Acts 15

“But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will” (v11).  The “apostles and elders” gathered to discuss how to include Gentiles into a Jewish Church (v6).  Peter argued convincingly that God had already “cleansed their hearts by faith” (v9) and given them the Spirit; therefore, they had no need for circumcision.  Further, Peter emphasized that Jews were also saved “through the grace of the Lord Jesus,” and not by keeping the Law.

Though human nature might have wanted the Gentiles to conform, or to be second-class citizens, “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit” to create a global family united by faith in Jesus (v28).