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James also acknowledges that the tribulations faced on missionary journeys are for the
furtherance of the gospel.

Act 15:27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by
mouth.

Judas and Silas stand with Barnabas and Paul to show the unity between the two churches.

Act 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden
than these necessary things;

This is where the letter leaves reality. The Holy Spirit did not inspire these “necessary things.”
Even though the church leadership and congregation all agree on the guidelines, they do not
come from God. When a person puts the Holy Spirit’s name on an issue, it is to add validity. So
to argue with the decision is to argue with God. However, these things will not be mentioned
again in the book of Acts, and Paul will later teach abstinence from food presented to idols as a
personal heart issue (Romans 14), not a dictate of the Holy Spirit.

Act 15:29 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.
Meat offered to idols was then brought to the front of the temple where the finest restaurants
were located, and this is the meat being referred to. The word has nothing to say about eating
meat offered to idols; it is just meat. Where the meat has been a few minutes prior to being
served has nothing to do with spirituality. Meat is not spiritual and should not be used as a
spiritual issue. Again, the only scriptural thing mentioned in this letter is fornication.

THE TRIUMPH OF THE MINISTRY OF GRACE (30-35)

Judas and Silas, the delegates from Jerusalem, strengthen and encourage the faith of the
believers at Antioch and are sent home by the Antioch church with a blessing of peace. Paul
and Barnabas remain in Antioch teaching and preaching, along with many others.

READING OF THE LETTER TO THE GENTILES

Act 15:30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered
the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

The letter was read out loud.

Act 15:31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

Which when they (Judas and Silas) had read, they (the congregation) rejoiced for the
consolation (comfort).

Act 15:32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with
many words, and confirmed them.