ACTS SERIES: THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM – CHAPTER 15

During Paul and Barnabus’s stay in Antioch, some legalistic Jewish men known as Judaizers came from Judea to Antioch and began to teach the new converts the need to follow the Mosaic law and to be circumcised to be saved.

In disagreement with the teachings of these men, Paul and Barnabus decided to go to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders of the church. While traveling, they passed through Phenice and Samaria and shared the news of the conversion of the Gentiles, which the brethren joyfully received.

Upon arrival in Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabus gave an account of their first missionary journey to the apostles and elders; however, they experienced opposition from some of the Pharisees who felt the new converts needed to be circumcised and follow the law of Moses. Hence, a council of the apostles and elders was held to discuss the opposing views.

After a while of disputing, Peter reminded the assembly about his experience at Cornelius’s house and how God filled the household with the Holy Spirit and accepted them. Furthermore, he questioned why they wanted to put yokes on the Gentiles that they were struggling to follow and which God did not require, for God saved them all by his grace.

After a period of silence, Paul and Barnabus once again corroborated that God was moving amongst the Gentiles by sharing the miracles and wonders the Gentiles experienced during their missionary journey. Following them, James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, summarized the Gentiles’ conversion, including the Old Testament prophet Amos’s words concerning the Gentiles’ present and future calling into the Church of God. He also ruled that the newly converted Gentiles should not be harassed. He suggested for the unity of the church, which included Jews and Gentiles, they should abstain from meats offered to idols, from fornication, eating the meat of strangled animals which still retained blood in them, and manslaughter.

Since all present were pleased with the ruling, two chosen men, Judas and Silas, were sent with Paul and Barnabus and letters to the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. The letters were to encourage the new converts, correct the Judaizers’ erroneous teaching, explain the ruling given by James, and give his four suggestions.

After hearing the letter, the Antioch converts were ecstatic, and Judas and Silas, for days, exhorted the converts with words that strengthened their faith. Finally, Judas returned to Jerusalem while Silas remained in Antioch with Paul, Barnabas, and other ministers, teaching and preaching the Word.

Chapter 15 ends with Paul and Barnabus disagreeing and going their separate ways over taking John Mark with them when Paul suggested they visit churches founded during their first missionary journey. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus while Paul and Silas, with the blessings of the brethren, revisited the churches in Syria and Cilicia.

Here are the nuggets I gleaned from Acts15:

The enemy will use dissension and disputes to cause division amongst believers.

Rather than verbally argue amongst yourself, seek the council of leadership.

Despite opposition from within and without, with the help of God, people will receive the gospel message.

Both Jews and Gentiles are saved by faith and God’s grace.

Salvation for a Gentile was not contingent on their submission to the Mosaic law and circumcision.

God gives the Holy Spirit to whom He wills.

Beware of placing unnecessary religious burdens on believers.

Out of the mouth of three witnesses, the move of God in the Gentiles was corroborated.

Compromise is vital in resolving conflict.

The first actual ecumenical council in Jerusalem resolved a divisive issue with unanimity.

When a disagreement cannot be resolved amenably, it may be necessary to part ways with a close associate.