Therefore, I have reached the decision that we should not trouble those Gentiles who are turning to God, but we should write to them to abstain only from things polluted by idols and from fornication and from whatever has been strangled and from blood. For in every city, for generations past, Moses has had those who proclaim him, for he has been read aloud every Sabbath in the Synagogues. Acts 15:19-21

Peter preaches on the controversy of Gentile circumcision, next Barnabas and Paul witness to first-hand Gentile conversions, and now James is the speaker. James references Simon’s confirmation that, “God first looked favorably on the Gentiles.” God has love for Gentiles and so shall we.

James refers to Peter by his Hebrew name, Simon. Then James speaks about the Gentiles saying that God “take(s) out of them a people called by His Name,” — the Holy name of Jesus Christ. God has built a spiritual and eternal Kingdom in Jesus Christ. The Gentiles are also called by the Name of Jesus Christ, and are His people.

With this established, James affirms that the Gentiles will not be burdened with the rite of circumcision but from the Mosaic law they will avoid things polluted by idols, fornication, and keep meat eating guidelines dating back to Noah. So in this controversy we have proof that God has within His Plan provisions for unseen events or circumstances. His guidance during a controversy is essential to us.