Many older New Testament converts came into the church through the synagogue. Naturally they expected that subsequent gentile converts would conform to their Jewish rules of circumcision etc.
Thankfully Paul confronted this attitude and he had a vision that “there was a path of faith that did not follow the path of history” (Tyndale NT Commentary).
Ultimately a letter was sent to Antioch reassuring the Gentile Christians that they would have “no greater burden” than was necessary put upon them.
(Acts 15:28).
How easy it is to put unnecessary burdens on those who come into the family of faith. Burdens that ultimately can be a hindrance to them being who they are meant to be for God.
Unfortunately the historical church has become very good at this. How many of us have been drawn into a life of added responsibilities, fruitless meetings, increasing demands on our time and energies. So much so that our families and spiritual lives have suffered and we have become more and more withdrawn from the world in which we are meant to be salt and light.
Paul’s attitude is very wise and very liberating. He would want our house churches to be set free. Their members have enough demands upon their lives. They do not need additional burdens. Just that which is necessary to be the People of God for this generation.
Author Max Edwards (My Dad)
