Acts 15:13-41

“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials …” (v28).   The early church wondered how to integrate Gentile believers into the previously Jewish Christian church.  After discussion, James declared that Gentile believers didn’t have to become culturally Jewish, but they should avoid a few things that most offended their Jewish brethren (v29).  While saved by faith and encouraged to grow in holiness (I Thess 4), they need not become Jews in diet or ritual celebrations.

Gentiles “rejoiced” when they heard this encouraging word (v31).  They were not second-class citizens, but fully adopted children of God.