They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. Acts 15:23
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: Acts 15:28
When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. Acts 15:31
(Read verses 23-31 if you are able.)
To inform the churches of the decision of the Jerusalem Church council regarding the “Jewish - Gentile” problem, a letter was sent and circulated among the churches. When the news was received the people rejoiced. And the cause for their rejoicing? The text does not say, but I think we can safely surmise the following:
The churches likely rejoiced because an issue that threatened the unity of the Church was addressed and solved. (Godly believers do not like disunity any more than Christ does!)
The churches likely rejoiced because they had confidence in the leaders who dealt with, rather than ignoring, the matter. (Leadership that does what leadership is supposed to do is a source of comfort and security for people.)
The churches likely rejoiced because the gospel of grace triumphed over legalism. (Godly believers will always rejoice over God’s grace!)
May we also rejoice when the Church is united, when leaders are leading, and when grace triumphs!