Missionaries that Hazarded their Lives
Richard Smit examines Acts 15:22-26 to demonstrate how Paul and Barnabas were commended by the Jerusalem council not merely for doctrinal faithfulness, but specifically for having "hazarded their lives" for Christ's name, using John Calvin's commentary to show this was a rebuke of those who caused trouble without suffering. The article applies this biblical example as an instructive model for contemporary foreign missionaries, calling them to pursue a similar commendation through sacrificial labor in missionary service.
According to Acts 15:22-23, a letter had been adopted by the churches that summarized the answer of the apostles and the elders in regard to a doctrinal disturbance by the Judaizers. They argued that it remained necessary for the Gentile Christians to be circumcised according to the law of Moses for proper church membership and for salvation. In response, the church declared that God had revealed that circumcision was not required for church membership or for salvation. Since this is exactly...
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