CRS Keypoints: Mission to the Gentiles; The early Church faced a crucial turning point in its mission with the inclusion of the Gentiles. This article explores key events and decisions that shaped the mission to the Gentiles, including the conversions of Saul and Cornelius, the commissioning and mission of Paul, and the Council of Jerusalem.
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This class note is for people sitting for the following examinations: JAMB, WAEC, NECO, GCE, IJMB
These significant moments highlight the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community and the challenges faced by early believers in embracing the Gentiles as part of God’s plan of salvation.
CRS Keypoints: Mission to the Gentiles
(a) Conversion of Saul and Cornelius
The conversions of Saul and Cornelius, recorded in Acts 9:1-30; 22:4-21; 26:9-18 and Acts 10:1-48 respectively, mark significant milestones in the mission to the Gentiles.
(i) Comparing the Conversions:
Saul, a devout Jew and zealous persecutor of Christians, experienced a dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, resulting in his conversion and transformation into the apostle Paul. Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, received a vision and was directed by an angel to send for Peter, who would bring him the message of salvation.
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Both conversions demonstrate God’s desire to extend His grace and salvation to all people, regardless of their cultural or religious background.
(ii) Commissioning and Mission of Paul
The commissioning and mission of Paul, described in Acts 13 and Acts 14:1-20, illustrate his central role in taking the Gospel to the Gentiles.
(iii) Paul’s Commission:
Paul, along with Barnabas, was set apart by the Holy Spirit and commissioned by the church in Antioch to embark on missionary journeys. Their mission was to proclaim the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, establishing new Christian communities and strengthening existing ones.
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(iv) The Council of Jerusalem
The Council of Jerusalem, depicted in Acts 15:1-35 and referenced in Galatians 2:1-21, addressed the critical question of Gentile believers’ inclusion in the Church and their adherence to Jewish customs.
(iii) Main Decisions at the Council:
The council deliberated whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish practices, particularly circumcision, to be considered part of the Church. The decision reached was that Gentile believers were not required to observe these customs but were instructed to abstain from certain practices, including idolatry and sexual immorality, for the sake of unity among Jewish and Gentile believers.
(iv) Personalities at the Council:
Prominent figures involved in the Council of Jerusalem included James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, Peter, Paul, and Barnabas. Their testimonies and discussions helped shape the decisions made at the council.
(v) Relevance of the Decisions:
The decisions made at the Council of Jerusalem were crucial in establishing a foundation for the inclusion of Gentile believers in the Church. They affirmed that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, regardless of cultural or religious background.
These decisions opened the door for the Gospel to be preached freely among the Gentiles and laid the groundwork for the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries.
(vi) Paul’s Role in the Mission to the Gentiles
Paul played a significant role in the mission to the Gentiles, as evidenced by his extensive travels, evangelistic efforts, and the establishment of numerous Christian communities. His theological insights and writings, such as his letters to the churches, further solidified the understanding of the Gospel and the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan.
Conclusion:
The mission to the Gentiles in the early Church brought about significant transformations and decisions. The conversions of Saul and Cornelius marked the extension of God’s grace to both Jews and Gentiles. The commissioning and mission of Paul propelled the spread of the Gospel among diverse cultures and regions.
The Council of Jerusalem clarified the status of Gentile believers and set the foundation for a unified, inclusive Church. Through these events, God demonstrated His desire for all people to receive salvation and played a vital role in shaping the early Church’s mission to the Gentiles.
