Where Should a Converted Gentile Begin?
This article is translated using AI tools, we apologize for any unintentional mistakes that may occur
Acts, Chapter 15
The apostles arrived in Jerusalem and reported everything that God had done with them, including how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. This was an unprecedented situation in Jewish history. God granted the Gentiles the opportunity to come to faith, know the Most High, and receive the Holy Spirit. The barrier separating Israel and the nations—one that had previously prevented Gentiles from accessing the Torah and the Most High—was broken.
Naturally, the apostles asked: How should a newly converted Gentile behave? What should be his approach to the Torah and the commandments that, until now, had been observed only by Israel?
In verse 5 of chapter 15, we see that some of the Pharisees stood up and said that the new believers should be circumcised and required to follow the Law of Moses. These representatives of the “Pharisaic sect”—where the word “sect” essentially means a religious faction, akin to a “Pharisaic denomination”—argued that the disciples who were baptizing Gentiles should also circumcise them and compel them to observe the Law of Moses.
The apostles and elders of the community gathered to discuss this matter at length. Then, the apostle Peter stood up and reminded them that he was the first to go to the Gentiles. He said:
“You know that God chose me from the beginning to preach the Word of the Gospel to the Gentiles, and they believed. God gave them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, making no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts through faith.”
Peter speaks of purification, referring to the historical fact that when Adam fell, all of humanity became impure. Later, at Mount Sinai, when the people of Israel declared, “Na’aseh v’nishma”—”We will do and we will hear,” they accepted the yoke of the Most High upon themselves and were purified, creating a distinction between Israel and the other nations—a pure community emerged.
To maintain this purity, they had to establish numerous safeguards, avoiding contact with Gentiles. This is similar to how, as children, when we wore white suits or dresses, we had to be careful not to get dirty—avoiding playgrounds, sandboxes, and even touching others. Likewise, the Jews, as a pure nation among the impure, naturally imposed many restrictions on their interactions with non-Jews.
Peter testifies about how difficult it was for him to initiate contact with the Gentiles. He explains that the Lord purified their hearts through faith, just as He purified Israel. Most importantly, Peter emphasizes that the transformation occurring among the Gentiles is the work of the Most High—just as the purification of Israel was His work.
Then, Peter poses a crucial question: “Why do you test God by placing a yoke on the disciples that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear?”
Was Peter referring to the Law? Was he saying that they couldn’t bear the yoke of the Law? Peter, who once told the Most High that he had never eaten anything unclean, was not rejecting the Law itself. Rather, he was stating that neither they nor their ancestors were capable of purifying the Gentiles through Torah observance—only the Most High could do that. “We believe that we are saved through the grace of Christ, just as they are.”
Barnabas and Paul also shared their testimonies. Then, James made a decision:
“Brothers, listen to me. Simon has explained how God first turned His attention to the Gentiles to take from among them a people for His Name. The words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written: ‘After this, I will return and rebuild the fallen tent of David. I will restore and repair what has been ruined, so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, including all the Gentiles who bear My Name,’ says the Lord, who does all these things. Known to God from eternity are all His works.”
James continues, emphasizing that the Most High is working among the Gentiles just as He once worked among Israel.
“Therefore, I judge that we should not trouble those among the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead, we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood, and to do to others what they would want done to themselves. For from ancient generations, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city and is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
Why These Particular Commandments?
In modern Messianic movements, many attempt to find parallels between the New Testament and rabbinic literature. Some teachers claim that this passage refers to the so-called Seven Laws of the Sons of Noah—a concept found in Jewish oral tradition. These seven laws were supposedly binding on all non-Jews for inheriting eternal life. However, historical evidence suggests that this concept was unknown in the time of the apostles.
Moreover, these were not actual commandments but rather observed characteristics of certain nations that were seen as aligned with the Creator’s will. They were more societal expectations than divine laws. The notion of Bnei Noach (Sons of Noah) has been revived in modern times, with rabbis crafting rules for this movement—now totaling over 150 commandments. However, this is a human-made religious experiment that misleads people spiritually.
Instead, what do we find in Acts 15? James lists four prohibitions:
- Avoiding idolatry (worshiping false gods)
- Abstaining from sexual immorality
- Not consuming strangled animals
- Not consuming blood (which implies avoiding murder)
These four laws were traditionally considered so serious in Judaism that violating them was forbidden even under threat of death. James gives these as the first steps for converted Gentiles. Just as a Jewish convert (ger) first learns the most basic laws, so too were the Gentiles expected to start here. However, this did not mean they were exempt from the rest of the Torah—over time, they were expected to learn and obey more. “For the Law of Moses is preached in every city and read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
The Importance of Studying the Torah
What should a newly converted Gentile do? Begin by studying the Torah.
Unlike Israel, who is born into Torah observance, a Gentile believer must have the Law written on his heart. The inner presence of the Messiah should drive him to obey, expand, and deepen his understanding of the Torah.
By doing so, he will not fall into the trap of imitating Jewish customs simply for tradition’s sake. Jewish traditions are not inherently bad, but they should not replace God’s commandments. Instead of mimicking Jewish practices, focus on learning and following the Law of the Most High.
Let your life be filled with God, not just Jewish customs. When Jewish traditions align with God’s will, they are beneficial. But faith should not be reduced to mere cultural imitation.
Conclusion
The path for a converted Gentile begins with studying the Torah, understanding the commandments, and living by them. True faith is demonstrated through obedience. The Torah is an eternal covenant, and only by following it can one bear true spiritual fruit.
Original lesson author was Alex Blend. May his memory be a blessing.
Timestamps (Powered by Merlin AI)
00:02 – Discussion on the inclusion of Gentiles in faith and their expectations.
03:36 – The significance of divine cleansing for both Jews and Gentiles.
06:01 – Peter and James discuss the commandments for the Gentiles.
08:25 – Seven commandments lack historical documentation and relate to today’s ethical standards.
10:31 – Authority gained through deception leads to misguided teachings.
13:09 – Discussion on the requirements for new believers and their community living.
15:40 – Discussion of the commandments for Gentiles who have become believers.
18:49 – New believers should not strictly follow Jewish traditions.
21:05 – Gentiles should live by God’s commandments without imitating Jewish traditions.
22:45 – Studying Torah is essential for understanding commandments.
24:35 – Emphasizing love and humility in faith practice.
26:52 – Understanding the practical application of the commandments in the life of a believer.
