NOTES for Act 15:7-21
The situation described in today's reading from Acts is truly complex. As we know, the first Christians observed the Law of Moses, but now Gentiles are entering the community. Must they accept all the traditions and rites? Are all external things really necessary?
The apostle Peter says that without any observance of traditions God gave the Holy Spirit to believing Gentiles. The Lord sees no difference between converts from the Gentiles and from the Jews - but do people see one? What does this mean: is human sight sharper than God's? Or do people simply pay attention to what they themselves consider more important?
Woe to us if external, superficial things are most important to us; woe to us if what matters to us is what God does not notice. Is it necessary - and is it possible - to strive for everyone around us to be like us, think as we think, act as we act, speak with God as we do? The heart of each person is important and precious to Him. And to us?