“And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.” Acts 16:4-5 (KJV)
Paul asked Timothy, a young believer, to go with him on his ministry journey. Timothy consented even to being circumcised so that he would not be a hindrance in any way. Stop and consider what courage and commitment that took for young Timothy. It is a marvelous testimony to his spirit and attitude. Wonder how many young men and women would submit to such requests today?
Note that as Paul and Timothy went through the region visiting the churches, they had a specific purpose: to deliver the decrees which were ordained and approved by the Apostles and Elders of the Church. We may properly conclude that the decrees were the ones sent by the Church council (15:22-29). Each local congregation was asked to “keep” (observe, obey) these decrees. If the Apostles’ and Elders’ decrees were to be kept, then we may properly infer that local congregations were not authorized to teach any different beliefs or doctrines.
It is tragic that 21st century believers are so divided over Apostolic decrees that have been passed on to us. The worldly attitude that “I can believe what I want to” is rampant among us and has become a huge obstacle to the Kingdom. Something is missing from 21st century Christianity that was present in the 1st century church. We need the Timothy spirit and attitude in the modern church.
Because the local congregations submitted to the Apostles’ and Elders’ decrees two things occurred. First, those congregations were “established in the faith (doctrine).” And, second, they “increased in number daily.” The local believers could get on with winning new souls. Then, Paul and Timothy could get on with planting new churches. Wonder what would happen in the 21st century societies around us if the Church submitted herself to the Apostles’ and Elders’ decrees?
Dear Father, thank you for your Word. Enable us to resist and refuse anything other than your Word. Empower us to be submissive in spirit and attitude so that we are not a hindrance in your Kingdom. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in biblical truth,