17th Jun 26 | 05:17
Studies by Book
Communication of the Scriptures
📖 Acts 15:30-31
Acts 15 - Series 2/Episode 22 - Tue, 28th Apr 2026 - Communication of the Scriptures - Acts 15:22-35 - THE ANNOUNCEMENT - Luke 24:32
Acts 15:30-31 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. (31) When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.
The ambassadors of the Jerusalem Council gathered the entire assembly at Antioch and delivered the letter. We must keep in mind that they read the letter with an explanation and also invited clarification, which was provided. Nehemiah 8:8 So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. Using our imagination, we would realise that this must have been a highly charged situation.
The church was eagerly awaiting the Council's decision. As the letter was read, it would have been received with eagerness, excitement, a realisation of the settlement of the dispute and a wonderful way forward. Acts 15:1-2 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." (2) Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.
In all instances of communicating the Gospel, it is essential to provide a clear contextual understanding. We should ensure that the audience is informed about our current position, the circumstances that have led us to this point, the gravity of our situation, God's solution to our predicament, and the necessary steps to receive God's intervention, which is conveyed through the Gospel. This was what the ambassadors from the Jerusalem Council did at Antioch.
What are some of the Biblical principles of communicating the Gospel that we must follow?
We must direct people to the Scriptures. Habakkuk 2:2 Then the LORD answered me and said: "Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.
The word of God does not change. Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. / Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever."
In this temporary world, what remains unchanged from generation to generation is the word of God. This is what we must direct people to: People must rest their lives in the understanding of God's word.
We must give the interpretation and application of Scriptures to our daily lives. Matthew 5:21-24 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' (22) But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. (23) Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, (24) leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
The Scriptures are a revelation of God. Nevertheless, the understanding of the character or the will of God is by obedience to His word. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
As we prove the will of God in our lives by obedience, we are transformed in our minds. It is the Holy Spirit who makes this real in our lives. I Corinthians 2:10-12 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
All of the Scriptures are centred on Jesus Christ. This is the unity of the Bible. Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. We can therefore explore the Scriptures with joy and freedom, for we know the Word will direct us to Christ.
We must know that the word of God will stir the hearts of people deeply. We must be conscious of this truth in our communication of the Word. Luke 24:32 And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and *while He opened the Scriptures to us?"
Principles of communication were being followed as the ambassadors delivered the decision of the Jerusalem Council.
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