Episode Summary: S4: Week 45 Day 4 – Connecting Acts 15:15-19 & Amos 9:11-12

Podcast: A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace
Published: November 6, 2025
Host: The Daily Grace Co.

Main Theme / Purpose

In this episode, the hosts explore the deep connections between Acts 15:15-19 (New Testament) and Amos 9:11-12 (Old Testament), focusing on how these passages reveal Christ’s presence and purpose throughout all of scripture. They guide listeners to see Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises—especially regarding the inclusion of Gentiles—and encourage a broader appreciation for the unified, diverse body of Christ.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context: Connecting the Testaments

• Overview of Study:
  • The focus each week is to deeply unpack two contrasting passages—one Old Testament, one New—revealing Christ in both.
  • This week compares the prophecy in Amos with its citation and fulfillment in the New Testament (Acts 15).

2. The Jerusalem Council and the Issue of Gentile Inclusion (00:44 - 01:47)

• Situation in Acts 15:
  • The Jerusalem Council was convened due to some teaching that “you can’t experience salvation unless you are circumcised.”
  • This specifically affected Gentiles—non-Israelites—who were not circumcised.
• Key Arguments at the Council:
  • Peter emphasizes God’s plan to bring Gentiles into His family, affirming salvation by grace through Christ alone, not by works.
  • Barnabas and Paul share testimonies of miraculous works among Gentiles, evidencing God’s acceptance.
  • James references Amos 9:12 to show scriptural support for God’s inclusion of Gentiles:

    “James continues the argument by referencing Amos 9:12, using that passage to further reiterate God’s plan to bring the Gentiles to Himself and teaching the people that they shouldn’t create any obstacles for the Gentiles to receive the salvation that God offers to them freely through Christ.” (01:27)

3. Peter’s Earlier Experience and the Holy Spirit (01:47 - 02:13)

• Peter’s Example from Acts 10:
  • The hosts recall Peter’s reaction after Gentile believers receive the Holy Spirit:

    “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:47, referenced at 01:52)

  • Peter’s stance throughout is to resist any form of exclusion or withholding of God’s gifts from Gentiles.

4. Fulfillment of Amos’ Prophecy in Christ (02:13 - 03:23)

• Restoration Expanded:
  • God’s promise in Amos is not only about bringing Israel out of exile and back to their land, but points to a larger, Christ-centered restoration.
  • Jesus restores relationships vertically (with God) and horizontally (among people), breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
  • Key Point: Salvation through Jesus is “offered to not just one group of people, but all people”—creating a diverse yet unified family of God.
  • The promises to David are fulfilled as Christ establishes an eternal kingdom comprising all nations, tribes, and tongues.
  • Preview of Eternity:

    “We will see the reality of this coming in its fullness when we are in heaven worshiping God all together as one united people made up of all different kinds of people. That unity is all due to Christ, whose restoration and salvation makes us one.” (02:56)

5. The Beauty of the Church’s Unified Diversity (03:23 - 03:42)

• Present and Future Church:
  • The church’s existing unified diversity is a foretaste of the fullness believers will experience in eternity:

    “Yeah, the unified diversity of the church is just so beautiful. And it’s already beautiful, so I can’t imagine what it will be like in eternity.” (03:23)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God’s Expansive Restoration:

  “God’s ultimate plan of restoration was accomplished through Christ, who not only restores those who trust in him in their relationship with God, but he also restores people to one another.” (02:16)

• On the Fulfillment of Old Testament Promises:

  “…God’s promises to David are also seen as fulfilled through Christ, as God’s eternal kingdom is one made up of people of all tribes and tongues.” (02:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:44 – 01:47: Setting the scene at the Jerusalem Council and its implications for Gentile inclusion
• 01:47 – 02:13: Peter’s defense of Gentile believers, referencing Acts 10
• 02:13 – 03:23: Connecting Amos’ prophecy to the work and kingdom of Christ
• 03:23 – 03:42: The beauty and future of the church’s unified diversity

Final Thoughts

This episode brings clarity to the continuity between Old and New Testaments, especially regarding God’s plan for all nations through Christ. Through careful, accessible discussion, the hosts remind listeners that the whole Bible points to Jesus, and that the global, unified church is God’s evident fulfillment of ancient promises—a cause for both present celebration and future hope.

Listeners are encouraged to join the next episode for practical application of these theological truths in daily life.