NO SUCH COMMANDMENT
The Lord’s church began on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts chapter 2. The church grew rapidly as thousands obeyed the gospel and were added to the church (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7).
However, it did not take long for Satan to try to hinder the cause of Christ. Certainly, Satan was behind the false teachings of Acts chapter 15. There were those who were teaching that unless Gentiles practiced circumcision, in keeping with the law, then they could not be saved (Acts 15:1-2).
Of course, circumcision had been part of the Law of Moses, but that Law was no longer binding. The Law, including the command to be circumcised, had been taken out of the way and nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14-17; Galatians 5:6).
When the news spread to Jerusalem that there were men teaching this false doctrine, the apostles, elders, and the whole church decided to send letters explaining why the false doctrine regarding circumcision was wrong. Here is a portion of the letter that was written: “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment” (Acts 15:24). The letter explained that the men who were teaching that circumcision was necessary for salvation were wrong because the inspired apostles had given “no such commandment.” This is what was wrong with the doctrine: it had no divine authority behind it. The apostles had given “no such commandment.”
If all people today would resolve to teach only what is authorized in the Scriptures, there would be far less religious division. For example, what is wrong with sprinkling water on a baby’s head and calling it “baptism”? The same thing that was wrong with the false doctrine regarding circumcision of Acts 15. There is “no such commandment” in the Bible. What is wrong with sprinkling water on an adult and call it baptism? Answer: “no such commandment” has been given. Why should instruments of music not be used in the worship of the church today? Answer: “no such commandment” has been given. What would be wrong with observing the Lord’s Supper at times other than “the first day of the week”? Answer: “no such commandment” has been given.
There is a great lesson to be learned from Acts 15:24. We should be content with what is authorized in Scripture. We should never practice things for which there is no Biblical authority. Rather, we should speak where the Bible speaks, and be silent where the Bible is silent.
