What have “Christians” done with the dispensation referred to in Acts 15:14? IMO, not much. 533-2 - 2 - 8

Act 15:14, “Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.” While there are several important words in the passage, the one that speaks to me the most is take. Taking great liberties with Strong’s, to me the verb take can be rather passive as in “to get hold of” or more proactive as in “to seize or remove.” During this the church dispensation I expect that God is using the more passive form of the verb take. This is reinforced for me by K. L. Brook’s commentary concerning Acts 15:14 in the “Summarized Bible.”

“This is one of the most important passages in the New Testament, stating the divine program for the church in this dispensation. It is not the conversion of the world through the different agencies of reform, but the taking out of the world of an elect people who shall make up the Body or Bride of Christ. The Gospel everywhere calls out some, but it never, in any place, has been known to convert all, and nothing of this order is to be expected in this age. The work of the church is soul winning.”

Even within the first century the words of Jesus were being perverted by those seeking to go back under the law. The Judaizers insisted that Gentiles be circumcised/ convert to Judaism before they could become believers. So already there were those trying to add works to their salvation.

In the fourth century there was a marriage between paganism and those professing a belief in Jesus. Out of the ill-conceived union came the Roman Catholic Church. The corruption and evil done by the RCC is well known. While Jesus was our propitiation, the ransom for our salvation, the RCC still hold the soul of a loved one for ransom. Fortunately, this is not biblical in the individuals’ salvation is between them and God.

Always sensitive to the misdeed of the RCC, I’m especially concerned after the recent, as I call it, Poparama. The videos of the adoration of Catholics wherever the Pope spoke was reminiscent of the black and white newsreel of Hitler and adoring Germans. There has been much speculation primarily on Facebook as to whether the Pope is the false prophet or the actual Antichrist. For now, I’m of the opinion that he is here to usher in a one world religion to help push us over the slippery edge to a one world government. And as the Pope, he is leading millions through the wide gate that leads to destruction.

Per CM and Paul, the Bible does not promise a conversion of the world in this age: only a remnant. Luke 18:8, “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”

So as the Church age winds down, it is incumbent upon the true followers of Jesus to bring more to belief in the gift of grace. 

6. Read Act 15. What is the major issue behind this chapter?

The Book of Acts Chapter 2 marks the beginning of the Church Age; Chapter 15 opens the door to the Gentiles and salvation by grace, not works. Jesus assures Israel they are not forgotten and He will return to rebuild Israel after the Rapture of the Church.
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8-9 These are harsh words however Paul was very justified. In his letter to the Galatians Paul is criticizing them as they were listening to the “Judaizers” who opposed Paul’s teachings of salvation by grace, not through works. Although the Judaizers confirmed the teachings of Jesus, they taught that some Jewish religious practices much be adhered to; most notably circumcision. A faction in the church held that it was necessary to first become Jewish to achieve salvation causing confusion and concern among Paul’s recent converts.
The Judaizers claimed they spoke with James’ approval so Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem. With the backing of Peter, the elders concluded: Acts 15:28-29, “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;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. Fare ye well.” To quote Dr. Missler “the Gospel was now open to the Gentiles, too. And although God used Peter to open the door to the Gentiles, Paul was to be the missionary to the Gentiles; Peter would continue to be the apostle to the Jews.”

A few side-bars:
Habakkuk 2:4, “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” As I understand it, this plus The Book of Galatians had a major impact on Martin Luther and the Reformation; it is by grace that we are saved, not by keeping the law. Thank you Jesus!

Paul stated that “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:” Galatians 1:6. If people could wander from Jesus’ teachings so soon after His time on earth, what of today? Although Jesus offered salvation through His completed work on the cross, it seems to be human nature and/or pride to add to it.
Paul further warned: ” Acts 20:27, 29-30. “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God…For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”