Posted on 07/23/2007 7:40:23 PM PDT by topcat54
Which "Church" observes these commandments ?
Didn't you get the memo; you have to belong to the right group to have that right. Just ask the poor Mormons ...
Very insightful comment, and goes to the heart of the matter; over the centuries lots of so-called Christians have killed lots of other people who looked at the scriptures from a different perspective; there is a historical argument for one Church, the Catholic Church, but for better or worse, they rejected that centuries ago ... and here we are with another religious thread arguing whether some should have rights or not
Understanding the context of the commands is important, and in this case I believe they had to do with promoting harmony between old covenant Jews and gentiles in the newly forming Church. The culture of the Jews at that time was such that certain practices, e.g., "abstaining from blood", was highly offensive. This is certainly true given the fact that the temple was still standing and daily sacrifices were still belonged offered. Even the believing Jews could be found in the temple observing these practices (until the temple was destroyed once for all time).
It’s interesting that the extensive food laws given to the Jews under the terms of the old covenant are not enumerated anywhere in the NT for gentiles. Some claim that this is covered by James’ words in v. 21, "For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath." The implication of some is that since they (gentiles) have access in the synagogues to Moses, they would know which food are clean and suitable for them to eat, like their Jewish brethren. That line of reasoning falls apart by the simple question, then why are these four rules articulated when they too are found in the law of Moses? It’s also clear from Paul’s later explanation in Acts 21:25, that gentiles were never expected to observe the old covenant food laws, just as they were not expected to get circumcised.
The general form of this command is found in Paul’s letter to the Romans not giving offense to the brethren by the foods we eat. (Cf. Romans 14) It’s interesting that never again (aftyer Acts 21) is there any reference to these four "James’ rules" in any of the epistles of Paul, the apostle to the gentiles.
Christian should always be cautious in this regard. If a brother has a problem with certain types of food or drink we should not unnecessarily offend him by our behavior in his presence.
We might also observe that the list in Acts 15 is kind of a mixed bag, in that sexual immorality is always an offense, not just against the brethren but against God Himself.
Very insightful comment, and goes to the heart of the matter;
Every church has traditions. The question is whether they negatively impact the truth of the gospel.
This-is-bad-scholarship-on-so-many-levels bump reminder for later.
Bingo!
It’s interesting that the extensive food laws given to the Jews under the terms of the old covenant are not enumerated anywhere in the NT for gentiles.
James wrote that those laws did not apply to the Gentiles. Enough said
The general form of this command is found in Paul’s letter to the Romans not giving offense to the brethren by the foods we eat. (Cf. Romans 14) It’s interesting that never again (aftyer Acts 21) is there any reference to these four "James’ rules" in any of the epistles of Paul, the apostle to the gentiles.
So what ? They are in Acts and they have authority over you. Obey them.
We might also observe that the list in Acts 15 is kind of a mixed bag, in that sexual immorality is always an offense, not just against the brethren but against God Himself.
You sound like a teenager telling a parent what rules he is going to follow ...
The answer is whether they obey the commandments that apply to them.
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