Acts15
New American Standard
1Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
2And after Paul and Barnabas had a heated argument and debate with them, the brothers determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.
3Therefore, after being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they were bringing great joy to all the brothers and sisters.
4When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them.
5But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to keep the Law of Moses.”
6The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter.
7After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.
8And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us;
9and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.
10Since this is the case, why are you putting God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our forefathers nor we have been able to bear?
11But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”
12All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles.
13After they stopped speaking, James responded, saying, “Brothers, listen to me.
14Simeon has described how God first concerned Himself about taking a people for His name from among the Gentiles.
15The words of the Prophets agree with this, just as it is written:
16‘After these things I will return, And I will rebuild the fallen tabernacle of David, And I will rebuild its ruins, And I will restore it,
17So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,’
18Says the Lord, who makes these things known from long ago.
19Therefore, it is my judgment that we do not cause trouble for those from the Gentiles who are turning to God,
20but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols, from acts of sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood.
21For from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
22Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,
23and they sent this letter with them: “The apostles and the brothers who are elders, to the brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles: Greetings.
24Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have confused you by their teaching, upsetting your souls,
25it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth.
28For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:
29that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from acts of sexual immorality; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.”
30So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and after gathering the congregation together, they delivered the letter.
31When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
32Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers and sisters with a lengthy message.
33After they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brothers and sisters in peace to those who had sent them out.
34
35But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
36After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return and visit the brothers and sisters in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
37Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also.
38But Paul was of the opinion that they should not take along with them this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.
39Now it turned into such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.
40But Paul chose Silas, and left after being entrusted by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
41And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Acts 15.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The dispute raised by Judaizing teachers. (1–6). The council at Jerusalem. (7–21). The letter from the council. (22–35). Paul and Barnabas separate. (36–41).
vv1-6
Some from Judea taught the Gentile converts at Antioch, that they could not be saved, unless they observed the whole ceremonial law as given by Moses; and thus they sought to destroy Christian liberty. There is a strange proneness in us to think that all do wrong who do not just as we do. Their doctrine was very discouraging. Wise and good men desire to avoid contests and disputes as far as they can; yet when false teachers oppose the main truths of the gospel, or bring in hurtful doctrines, we must not decline to oppose them.
vv7-21
We see from the words “purifying their hearts by faith,” and the address of St. Peter, that justification by faith, and sanctification by the Holy Ghost, cannot be separated; and that both are the gift of God. We have great cause to bless God that we have heard the gospel. May we have that faith which the great Searcher of hearts approves, and attests by the seal of the Holy Spirit. Then our hearts and consciences will be purified from the guilt of sin, and we shall be freed from the burdens some try to lay upon the disciples of Christ. Paul and Barnabas showed by plain matters of fact, that God owned the preaching of the pure gospel to the Gentiles without the law of Moses; therefore to press that law upon them, was to undo what God had done. The opinion of James was, that the Gentile converts ought not to be troubled about Jewish rites, but that they should abstain from meats offered to idols, so that they might show their hatred of idolatry. Also, that they should be cautioned against fornication, which was not abhorred by the Gentiles as it should be, and even formed a part of some of their rites. They were counselled to abstain from things strangled, and from eating blood; this was forbidden by the law of Moses, and also here, from reverence to the blood of the sacrifices, which being then still offered, it would needlessly grieve the Jewish converts, and further prejudice the unconverted Jews. But as the reason has long ceased, we are left free in this, as in the like matters. Let converts be warned to avoid all appearances of the evils which they formerly practised, or are likely to be tempted to; and caution them to use Christian liberty with moderation and prudence.
vv22-35
Being warranted to declare themselves directed by the immediate influence of the Holy Ghost, the apostles and disciples were assured that it seemed good unto God the Holy Spirit, as well as to them, to lay upon the converts no other burden than the things before mentioned, which were necessary, either on their own account, or from present circumstances. It was a comfort to hear that carnal ordinances were no longer imposed on them, which perplexed the conscience, but could not purify or pacify it; and that those who troubled their minds were silenced, so that the peace of the church was restored, and that which threatened division was removed. All this was consolation for which they blessed God. Many others were at Antioch. Where many labour in the word and doctrine, yet there may be opportunity for us: the zeal and usefulness of others should stir us up, not lay us asleep.
Key Words
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὶς (tìs): some or any person or object
κατέρχομαι (katérchomai): to come (or go) down (literally or figuratively)
ἀπό (apó): "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Ἰουδαία (Ioudaía): the Judæan land (i.e. Judæa), a region of Palestine
ἀδελφός (adelphós): a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α))
ἐὰν μή (eàn mḗ): if not, i.e. unless
περιτέμνω (peritémnō): to cut around, i.e. (specially) to circumcise
ἔθος (éthos): a usage (prescribed by habit or law)
Μωσεύς (Mōseús): Moseus, Moses, or Mouses (i.e. Mosheh), the Hebrew lawgiver
Cross References
Acts 15Amos 9:11-12 is quoted by James to prove God's plan to rebuild David's tabernacle and include Gentiles.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Paul's journey to Jerusalem with Barnabas (and Titus) to address the circumcision controversy.
Supported by Matthew Poole, Calvin, JFB
Warns that circumcision imposes a yoke of obligation to keep the entire law, forfeiting Christ's grace.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Paul's description of false brethren brought in secretly to spy out Christian liberty.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The apostolic letter formally repudiates the unauthorized Judean teachers who troubled the Antioch church.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
The historical descent of the Holy Spirit on uncircumcised Gentiles at Cornelius's house.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The pre-Mosaic, Noahic prohibition against eating flesh with its lifeblood.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
The historical account of John Mark departing from Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Certain men coming from James who caused Peter to withdraw from eating with Gentiles.
Supported by Calvin
The report of the first missionary journey showing God opened a door of faith to Gentiles.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Abraham was justified by faith prior to being circumcised, proving faith purifies apart from rites.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Later reconciliation, where Paul calls Mark profitable for the ministry despite their earlier contention.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Confirms the doctrine of justification by free grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The second part of James's quotation concerning the remnant of mankind seeking the Lord.
Supported by JFB
Illustrates the weekly public reading of the Law of Moses in the synagogues.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The Mosaic law prohibiting the eating of blood, which informed the council's decree.
Supported by Matthew Henry