About this episode

Pastor Matt discusses the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 and its implications for salvation and unity between Jewish and Gentile believers.

In this bonus episode of the Sunday Extra podcast, Pastor Matt fills in some important context before the church moves into the second missionary journey in Acts 15. Specifically, he walks through the Jerusalem Council found in Acts 15:1-35, where a dispute arose after Jewish believers from Judea began teaching that circumcision according to the law of Moses was required for salvation. Paul and Barnabas strongly opposed this view, and the council — including Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James — gathered to settle the matter. The council's conclusion was decisive: salvation is by grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ — Jesus plus nothing. As Peter put it in Acts 15:11, "We believe that we will be saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus, just as they will." While Gentile believers were encouraged to avoid certain practices like food sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality, these were not requirements for salvation but practical steps meant to promote unity and fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers.

More episodes of Hope Church - Fort Worth, TX

• The River Keeps Flowing · July 19, 2026 · 46 min
• SUNDAY EXTRA: What God is Teaching Us Now · July 15, 2026 · 58 min
• Journey 3, Part 2: Choosing Total Surrender · July 13, 2026 · 45 min
• SUNDAY EXTRA: Sunday Extra Goes on a Double Date · July 8, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Journey 3 (Part 1) - The Strengthening and Spiritual Transformation of the Church · July 6, 2026 · 47 min
• SUNDAY EXTRA: Sitting Down with the Founder · July 1, 2026 · 1h 6m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Hope Church - Fort Worth, TX podcast page.