To protect the doctrinal foundation and unity of the church the apostles and elders wisely affirmed the essentials of the gospel while calling for Gentile believers to comply only with some fundamental regulations that the law stipulated. By the Gentile believers elevating their love for their Jewish brothers over their liberties in the gospel, the unity of the church was protected. In this sermon we learn that it is never right to elevate unity over the gospel, but it always right to elevate love for others over our liberties. The outline is as follows:
- Elevating love over the gospel is never right (vv. 13-19)
- Elevating love over liberty is always right (vv. 20-29)
- Rejoicing and growing in truth and love (vv. 30-35)