8th Jun 26 | 14:45
Studies by Book
Scriptures being read in the synagogues
📖 Acts 15:19-20
Acts 15 - Series 1/Episode 74 - Sun, 05th Apr 2026 - Scriptures being read in the synagogues - _Acts 15:01-21_ - THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL - Acts 13:27
_Acts 15:19-21 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, (20) but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. (21) For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."_
The Jerusalem Council encouraged Jewish believers to witness to other Jews about Jesus, drawing on the Old Testament, just as our Lord did and Paul and the other apostles. The synagogues were the natural place from which the truth of Jesus ought to be made known.
Paul is explaining to those gathered at the synagogue in Antioch, Pisidia, how the Jews in Jerusalem have been blinded regarding Jesus as the Messiah, though they were reading about Him in the Scriptures.
Acts 13:26-27 "Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. (27) For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him.
The repeated opposition Paul faced from the Jews-even when he proved from their own Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ-reveals a deep‑seated hindrance in their minds that kept them from recognising the truth. This resistance persists, and so the decision of the Jerusalem Council has validity.
The ministry of the law of Moses was glorious, but the ministry of the Spirit of God is even more glorious. The Jerusalem Council is challenging the believing Jews in every place to demonstrate to the non-believing Jews their joyful life in Christ, so that they would see Jesus in their Scriptures. II Corinthians 3:7-9 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, (8) how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? (9) For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
Sadly, the mind of the Jews continues to remain blinded, even to this day, when they read the Scriptures. II Corinthians 3:14-15 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. (15) But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.
It is when they turn to Christ that the veil is lifted. II Corinthians 3:16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
It is the Spirit of God who brings the image of God in us in an ever-increasing glory. This is what causes the non-believing Jews to turn to Christ. II Corinthians 3:17-18 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (18) But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
The elect of God, among the Jews, have turned to Christ, but the rest are blinded. Romans 11:7-8 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (8) Just as it is written: "GOD HAS GIVEN THEM A SPIRIT OF STUPOR, EYES THAT THEY SHOULD NOT SEE AND EARS THAT THEY SHOULD NOT HEAR, TO THIS VERY DAY."
Why has the Lord allowed a spirit of stupor to the Jews? Romans 11:11 I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.
The temporary blindness of the Jews has been the reason for the doors of faith to be opened for the Gentiles. If the fall of the Jews has caused such a great blessing that the Gentiles have come to faith in Jesus, we can imagine how glorious it would be if the eyes of all the Jews were opened to the understanding of the Scriptures. Romans 11:12 Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!
If the Jews who are blinded would turn to Jesus, then the Lord is able to graft them in again. Romans 11:23 And they also, *if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in*, for God is able to graft them in again.
Blindness in part has happened to the Jews for the fullness of the Gentiles to come into Christ. Romans 11:25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
Romans 11:28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but *concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers*. The Lord is provoking the Jews to turn to Him by the repentance of the Gentiles. Thus, the Scriptures being read in the Synagogues was a part of the wonderful plan of God.
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