The Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-21)
The Issue of Gentile Circumcision
The chapter opens with a significant controversy in the early church. Some men from Judea come to Antioch and start teaching the Gentile believers that they cannot be saved unless they are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses. This teaching causes great disturbance and debate, prompting the church to send Paul and Barnabas, along with some other believers, to Jerusalem to consult the apostles and elders about this question (Acts 15:1-2).
The Jerusalem Council Convenes
In Jerusalem, the issue is brought before the apostles and elders. After much discussion, Peter stands up and recounts how God first used him to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. He emphasizes that God did not discriminate between Jewish and Gentile believers but gave the Holy Spirit to both, purifying their hearts by faith. Peter argues that placing the yoke of the Law on the necks of Gentile believers—something not even the Jewish believers could bear—challenges God’s grace in Jesus Christ (Acts 15:6-11).
James’ Proposal
James supports Peter’s testimony by citing the prophets, which agree that God intended to include the Gentiles as His people. He proposes that instead of burdening Gentile believers with circumcision and the entire Law, they should abstain from practices particularly offensive to Jews: eating food polluted by idols, sexual immorality, meat of strangled animals, and blood (Acts 15:12-21).
The Letter to Gentile Believers (Acts 15:22-35)
Decision and Letter
The council agrees with James’ proposal and chooses to send chosen men along with Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch with a letter. The letter clarifies that Gentiles are not required to be circumcised but should avoid certain practices offensive to Jewish Christians. This decision is aimed at promoting unity and respect among believers from different backgrounds (Acts 15:22-29).
Reception in Antioch
The delegation arrives in Antioch, where the letter is read and received with joy by the Gentile believers. Judas and Silas, prophets themselves, encourage and strengthen the brothers with many words. After some time, they return to Jerusalem, while Paul and Barnabas remain in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord (Acts 15:30-35).
Paul and Barnabas Separate (Acts 15:36-41)
Disagreement and Separation
Later, Paul proposes to Barnabas that they return and visit the brothers in all the cities where they have preached the word of the Lord to see how they are doing. A sharp disagreement arises between them over whether to take John Mark with them, who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. Unable to resolve their differences, Barnabas takes Mark and sails to Cyprus, while Paul chooses Silas and sets out, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He travels through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches (Acts 15:36-41).
Theological Significance
Connection to Jesus Christ
Acts 15 highlights the sufficiency of Jesus Christ’s grace for salvation, asserting that faith in Him does not require adherence to all Jewish customs. This connection to Christ is central to the council’s deliberations and their ultimate decision, reinforcing the core gospel message.
God’s Love for the World
This chapter demonstrates God’s inclusive love by formally recognizing that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all, regardless of cultural or ethnic background. The decision made at the Jerusalem Council reflects God’s desire for a diverse yet unified body of believers.
Contemporary Relevance
Acts 15 remains relevant today as it addresses issues of cultural differences and doctrinal disputes within the church. It serves as a model for how the church can handle disagreements—through discussion, reference to scripture, and seeking consensus in a spirit of unity. The chapter encourages modern believers to focus on what is essential for salvation and to exercise liberty in non-essential matters, promoting peace and edification within the church community.
Conclusion
Acts 15 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Acts, dealing with the critical issue of how Jewish and Gentile believers relate within the church. It underscores the principle that the church should strive to make decisions in a manner that maintains unity, upholds the truth of the gospel, and demonstrates love and grace to all members.