Church Government Comforts and Warns

Acts 15:22-35

From 1952 to 1966, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) dumped 1.4 billion liters of chromium-tainted wastewater into unlined ponds in California. It found its way into drinking water. The directors knew the water had hexavalent chromium but decided to keep quiet. Instead, they bought out affected property by paying above market value to move people out. They also circulated flyers stating the carcinogenic water was a healthy variety of chromium. Instead of righting wrongs from the start, they spread disinformation to allay fears, assure people, and deceive them. PG&E was exposed and sued. But many still died from cancer. Lies kill. This was the same in Israel. When God’s prophets pronounced judgment, false prophets denied God’s judgment! Instead of warning, they spread lies to comfort wicked people. It made them complacent. They didn’t repent.

But the opposite is also true. When comfort and assurance are needed, people spread panic. When the spies returned from the Promised Land, 10 caused unrest. They spread panic. The people are like giants, we’re like grasshoppers! Their words brought consternation instead of comfort. This is what the misled Judaean believers did. Instead of comforting the Gentiles, they said their faith wasn’t enough - they had to try harder to be saved. But the church responded pastorally. In the midst of gospel growth, we see the demonstration of church government. That’s our focus today.

Today, we consider the duty of church government to bring comfort by the gospel. But explicit in this is also the need to warn. That’s also the duty of church government. We will consider this in 3 assertions. Firstly, church government is authoritative. Secondly, church government is wise. Thirdly, church government is pastoral.

Firstly, church government is authoritative. Verse 22 says, “Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren.” After the classis in Jerusalem made their decision, they decided to make their decision known to the whole church. There was a resolution by many leaders. Now, who were the leaders? The classis was made up of apostles and elders, with delegates from Antioch. Apostles were commissioned by Christ - that through their word and gospel, the church would be established. The elders were ordained to teach and govern the church. This was the early church government functioning as Christ intended. And there were many of them. It wasn’t just one man who decided - not a bishop, pope, or singular pastor. But it was all of them assembled to represent the whole church. And we see it was authoritative and official. Verse 22 says, “Then pleased it the apostles and elders to send chosen men.” Similarly in verse 25 it says, “It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you.” The phrase “it pleased the apostles” or “it seemed good unto us” was authoritative language - not preference - even though it sounds that way. Whenever Caesar made a ruling, it was published like this - “it seemed good to Caesar to do this or that.” This is also language in court today. Lawyers may say “if it pleases the court.” This shows proper respect. Why? Because it’s the judge’s courtroom. And the judge may say, “please proceed” to grant his pleasure. And we also see there was agreement. Verse 25 says they were assembled with one accord. They had made the decision as a church government about the true and eternal gospel - good works are not necessary for salvation - only faith in Christ. But this verse tells us more than just that - after they made a decision, it tells us how they handled it. They decided to disseminate this decision. But behind the elders and apostles, we know there was divine force. These decisions were not just decisions made by men.

These were resolutions made by the Holy Spirit. Verse 28 - “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.” Now, we knowthe Holy Spirit made these resolutions because the same phrase is used - it seemed good to the Holy Ghost. It was firstly the Holy Spirit and not the church ruled salvation was by faith alone. The apostles and elders took it upon themselves to pronounce it authoritatively because they saw the proofs. Last week we saw how Peter testified that the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius - even when he was uncircumcised. The Spirit did so because Cornelius believed. Paul also gave testimony from his first missionary journey - the Gentiles believed, and signs and wonders were performed. The Holy Spirit worked on people who simply believed. Again, without circumcision. James also quoted the Old Testament prophet Amos, to say that Gentiles are saved alongside the Jews. Amos wrote under inspiration of the Holy Spirit. So it was proof enough to the apostles and elders that the Holy Spirit made his own ruling. It seemed good to him that this decision on what the gospel was would be disseminated. Verse 22 says, “Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men.” The fact it decided by everyone also showed the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It was a decision made in unity which Ephesians 4 calls the unity of the Spirit. Now, it doesn’t mean that every man in the church voted - rather, it means that they agreed with what the apostles and elders decided. The fact that even the ex-Pharisees agreed showed the Spirit was at work. And now, they made the decision to inform those who were really affected by the false doctrine previously taught. Who were these people? Those in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, verse 23.

Secondly, we see that church government is wise. When the church decided to disseminate this information, she showed discretion. It was an important decision, and so the announcement was seriously handled. Verses 22-23 say that the classis or presbytery sent trusted men - men of their own company; meaning, they came from the churches in Jerusalem. Judas and Silas. The church didn’t send just anyone. These men were chief men among the brethren. In other words, they were also elders. To send such important and authoritative news, they needed people who were established and trusted. Why? Because they’d carry authoritative letters. Verse 23 - “And they wrote letters by them after this manner.” These letters were official proclamations. And it wasn’t just one letter but multiple letters. Each church would get their own letter to keep. So this was not a small decision and a small task. It was very important. For example, when Ahasuerus in Esther made a decision, we read the language of authorization and proclamation. Esther 1:22-23 say, “And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan: for he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.” This is why letters would be delivered by trusted men, verse 30 - “and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle.” The letters weren’t only delivered, but the custom was to read it aloud. Paul’s letters were read out in the churches like authoritative sermons. Colossians 4:16 says, “And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.” And the ones who read out these letters were these trusted elders. This is why today in many Reformed churches, elders read sermons in the absence of ministers. Verse 27 tells us Silas and Judas spoke to them - “We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.” They read and recounted events.

Now, there’s another reason why these men were sent. They were suitable men. The apostles and elders were very concerned for the churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. These churches were troubled by men from Judea. Verse 24 - “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment.” And that’s why they sent whom they sent. They sent Judas and Silas along with Paul and Barnabas. All were pro-Gentile Jews. There was Judas - very Jewish name. But there was Silas - a Jew with a Gentile name. Paul was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, once a Pharisee, but now an apostle to the Gentiles. Barnabas was the Jew and Leviten no less, from Cyprus who preached to the Gentiles, who was always helping the underdog. And the last two argued that Gentiles didn’t need to be circumcised. So four of them were sent to counter the effects of the misled men. This showed wisdom. The classis didn’t send those misled men. They didn’t send very Jewish men. Why? Because the classis plainly admitted these misled men were from the Jerusalem church. Verse 24 calls them “certain men which went out from us.” To send them would be foolish. And furthermore, they previously overstepped their authority. Now, to be clear, these men came from Jerusalem, but they were not authorized or sent by Jerusalem. The end of verse 24 says - “to whom we gave no such commandment.” This means they claimed authority and approval from classis; or that they were the apostles’ mouthpieces. But they were misled, and misled others to think they had authority, which they didn’t. And they brought much damage to the churches - by their words, they unsettled poor souls in Antioch. So the classis now sends proper messengers sensitive to the Gentiles to undo what others had done.

Dearly beloved, in the above two descriptions of church government, we must be clear on several points. When godly men, chosen by God’s people, make a decision, through their study of Scriptures and proofs, with evidence of the Holy Spirit, we see there is authority. But it must be done wisely. Yes, officers are of different stripes and patterns. While they must match Scripture qualifications, they’re not uniform. Pastors are different in character, ability, and temperament. Elders too. That’s why classis chose the most suitable men for this sensitive job. This also helps us to look at our officers with more understanding. Some of us are more suitable for certain things. Some have a better temperament to proclaim, some to assure, others to exhort, and a few even to rebuke. And that’s the beauty of church government - it shows the need for more godly men. Different men who do different things.

But thirdly, we see that the aim of all officers of the church is pastoral. Church government is pastoral. Because unauthorized men had misled the church, these trusted and suitable men were sent to comfort the church. They told the Gentile Christians that no circumcision, no obeying of the law of Moses was necessary for salvation. Verse 28 - “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden.” No yoke of circumcision or the law. That’s what burden means. It goes back to Peter’s words. All that saves is believing in Christ and repenting from your sins. Nothing more, but nothing less. And these words gave more comfort because they came from the Holy Spirit - it seemed good to him. But it also came from the church - it seemed good to us. God gives the church to comfort believers - when the church comes alongside. Yes, dearly beloved - many of us here have been burned by churches and by other believers - the church of Christ on earth doesn’t always function well. But when it functions correctly and spiritually, it brings comfort. We are comforted when we’re exonerated and vindicated.

But importantly, as we see here, the church also brings comfort when it brings warning. But notice the verse - “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.” The fact that the letter of authorization spoke about necessary burdens, means that there are some burdens which were not necessary, but other burdens which were necessary. Nothing more, nothing less - but something else. And this word necessary - means things necessary for salvation. While you don’t have to be circumcised to be saved, there are things you must not do to be saved. What are they? Verse 29 - “That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well.” What are these things? They were telling the Gentiles to avoid the pollution of idolatry. Now to be sure, if we read this at face value, we may be confused. How can partaking of meats offered to idols make you lose your salvation? Paul said in Corinthians that meat offered to idols was just meat. Does it really mean that if you eat, you go to hell? The answer is no. The word “meats” is not in the original. In the NKJV, it says, “that you abstain from things offered to idols”, ESV - “that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols”, NASB - “that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols.” So it refers to idolatrous sacrifice and worship. So these Gentile converts were to keep away from the practice of idolatry - like blood play, strangling animals for their vitality, and temple prostitution. A Christian who continues to worship idols is not actually a Christian. Abstaining from idolatry is necessary for salvation in Christ. You must turn from idols to serve the living God. That’s repentance. If you still commit idolatry, you’re not repentant. Christ is exclusive. Saving faith is not trusting in Jesus and trusting Jupiter and Mercury. You can’t worship Jesus and Guan Yin. Saving faith is trusting Jesus alone. There was comfort, but this was warning to them. You see, keeping the law for salvation tests God. It robs exclusivity from Christ. But idolatry also robs exclusivity from Christ. So both - remaining in pagan worship and trusting in religion to save, bring the same wrath of God. Now, here’s the question - why was this warning given to Gentiles who professed faith? Well, not all who profess faith in Christ is genuine. There was Simon the Magician from Samaria. Maybe even Ananias and Sapphira from Jerusalem. There were church members who believed trying harder was necessary to be saved. And here, possibly church members who said - never mind! I trust in Christ - I can still sin and please myself. The warning here was simple - if you’re persistent in wrong beliefs and your rebellion in sin, you’re not a Christian. Sure, Christians will struggle and fall into sin - but they don’t identify themselves with sin. They will not give themselves over to them. A Christian may even struggle with doubt - weak faith - but he strengthens his faith. A Christian may have worldly ideas - but he embraces the Scriptures. 1 John 3:9 - “Whosoever is born of God doth not (continually) commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” Now, verse 30 tells us that when these words were read to the Christians in Antioch. And what was the result? They were comforted. Verse 31 says, “Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.” There is no true happiness in the try harder religion. There is no true happiness in the seek worldly happiness gospel. And in verses 32-35, Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas continued to teach the people. They remained behind to walk with those who wanted to abandon their idols and their filthy good works.

Dearly beloved, it’s the same for us today. We need warning and comfort from the officers of the church. So, let me warn you. There are some of you who, like the misled Judaean brethren. You struggle with a legalism. Some of you have done it your whole life. You have your manmade rules. And you are very hard people - moral police. You can’t rejoice because other Christians are not clean by your definition. You want them to try harder. You have lots of complaints against others. Let us help you to tear down your idol of self-righteousness. Turn your policing on yourself. It will be painful. And there are some of you who seek happiness apart from Christ, and sin is ruining your life. Like the Gentile Christians, you struggle with such idolatry - the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil will satisfy me! As a result, it has hurt relationships. You don’t even struggle with spiritual burdens anymore. You don’t care that you don’t read your Bible as you once did. In fact, you’ve given yourself over to your sins. It’s become habitual with you. Unless you flee, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Maybe you’re not really a Christian. Even as Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” That’s the warning that comes to you.

But let your officers also comfort you. There are some of you who are young and enthusiastic in the faith - but you struggle with your rules. You struggle with burdens like - I can’t keep up with my Bible reading, I’m so ungodly; I am not as zealous as I once was - I have lost my first love. Let me comfort you with the gospel. Yes, you’re not enough, but Christ is enough. Remember that he’s enough. Some of you really struggle with idolatry. You know sin has overtaken your life and has ruined it. You’re ruled by your emotions, the internet, your desires. You truly struggle and hate it. Find the comfort of Christ - he died to make you righteous. Nothing you do will ever add to that or subtract from it. Jesus paid it all. You strength may be small, but Christ is your all in all. Look to his power alone - only he can change you - to change the leper’s spots and melt that heart of stone. And to know that one day, when you are before his throne, you stand in him complete. That’s the comfort that your officers want to bring you.

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