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THE BOOK OF ACTS

CHAPTER 15

LEGALISM VERSUS GRACE

THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER 15

We have been saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8) and are living in the dispensation of grace
(Ephesians 3:2). Through Jesus Christ, we have been given an abundance of grace and the gift
of righteousness (Romans 5:17), but it is possible for us to frustrate that grace. Romans 11:5-6
says, “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of
works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”

We must continually be on guard against legalism infiltrating the freedom found in the grace of
God. The automatic byproduct of God’s grace is works. But often, legalism creeps in, and
works become the focus of our Christian walk rather than grace. This is when we begin serving
God out of human effort rather than the grace of God. We must always endeavor to remain in
the grace of God.

LEGALISM IN THE EARLY CHURCH

Since the inception of the local church, legalism has tried to rob believers of the freedom of
living by God’s grace. The church in Jerusalem is no exception. Since the day of Pentecost, the
law has been creeping into the church and criticism has been building against the move of God
among the Gentiles.

Legalism versus grace has always been the issue with man. From Adam and his leaves to Cain
and his crops, we have fought this battle as long as Satan has been the god of this world.

Until this time, legalism has been brewing under the surface and has even been addressed in
part. But in this chapter, it all comes to a head in the Jerusalem church. The church at Antioch
has been free to teach and operate in grace and faith. Jealousy in Jerusalem brings this issue to
the forefront at the first church council meeting recorded in Acts. Jerusalem has been sliding
into the law for many years and is critical of the move of God in Gentile areas of the world (Acts
chapter 11).

Many of the legalistic leaders in Jerusalem are truly born again. These are priests who have
been saved under the ministry of the disciples (6:7; 13:5). They have not made a smooth
transition into the church age and are trying to make a major issue of the law of Moses. These
people are called legalists. They do not understand the proper agreement of grace, faith, and
works, and are demanding all male Gentile converts be circumcised, and all converts observe
the Mosaic law for spirituality.