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Key Issues

Social Issues

Global cultures are undergoing a seismic collision regarding Acts 15.  While the saints may be unaware, Acts 15 is being given increased attention internationally for multiple reasons.  The inherent authority within Acts 15, as the only canonized Council, has attracted many authors to attempt to build Scriptural evidence of their views based upon this unique chapter.

Anyone interested in Scriptural discussions on the following topics should consider joining The Acts 15 Society:

    • Grace
    • Islam
    • Syncretism
    • Chrislam
    • Homosexuality
    • Persecution of Christians
    • The New Covenant
    • Salvation for non-Jewish people
    • Unity
    • Racial reconciliation
    • Messianic Jewish theology
    • Cross-cultural missions
    • Western Christian imperialism

Magnitude

We are living in an exciting “Josiah Generation” whereby ancient truths in the Word are being rediscovered.  The teaching ministry has been invigorated by these developments, as each stone unearthed brings back another ageless perspective.

One of the most prominent subjects has become Acts 15, as the magnitude of such a decision is being considered in a new light.  Other historic Church Councils can only assume to have divine authority.  Yet the book of Acts was canonized – the only Council with such a distinction.  Almost astonishingly, Luke added the phrase for it seemed good to the Holy Spirit (v28) in Acts 15, which most see as a stamp of divine approval on this decision in Acts 15.

As an original Apostle, Peter played a key role at the Jerusalem Council.  In agreement with Peter was James – the brother of Jesus who had risen to prominence, potentially as the lead elder in Jerusalem.  Finally, other early leading apostolic figures also attended including Paul, Barnabas, and Silas.  This was a monumental gathering.  Which other historic Church Council had this level of credibility?  The answer is none of them.

Application

Our hypothesis is that amongst members in the Body there is latent or hidden interest in Acts 15.  As this curiosity is awakened, leaders and lay members will begin their research and add to the discussion.  Perhaps each congregation or para-ministry should have somebody taking the lead in exploring Acts 15?  Presumably, many organizations, ministries, synagogues, and congregations will eventually choose to make a formal response to these 21st century developments.

The Acts 15 Society was created with collaborative research in mind.  The relational networking available at the site will enhance the materials as various skillsets of our members and other scholars are combined to synergize the study of Acts 15.

In addition to quarterly updates, a list of Written Works has been provided to accelerate your research.  Those who research Acts 15 will find limited books dedicated to Acts 15, while sub-chapters are more plentiful.  Journal articles exist, although they are fewer in number than one would expect.  A growing list of academic materials will reduce the time required for current scholarship to reach the Body.

Discussions Forums are a critical part of the research process.  Here, Acts 15 can be discussed based on the historic and contemporary articles produced internationally.  Quotes from blogs, booklets, or audio sermons can be presented for discussion.  Thus the website will also serve as a think tank.

To start the journey, consider joining The Acts 15 Society!

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