Act 16:4

[greenef]

Hi All,
Act 16:4 Now, as they went through the cities, they give over to them the decrees to maintain, which have been decided upon by the apostles and elders who are in Jerusalem."

Can someone explain the following passage of scripture to me? It sounds a lot like institutionalizing of Churches.

[Kat]

Hi greenef,

This was about the Jerusalem Council and the important matters that had been settled by the Apostles and elders there.

Acts 15:6  Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.

Acts 15:22  Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

Now it was needed to let the brethren know the information/ordinances/decree from the council and Paul and Silas was among those to travel to delivered letters with the important information to the believers in those cities where they had established churches.

Acts 15:23  with the following letter: "The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.

Acts 15:40  but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.
v. 41  And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

So this was the beginning of the New Testament being written and delivered to the brethren.

Acts 16:4  And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.
v. 5  So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Just because something is done in a similar manner as is done in some other organization, doesn't mean it's wrong if it is a practical and needful way for it to be done.

mercy, peace and love
Kat

[greenef]

Thanks Kat you were very helpful!

greenef