Victory stories filled the auditorium today, bringing cheering delegates to their feet with shouts of “Alleluia!” as they heard that hundreds, maybe thousands, of Greeks, Romans, and other Gentiles are accepting Jesus Christ and becoming “Christians.”

“Christians,” is the term opponents in Antioch are using to describe those who choose to follow Christ, a word that may soon take on worldwide significance.

As the celebration died away, one of the believers requested to speak. “I cheer the work of the apostles among the Gentiles in the North,” he said, “and believe this provides a unique opportunity for us to teach new believers the full meaning of discipleship. These Gentiles must live exactly like their Jewish brethren. They must be circumcised and required to obey the Law of Moses.”

There was applause, especially from those who belong to the party of the Pharisees. After much discussion, statesman-fisherman Peter silenced the assembly with a passionate speech.

“God, who knows the heart, has shown that He has accepted these believers by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He has to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith. … NO! We cannot ask this of them for we believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

An energetic discussion on “what God requires,” consumed the rest of the day. Then church leader James spoke, “God has shown His concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for Himself, and it is my judgment that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.”

The assembly voted to send a letter commending the Gentile believers on their commitment to Jesus, and saying, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: Abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.”

This letter will likely become the standard for lifestyle diversity among Christians in the coming years. “Belonging,” is about accepting Jesus. “Christianity,” is putting God first, honoring your body, and valuing others.

The full context of this report is available in Acts 15.

Dick Duerksen is an assistant vice president for mission development at Florida Hospital.