When an argument arises between two parties, it is seldom the case that one side holds the whole truth. Both sides must have their own share of truth. Otherwise, no argument would have arisen in the first place. It is never one-sided unless on one side stands a tyrant. In such a case, he will be able to silence the other party fairly easily and the argument would end. We are not more civilized to look at tyranny in disgust. Rather, we know that improperly handled arguments will pop up to haunt both parties at the most inconvenient and embarrassing moments in the future. Therefore, we favour dialogue and compromise instead of brute force. Of course, somebody with higher authority may be asked to act as an arbitrator. In such a case, both sides will try to win the higher authority over and the situation can turn murky.
The early Church was facing a growing internal crisis. It was worse than all the previous persecutions which came from without. This time, it was internal and threatened the church with schism. The big problem was how to hold the different elements together to avoid an imminent split into a Jewish Church and a Gentile Church. In an attempt to hold the Church together, some people wanted uniformity.
But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."(Acts 15:1)
Were they being unreasonable? Not at all.
What makes Jews the Chosen People is circumcision. It is a sign of covenant between God and His Chosen People (Genesis 17:11). How could the Church do away with this God sanctioned custom? When did God announce that circumcision was no longer a valid sign? Even Jesus our Lord was circumcised on the eighth day of his birth. Who are you to be exempted from circumcision and yet obtain salvation? The argument was weighty!
And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question (Acts 15:2).
We did not have Paul's arguments with us. But we may deduce from the Hebrew Scripture that the Jews had fostered a sense of superiority over the nations even though they were humiliated and conquered. For example:
He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet (Psalm 47:3).
It was natural for them to feel superior being the Chosen People of the powerful God. Therefore, whatever they had been doing must be the right way, the best way. However, they had overlooked other meanings of being the Chosen People. Very often, the prophets called them the Servant of God. Though Moses, David and even the Messiah have been called the Servant of God, as a people, Israel was also called the Servant of God. For example:
But now hear, O Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen! (Isaiah 44:1)
God had chosen them among the peoples as a kingdom of priests, a holy nation (Exodus 19:6) to serve Him, to offer sacrifice on behalf of the Gentiles. In short, they serve the Gentiles as well. Therefore, making them the Chosen People did not grant them superiority. Instead, they should serve God and men with humility. Therefore, imposing circumcision on the Gentiles was unreasonable. Yes, we are able to draw this conclusion only on hindsight. Such an opinion would elude many Jews and only a few, such as Paul, could be granted this prophetic discernment. Anyway, in order to resolve this deadlock, they came to Jerusalem to seek the arbitration of the apostles. When the Church of Jerusalem was no more, the Church of Rome replaced her. This is history.
But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."(Acts 15:1)
Were they being unreasonable? Not at all.
What makes Jews the Chosen People is circumcision. It is a sign of covenant between God and His Chosen People (Genesis 17:11). How could the Church do away with this God sanctioned custom? When did God announce that circumcision was no longer a valid sign? Even Jesus our Lord was circumcised on the eighth day of his birth. Who are you to be exempted from circumcision and yet obtain salvation? The argument was weighty!
And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question (Acts 15:2).
We did not have Paul's arguments with us. But we may deduce from the Hebrew Scripture that the Jews had fostered a sense of superiority over the nations even though they were humiliated and conquered. For example:
He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet (Psalm 47:3).
It was natural for them to feel superior being the Chosen People of the powerful God. Therefore, whatever they had been doing must be the right way, the best way. However, they had overlooked other meanings of being the Chosen People. Very often, the prophets called them the Servant of God. Though Moses, David and even the Messiah have been called the Servant of God, as a people, Israel was also called the Servant of God. For example:
But now hear, O Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen! (Isaiah 44:1)
God had chosen them among the peoples as a kingdom of priests, a holy nation (Exodus 19:6) to serve Him, to offer sacrifice on behalf of the Gentiles. In short, they serve the Gentiles as well. Therefore, making them the Chosen People did not grant them superiority. Instead, they should serve God and men with humility. Therefore, imposing circumcision on the Gentiles was unreasonable. Yes, we are able to draw this conclusion only on hindsight. Such an opinion would elude many Jews and only a few, such as Paul, could be granted this prophetic discernment. Anyway, in order to resolve this deadlock, they came to Jerusalem to seek the arbitration of the apostles. When the Church of Jerusalem was no more, the Church of Rome replaced her. This is history.
Dear Lord, being Christians does not grant us superiority. Let us keep in mind that we are Your servants and servants of our brothers. Amen.
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