The Acts 15 Conference

aron · 08-26-2011, 06:31 PM

I read an interesting article by Mr. Tomes from 2008.

http://www.concernedbrothers.com/Tru...ee_Binding.pdf

He made some interesting points. First, that in the Acts chapter 15 discussion, James spoke last and was therefore by LSM (Lee & the BBs) reckoning the "authority" there. But Paul was also, according to LSM, the "minister of the age", so how was Paul to defer to James?

Secondly, Tomes points out that Paul did not completely defer to James & Co., at least in the matter of eating. Paul gave his recipients (1 Cor 10, Rom 14) latitude in the matter of eating, whereas the Acts 15 fellowship was more restrictive. So contrary to the LSM position that Acts 15 counsel necessitated "absolute one accord" among all the churches, Tomes says it shows how there were striking differences (Jews still could circumcise & have dietary restrictions, while the Gentiles were not likewise constrained). Tomes thinks that the LSM points are wishful thinking imposed upon the text.

But what Tomes doesn't touch is my take-home message from the Acts 15 counsel. My understanding is that other than a few kind of basic no-brainer guidelines (avoid fornication... duh~!), the various assemblies were free from any external impositions. Instead of being "identical" and "uniform" the Gentiles could to whatever they wanted!

Drums - not forbidden. Electric guitars - not forbidden. Drama - not forbidden. Et cetera ad infinitum. Just... "please avoid sexual immorality and animal sacrifices and witchcraft". Other than that - have a good time. Enjoy your salvation. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide. You want one publication: fine. You want 17 publications: also fine. You want bell-bottoms, or frizzy hair or skinny ties: whatever, dude.

So methinks that Tomes makes some good points, but he misses the largest point of all. Besides a few common sense admonitions, there is the furthest thing from LSM's vaunted conformity/uniformity. One accord is found in the name of Jesus. Anything beyond that is, in effect, 'of the evil one' (Matt 5:37).

08-26-2011, 06:31 PM	#1
aron Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Natal Transvaal Posts: 5,631	The Acts 15 Conference I read an interesting article by Mr. Tomes from 2008. http://www.concernedbrothers.com/Tru...ee_Binding.pdf He made some interesting points. First, that in the Acts chapter 15 discussion, James spoke last and was therefore by LSM (Lee & the BBs) reckoning the "authority" there. But Paul was also, according to LSM, the "minister of the age", so how was Paul to defer to James? Secondly, Tomes points out that Paul did not completely defer to James & Co., at least in the matter of eating. Paul gave his recipients (1 Cor 10, Rom 14) latitude in the matter of eating, whereas the Acts 15 fellowship was more restrictive. So contrary to the LSM position that Acts 15 counsel necessitated "absolute one accord" among all the churches, Tomes says it shows how there were striking differences (Jews still could circumcise & have dietary restrictions, while the Gentiles were not likewise constrained). Tomes thinks that the LSM points are wishful thinking imposed upon the text. But what Tomes doesn't touch is my take-home message from the Acts 15 counsel. My understanding is that other than a few kind of basic no-brainer guidelines (avoid fornication... duh~!), the various assemblies were free from any external impositions. Instead of being "identical" and "uniform" the Gentiles could to whatever they wanted! Drums - not forbidden. Electric guitars - not forbidden. Drama - not forbidden. Et cetera ad infinitum. Just... "please avoid sexual immorality and animal sacrifices and witchcraft". Other than that - have a good time. Enjoy your salvation. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide. You want one publication: fine. You want 17 publications: also fine. You want bell-bottoms, or frizzy hair or skinny ties: whatever, dude. So methinks that Tomes makes some good points, but he misses the largest point of all. Besides a few common sense admonitions, there is the furthest thing from LSM's vaunted conformity/uniformity. One accord is found in the name of Jesus. Anything beyond that is, in effect, 'of the evil one' (Matt 5:37). __________________ "Freedom is free. It's slavery that's so horribly expensive" - Colonel Templeton, ret., of the 12th Scottish Highlanders, the 'Black Fusiliers'