Bringing Them In (Acts 15:6-21)

October 31 is Reformation Day. While much of the world focuses on candy and things that go bump in the night, Protestants have something far more significant to celebrate—the greatest movement of God’s Spirit since the days of the Apostles.

But what is the significance of Reformation Day, and how should we reflect on the events it commemorates?

Few in 1517 would have imagined that the sound of a hammer striking a church door in Wittenberg, Germany, would soon be heard around the world. Yet Martin Luther’s nailing of his Ninety-Five Theses on October 31 sparked a debate that would lead to the greatest transformation of Western society since the Apostles first preached the gospel throughout the Roman Empire.

At its core, the Reformation was about breaking barriers. Because of it, more people gained:

Access to the Scriptures in their own language.

The ability to worship freely in their native tongue.

The joy of congregational singing in worship.

But beyond these practical changes, the Church underwent a theological and missional shift that would impact generations to come.

There are moments in history when God uses events to realign His Church with His Word, His Son, and His Spirit.

Our passage this week marks one of the first times such a “reformation of thinking” had to take place—specifically regarding how “outsiders” were welcomed into the family of God.

The Council at Jerusalem: A Debate Over Inclusion

What was the issue that brought this council together?

Acts 15:1-2 tells us:

“Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: ‘Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.’ This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.”

To us, this debate may seem unnecessary—we know that God welcomes all who place their faith in Jesus. But at the time, circumcision was the defining mark of belonging to the Jewish people. To suggest that it wasn’t necessary for salvation was a radical shift.

Paul later writes in Romans 2:11:

“For God does not show favoritism.”

Yet, the early Church wrestled with this concept. Could people truly belong to God without adhering to the Jewish Law?

Conflict is Inevitable—But Division is a Choice

From the very beginning, there has been conflict among Christ’s followers.

Why? Because we’re human.

As long as we live in the tension of sin vs. Spirit, conflict is unavoidable.

But here’s the good news: while conflict is inevitable, division is a choice.

The apostles had a decision to make. They had to think logically, theologically, and culturally about what it truly meant to belong to the family of God.

Would they stick to tradition, or would they embrace the Spirit’s leading and open the doors for the Gentiles?

The Debate and the Decision

Paul and Barnabas passionately defended the work of the Spirit among the Gentiles.

They shared stories of:

How the gospel was being proclaimed.

How the Holy Spirit was moving among non-Jewish believers.

How lives were being transformed.

But some of the apostles hesitated. They had gone through so much to follow Jesus—shouldn’t the new converts have to go through the same things?

This debate was not just about rituals—it was about identity.

Would Gentile believers need to “look” Jewish to truly belong to Jesus?

Again, conflict is inevitable, but division is a choice.

Peter’s Key Realization: It’s About Grace, Not Burdens

Peter finally stood up and addressed the council:

“Why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?” (Acts 15:10, NIV)

In other words: Even we couldn’t keep the Law—why place that burden on new believers?

Peter reminded them of the core truth of the gospel:

“We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15:11, NIV)

This was a turning point.

James, Jesus’ brother, agreed. He said:

“It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” (Acts 15:19, NIV)

Instead of requiring circumcision, they sent a simple letter encouraging Gentile believers to:

Avoid sexual immorality.

Refrain from eating food sacrificed to idols.

With that decision, the Church took a major step forward—welcoming all people into the family of God by grace alone.

What This Means for Us Today

The Spirit was at work then, and the Spirit is at work now.

But we must ask ourselves:

Are we creating unnecessary barriers for those coming to Christ?

Are we focused on welcoming people in—or keeping them out?

Do we make people feel like they must “earn” their place among us?

Too often, we want people to know what we went through to get where we are. We want to make sure they understand the sacrifices we made. But if we’re not careful, those expectations become barriers.

As the Spirit moves, more people will come to faith.

More people will hear the gospel and respond.

More people will want to be part of the Body of Christ.

How we respond will show whether or not we are in step with the Spirit.

Breaking Barriers for the Gospel

Throughout history, people have built barriers to keep others out.

Society has:

Created divisions between classes.

Built walls to keep people separated.

Made rules to ensure some remain excluded.

But Jesus changes everything.

Jesus seeks out the least, the last, and the lost—bringing them into His kingdom.

Christianity was never about exclusion—it’s about invitation.

When people encounter the Spirit of Jesus, they are changed, transformed, and aligned with His mission.

How is the Spirit Speaking to You?

Who is the Spirit seeking through you?

How will you welcome those whom the Spirit sends?

What barriers do you need to break down?

Let’s look again at these hopeful words, quoting the prophet Amos:

“After this, I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things—things known from long ago.” (Acts 15:16-18, NIV)

God, through His Spirit, is doing amazing things.

Are you ready to be part of it?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (You can also ask your own questions or begin a discussion starter)

• What stands out to you in this scripture? In other words, what is the Holy Spirit impressing on you to notice?

• What did the early church/apostles do in this scripture? How do you see Jesus working in this picture? How can you translate this for today?

• How is our church mission and culture the same from the early church mission and culture? How is it different?

• What challenges you in this scripture? Why? How might the Spirit be leading you?

• Take time to pray about what the Spirit is leading you to do. Are you being led to do something within or through this church because of the Spirit’s word in this scripture? What would that look like? How could you begin?

• What can you do, today, to be more in tune with the Spirit’s leading in this passage?

HOMEWORK: CONTINUE TO WORK THROUGH THE “TRANSFORMATION 1:8” BOOK CHALLENGE