Judaizing teachers had traveled to Antioch of Syria and were telling Gentile Christians they must be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses to be saved (Acts 15:1). Paul, Barnabas, and others were sent to Jerusalem where they met with the apostles and elders to consider this matter.

Three different arguments were put forth to establish God’s will regarding the uncircumcised Gentiles. Peter recited his experiences with the household of Cornelius (Acts 15:7-11), explaining how he and others necessarily inferred from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that the Gentiles could receive the gospel. Paul and Barnabas offered their experiences as approved examples of fulfilling God’s will regarding their work with the Gentiles (v. 12). Finally, James appealed to a direct statement of Scripture, quoting from the prophet Amos that the tabernacle of Daivd would be set up and would include the Gentiles (vs. 13-17).

With the truth of God’s will being determined, a letter was written to the Gentile Christians assuring them they did not have to be circumcised to be saved (Acts 15:22-29). These new converts were being troubled by having additional requirements placed on them. The letter concluded with what must have been a comforting exhortation to them: “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell” (vs. 28-29).

Consider the following observations:

First, the Bible contains restrictions. Some people see the Bible as a book full of “thou shall not’s” with God doing everything He can to keep us from having fun. Satan started this kind of thinking with Eve in the garden (Gen. 3:5). However, there aren’t as many restrictions in the Bible as we might think.

Second, these restrictions are “necessary.” They are given for our good (Deut. 6:24). Regarding these new converts, they needed to stay away from the practices associated with their former idolatrous religions. Remaining unspotted from the world will not happen by accident (James 1:27; 1 Pet. 2:11). We need some guidelines.

Third, these restrictions are given by the Holy Spirit. Elders and preachers don’t get together and make up the rules for the church. Preachers must “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2). Elders lead the local flock according to the will of the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:1-4). Applications must be made to our everyday lives as we navigate through new challenges, but the parameters of the doctrine of Christ have already been establish by the Holy Spirit.

Finally, the divine restrictions given for our good can still be seen as a “burden.” There are confinements and constraints to walking the narrow and difficult path that leads to life (Matt. 7:13-14). Jesus invites us to take His yoke. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light, but it is still a burden (Matt. 11:28-30). There are obligations and restrictions. The grace of God that brings our salvation also teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly lives (Titus 2:11-12).

Disciples must deny themselves and take up their crosses daily (Luke 9:23). However, this is much easier than trying to keep the Law of Moses (Acts 15:10) or living a life of sin (Prov. 13:15). We are blessed by a merciful God who places no greater burden on us than what is necessary.