The First Church was willing to Change Standards of Conduct!

Originally Posted by Newman

Yes, but the Apostles that set the standard for Acts 15 died martyrs deaths. If any standard should have been carved in stone; it was theirs. They gave everything they had for the gospel in conjunction with the stated truth that the Holy Ghost was speaking through them.

Especially since Dr. Luke's written account of the event later became scripture.

And yet the standard changed to accomodate a changing culture (geographic location and association). But for the institutionalization of Pentecost; that would preach.

Did it? What is your scriptural basis for this? Since the "standard" in Acts 15 was for Gentiles, wouldn't that be applicable to Gentile culture?

[Brett Prince]

I can agree with this, but let's not forget the more conservative slant that also happened. Paul did not raise his head against the vile practice of slavery--and yet we have plenty of room in Scripture to denounce...and the church did through the years.

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Chan

Did it? What is your scriptural basis for this? Since the "standard" in Acts 15 was for Gentiles, wouldn't that be applicable to Gentile culture?

The standard set was set by Jewish believers who did not live in Corinth. They unquestionably knew where to go in Jerusalem and their respective areas to get meat that was handled properly. Their task in Jerusalem was like looking for hay in a haystack.

Probably not as easy of a task in Corinth.

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Brett Prince

I can agree with this, but let's not forget the more conservative slant that also happened. Paul did not raise his head against the vile practice of slavery--and yet we have plenty of room in Scripture to denounce...and the church did through the years.

Interesting thought but not sure I understand how it fits with this discussion. Can you elaberate?

[Brett Prince]

Originally Posted by Newman

Interesting thought but not sure I understand how it fits with this discussion. Can you elaberate?

I'm simply saying that the early church also got stricter in certain areas through the course of a few centuries.

[Sister Alvear]

Some people would not even have Jesus on their platform...
However He is adapable to all people and cultures.

[Brett Prince]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

Some people would not even have Jesus on their platform...
However He is adapable to all people and cultures.

Amen.

[Sister Alvear]

Oh, the adapable Christ...when welcomed enters at invitation...His yoke is easy His burden light.
People and organizations are not that way.

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Brett Prince

I'm simply saying that the early church also got stricter in certain areas through the course of a few centuries.

BP- The "early church" a few centuries later; was not the same church in Scripture. However, I have read accounts of real early church members purchasing the freedom of many slaves.

[Charlie Brown]

Originally Posted by keith4him

28 For it seemed [U]good to the Holy Spirit[/U], and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.[g] If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.

Originally Posted by Newman

The standard set was set by Jewish believers who did not live in Corinth. They unquestionably knew where to go in Jerusalem and their respective areas to get meat that was handled properly. Their task in Jerusalem was like looking for hay in a haystack.

Probably not as easy of a task in Corinth.

While you proceed to question whether the Apostles were being reasonable in their requiring the Gentile converts to eat meat that was not offered to idols, please remember that it seemed good to "The Holy Ghost" that those converts did this also.

Could it be the reason behind this was that they may hurt their conscience if they partook of things that they had once used in their idol worship, and not that it was an unpardonable sin?