James Speaks
August 23, 2025
“James Speaks”
Blessings folk!
The apostles and elders in Jerusalem were discussing the issue.
Must Gentiles become Jews to be believers in Jesus?
Peter had spoke.
Paul and Barnabas spoke.
Now…
Act 15:13-21
After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me.
Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.
And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,
“‘After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will restore it,
that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who makes these things
known from of old.’
Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,
but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols,
and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.
For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him,
for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”
ESV
James was the leader of the believers in Jerusalem.
He spoke.
Wisdom.
He confirmed what Simeon (Peter) had said.
James then spoke from the Old Testament…several portions from the prophets.
The Lord had said…
- I will return
- I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen
- I will rebuild its ruins
- I will restore it
- I will restore so that the remnant of mankind, Jew and Gentile, may seek the Lord… all who call upon His name
Thus said the Lord…the Lord Who made all things.
James’ judgment was to not trouble the Gentiles with the Pharisee’s suggestion…circumcision, orders to obey Moses.
James suggest they write a letter to the Body in Antioch and point out a few things…based upon the Gentiles knowledge of the Jewish law…they knew because it was read in the synagogues every Sabbath. It permeated through the communities…
Abstain from things polluted by idols
Abstain from sexual immorality
Abstain from that which has been strangled
Abstain from blood
No need to covert.
No need for circumcision.
No need for strict adherence to Moses.