I recently did some writing on controversies in the book of Acts. Halfway through the book, the reader comes across the Jerusalem Council–a gathering born out of gospel advancement.
One of the fascinating matters about this gathering is related to James’ argument. After hearing about the conversion of the Gentiles, he looks to a minor prophet for guidance, not a Great Commission mandate from the lips of Jesus. Christopher Wright draws attention to this in The Mission of God’s People:
One could easily imagine Peter standing up to say to the critics, “Listen, friends, Jesus told us to go and make disciples of all nations and that is what Paul and Barnabas are doing. So back off!” But instead, James settles the matter by reference to the prophetic Scriptures. He quotes from Amos 9 and affirms that what the prophet foresaw is now happening: the house of David is being restored and the Gentile nations are being brought in to bear the name of the Lord. That’s where the story pointed, and that’s what was now happening (37).
The first century Jewish believers were experiencing the grafting in of the Gentiles. Genesis through Malachi was a sufficient foundation for understanding the mission.
If we did not have the New Testament, would we be able to teach our people about God’s mission in the world and our role as His people?
Of course, we have the complete cannon of Scripture. Yet, how much do we know about the Great Commission according to the Old Testament (even beyond Genesis 12 and 15)? When we talk about mission do we exclusively take our people to the New Testament? If so, what does that hermeneutic communicate to them about the mission of God?
Excellent article, brother. I recently finished putting together a study guide on Acts and was struck by people like Stephen, Paul, and Apollos who preached Christ from the OT with power, refuting the Jewish leaders with their understanding of the Word. It made we want to spend more there myself.
I appreciate your encouragement, John. Thanks for sharing from your studies, too!
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