem began teaching these new believers that they had to become Jewish before they could become Christian. Paul and Barnabas debated strongly with them, and it was decided that the church in Jerusalem had to weigh in on this matter. Acts 15 is the account of this Council.

As we look at this story, we will also be looking at the first New Testament letter: Galatians. Paul's purpose for writing these new churches was to warn them of the danger of adding anything to the Gospel. Though we may not be calling people to circumcision today, we too are often guilty of this. The remedy is daily repentance and a holding fast to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.