And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Acts 15 recounts a pivotal moment in the early church, addressing a critical question: how should Gentile believers relate to the Mosaic Law? This chapter highlights the tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians and demonstrates how the early church leaders, guided by the Holy Spirit and Scripture, navigated this challenge to preserve unity and proclaim the gospel effectively. Understanding this chapter is crucial for grasping the development of Christian theology and the ongoing mission of the church. This pivotal chapter in Acts also reveals the importance of unity amidst diversity, emphasizing the grace of God extended to all believers, regardless of their background.
The Controversy in Antioch (Acts 15:1-5)
The narrative begins in Syrian Antioch, a vibrant hub for the early church, where Paul and Barnabas had been ministering (Acts 13-14). Some Jewish believers from Judea arrived, teaching that Gentile converts needed to be circumcised according to the Law of Moses to be saved. This teaching directly contradicted Paul and Barnabas's experience of seeing Gentiles come to faith in Jesus without adhering to Jewish customs. This wasn't merely a matter of religious practice; it struck at the heart of the gospel message. Were Gentiles required to become Jews in order to become Christians?
This disagreement led to "serious argument and debate" (Acts 15:2). The core issue was whether salvation was by grace through faith in Jesus alone, or whether adherence to the Mosaic Law was also necessary. The church in Antioch recognized the gravity of the situation and decided to send Paul, Barnabas, and others to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders.
It's important to note that the motivations behind this insistence on circumcision may have been complex. Some Pharisaical Christians may have been concerned about maintaining their standing within the Jewish community (Galatians 6:12; Matthew 23:1-12). The controversy highlights the challenge of reconciling deeply ingrained cultural and religious traditions with the new reality of the gospel.
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:6-21)
The delegation from Antioch was welcomed by the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:4). They shared their experiences of God's work among the Gentiles. However, the debate intensified when some believers from the party of the Pharisees reiterated their demand for Gentile circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law (Acts 15:5).
A formal council was convened to address the issue. After much discussion, Peter rose to speak (Acts 15:7-11). He reminded the council that God had already demonstrated his acceptance of the Gentiles by pouring out the Holy Spirit on them, just as He had done with the Jewish believers (Acts 10:44). Peter emphasized that God "made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9). He challenged the council, asking why they would "test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?" (Acts 15:10). Peter's conclusion was clear: "we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they" (Acts 15:11). Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Following Peter's testimony, Paul and Barnabas shared accounts of the "signs and wonders" God had performed through them among the Gentiles (Acts 15:12). These miracles served as further evidence of God's approval and validation of their ministry to the Gentiles.
Then James, the half-brother of Jesus and a leader in the Jerusalem church, spoke (Acts 15:13-21). He affirmed Peter's testimony and supported it with Scripture, quoting Amos 9:11-12 to demonstrate that God's plan had always included the Gentiles (Acts 15:14-18). James proposed a practical solution. He suggested that Gentile believers should not be burdened with the full requirements of the Mosaic Law. However, he recommended that they be asked to abstain from certain practices that were particularly offensive to Jewish believers: food polluted by idols, sexual immorality, the meat of strangled animals, and blood (Acts 15:20). These restrictions were intended to promote fellowship and avoid unnecessary offense between Jewish and Gentile Christians.
The Letter to the Gentile Churches (Acts 15:22-35)
The council agreed with James's proposal and decided to send a letter to the Gentile churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia (Acts 15:22-29). The letter explicitly stated that the apostles and elders did not require Gentile believers to be circumcised (Acts 15:24). It conveyed the council's decision regarding the specific practices they should avoid (Acts 15:28-29). To ensure the letter's authenticity and to provide further encouragement, the church chose Judas Barsabbas and Silas to accompany Paul and Barnabas to deliver the message.
The letter was well-received by the Gentile believers in Antioch, who "rejoiced because of its encouragement" (Acts 15:31). Judas and Silas remained in Antioch for some time, "encouraging and strengthening the brothers with many words" (Acts 15:32). The resolution of this conflict brought unity, edification, and joy to the church.
Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41)
After some time, Paul proposed to Barnabas that they revisit the churches they had planted on their first missionary journey (Acts 15:36). Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them, but Paul objected because Mark had deserted them earlier (Acts 13:13). This disagreement led to a "sharp contention" (Acts 15:39) between Paul and Barnabas, resulting in their separation. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas and traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches (Acts 15:40-41).
While the disagreement was unfortunate, God used it to expand the reach of the gospel. Two missionary teams were now working instead of one. Paul's focus on reliability and Barnabas's gift of encouragement both played important roles in the advancement of the kingdom. This shows how God can take even conflicts and turn them into opportunities for His glory.
Key Takeaways from Acts 15
Acts 15 offers several important lessons for believers today:
- Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone: This is the central message of the gospel, and it must be clearly proclaimed and defended.
- Unity amidst diversity: The church is made up of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We must strive to maintain unity in the essentials while allowing for diversity in non-essentials.
- The importance of listening to the Holy Spirit and Scripture: The early church leaders sought guidance from the Holy Spirit and Scripture in resolving this conflict. We must do the same.
- The value of godly leadership: The leaders in Jerusalem demonstrated wisdom, humility, and a willingness to listen to different perspectives.
- God can use conflict for good: Even disagreements and conflicts can be used by God to advance His purposes.
Acts 15 is a powerful reminder that the gospel is for all people, and that the church must be a place of unity, grace, and truth. By studying this chapter, we can gain valuable insights into how to navigate complex issues, maintain unity, and proclaim the gospel effectively in our own time. The Jerusalem Council serves as a model for how to address theological controversies with humility, reliance on Scripture, and a desire to maintain fellowship.
And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Acts 15 recounts a pivotal moment in the early church, addressing a critical question: how should Gentile believers relate to the Mosaic Law? This chapter highlights the tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians and demonstrates how the early church leaders, guided by the Holy Spirit and Scripture, navigated this challenge to preserve unity and proclaim the gospel effectively. Understanding this chapter is crucial for grasping the development of Christian theology and the ongoing mission of the church. This pivotal chapter in Acts also reveals the importance of unity amidst diversity, emphasizing the grace of God extended to all believers, regardless of their background.
The Controversy in Antioch (Acts 15:1-5)
The narrative begins in Syrian Antioch, a vibrant hub for the early church, where Paul and Barnabas had been ministering (Acts 13-14). Some Jewish believers from Judea arrived, teaching that Gentile converts needed to be circumcised according to the Law of Moses to be saved. This teaching directly contradicted Paul and Barnabas's experience of seeing Gentiles come to faith in Jesus without adhering to Jewish customs. This wasn't merely a matter of religious practice; it struck at the heart of the gospel message. Were Gentiles required to become Jews in order to become Christians?
This disagreement led to "serious argument and debate" (Acts 15:2). The core issue was whether salvation was by grace through faith in Jesus alone, or whether adherence to the Mosaic Law was also necessary. The church in Antioch recognized the gravity of the situation and decided to send Paul, Barnabas, and others to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders.
It's important to note that the motivations behind this insistence on circumcision may have been complex. Some Pharisaical Christians may have been concerned about maintaining their standing within the Jewish community (Galatians 6:12; Matthew 23:1-12). The controversy highlights the challenge of reconciling deeply ingrained cultural and religious traditions with the new reality of the gospel.
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:6-21)
The delegation from Antioch was welcomed by the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:4). They shared their experiences of God's work among the Gentiles. However, the debate intensified when some believers from the party of the Pharisees reiterated their demand for Gentile circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law (Acts 15:5).
A formal council was convened to address the issue. After much discussion, Peter rose to speak (Acts 15:7-11). He reminded the council that God had already demonstrated his acceptance of the Gentiles by pouring out the Holy Spirit on them, just as He had done with the Jewish believers (Acts 10:44). Peter emphasized that God "made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9). He challenged the council, asking why they would "test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?" (Acts 15:10). Peter's conclusion was clear: "we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they" (Acts 15:11). Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Following Peter's testimony, Paul and Barnabas shared accounts of the "signs and wonders" God had performed through them among the Gentiles (Acts 15:12). These miracles served as further evidence of God's approval and validation of their ministry to the Gentiles.
Then James, the half-brother of Jesus and a leader in the Jerusalem church, spoke (Acts 15:13-21). He affirmed Peter's testimony and supported it with Scripture, quoting Amos 9:11-12 to demonstrate that God's plan had always included the Gentiles (Acts 15:14-18). James proposed a practical solution. He suggested that Gentile believers should not be burdened with the full requirements of the Mosaic Law. However, he recommended that they be asked to abstain from certain practices that were particularly offensive to Jewish believers: food polluted by idols, sexual immorality, the meat of strangled animals, and blood (Acts 15:20). These restrictions were intended to promote fellowship and avoid unnecessary offense between Jewish and Gentile Christians.
The Letter to the Gentile Churches (Acts 15:22-35)
The council agreed with James's proposal and decided to send a letter to the Gentile churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia (Acts 15:22-29). The letter explicitly stated that the apostles and elders did not require Gentile believers to be circumcised (Acts 15:24). It conveyed the council's decision regarding the specific practices they should avoid (Acts 15:28-29). To ensure the letter's authenticity and to provide further encouragement, the church chose Judas Barsabbas and Silas to accompany Paul and Barnabas to deliver the message.
The letter was well-received by the Gentile believers in Antioch, who "rejoiced because of its encouragement" (Acts 15:31). Judas and Silas remained in Antioch for some time, "encouraging and strengthening the brothers with many words" (Acts 15:32). The resolution of this conflict brought unity, edification, and joy to the church.
Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41)
After some time, Paul proposed to Barnabas that they revisit the churches they had planted on their first missionary journey (Acts 15:36). Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them, but Paul objected because Mark had deserted them earlier (Acts 13:13). This disagreement led to a "sharp contention" (Acts 15:39) between Paul and Barnabas, resulting in their separation. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas and traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches (Acts 15:40-41).
While the disagreement was unfortunate, God used it to expand the reach of the gospel. Two missionary teams were now working instead of one. Paul's focus on reliability and Barnabas's gift of encouragement both played important roles in the advancement of the kingdom. This shows how God can take even conflicts and turn them into opportunities for His glory.
Key Takeaways from Acts 15
Acts 15 offers several important lessons for believers today:
- Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone: This is the central message of the gospel, and it must be clearly proclaimed and defended.
- Unity amidst diversity: The church is made up of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We must strive to maintain unity in the essentials while allowing for diversity in non-essentials.
- The importance of listening to the Holy Spirit and Scripture: The early church leaders sought guidance from the Holy Spirit and Scripture in resolving this conflict. We must do the same.
- The value of godly leadership: The leaders in Jerusalem demonstrated wisdom, humility, and a willingness to listen to different perspectives.
- God can use conflict for good: Even disagreements and conflicts can be used by God to advance His purposes.
Acts 15 is a powerful reminder that the gospel is for all people, and that the church must be a place of unity, grace, and truth. By studying this chapter, we can gain valuable insights into how to navigate complex issues, maintain unity, and proclaim the gospel effectively in our own time. The Jerusalem Council serves as a model for how to address theological controversies with humility, reliance on Scripture, and a desire to maintain fellowship.