Beginning of the Controversy, 15:1-5
[1] The prejudice of the Jews against the Gentiles threatened to divide the church of Christ. The Jews were very proud. For many centuries, God had recognized the Jews as his special people. The covenant of circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant with their ancient ancestor, Abraham (Genesis 17:10). The law of Moses was given specifically to the Jews. Some tribes today practice circumcision also. Some of them feel superior, as the Jews did. But in Christ, such tribal practices are not important (see Galatians 5:6; Colossians 3:11). The practice of circumcision is not wrong. But the tribal practice of circumcision is often related to the ancestors. Christians must realize that some of the tribal practices are not accepted by Christ. It was not wrong for the early Christian Jews to practice circumcision. It was wrong for them to force other tribes to practice this. We can continue to practice circumcision. But Christians must be sure that circumcision is not mixed with the bad things associated with traditional circumcision.
Even though the Great Commission was to preach the gospel to the whole world, the gospel was not taken quickly to the Gentile nations. Even after God intervened through the incidents surrounding the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10-11), Jews were slow to accept Gentiles. Many Jews continued to believe that Gentiles needed to be circumcised and needed to keep the law of Moses. Because of this thinking, some Jews came to Antioch to insist that the other tribes must be circumcised and keep the law. Galatians 2:12-21 gives additional information regarding the issues discussed here.
These men came to Antioch because it was the centre of Gentile strength in the church. The controversy here was of great significance. The decision made determined whether there would be two churches – Jewish and Gentile – or just one. The Lord came to build one church (Matthew 16:18). Christ prayed for unity of the brethren (John 17:20-21). Paul pleaded for unity when the church at Corinth was about to be divided (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Throughout the New Testament, it is consistently taught that all Christians should be united. We need to remember this teaching in these days when there are so many different religious practices in worship and many different kinds of organizations. We need to recognize that such division is not the will of God. We must search the Scriptures to know the truth (see Acts 17:11). Perhaps we should have meetings like the one in Jerusalem in order to determine what the will of God actually is. In any such meeting, whatever the issue, we must discover from the Bible what God wants.
[2] When these men came teaching a false doctrine, Paul and Barnabas debated with them. Paul had received his teaching from the Lord (Galatians 1:11-12). He was confident that he knew the truth. He was ready to defend it. In a similar way, today we must be sure that our teaching is from the Lord. That can be determined by following only the teaching of Christ (2 John 9). True words are those of the Lord Himself (1 Timothy 6:3). All truth is revealed for us in the Bible. That is what we must follow. Also, we must be willing to defend the truth against error, as Paul was. The false teaching about circumcision and the law of Moses originated in Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas went to the very source of the false teaching.
[3-4] The church sent them forth. On their way, they reported the success of the missionary journey that they had just concluded. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, they were welcomed, and they reported on the work of the Lord.
[5] The controversy continued in Jerusalem. Jews could not oppose the baptism of other tribes because of what God taught them with the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10-11). But they still insisted that Gentiles be circumcised and keep the law of Moses.
The Apostles and Elders Meet in Jerusalem, 15:6-29.
[6] The whole controversy was before the apostles and elders. The apostles and elders were the ones responsible for the behaviour of the church. Wise elders with special qualifications were the men whom God wanted to guide the church (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1). In this way, the Christian system is much like the traditional methods of dealing with problems in many places today.
[7-10] Peter supported the actions of Paul and Barnabas. He reminded the people of what had happened with the household of Cornelius. God had given them the Spirit just as He had given the Spirit to the Jews. God made no distinction. He cleansed their hearts with faith.
It has been difficult for people of all times to recognize the value of faith in their relationship with God. Man has a tendency to feel that he must earn his salvation by good deeds. This was what the law of Moses required, and because of this weakness, God removed that law. Salvation under the law required complete and perfect obedience. One transgression condemned a person. All had sinned; therefore, all were condemned. This was a burden none could bear, but those Jewish teachers still wanted to bind that old law on the Christians (see Hebrews 8:6-13; Galatians 5:1-6).
[11] Rather than salvation coming through the law, it is through the gracious love of the Lord. Grace means “unmerited favour.” When we say we are saved by grace, we mean we do not earn our salvation. The New Testament does not require perfect obedience. If so, we would have to earn salvation. The New Testament requires an active faith. We are saved by that faith, for it leads us to obey.
Acts 15:12-22
12 Then the whole group became quiet. They were listening to Paul and Barnabas tell all the miracles and wonders that God did through them among non-Jewish people. 13 After a time of silence, James spoke. He said, “My brothers, listen to me. 14 Simon Peter has told us how God showed His love for non-Jewish people. For the first time, God accepted non-Jewish people and made them His own people. 15 The written words of the prophets agree with this, too: 16 ‘I will return later. I will build David’s house again. It has fallen down, but I will build it up again. I will restore it. 17 Then all men can look for the Lord God. All the other nations will search for Him. They can be My people, too. The Lord God said this.’ ” Amos 9:11-12 “And He is the One who does all these things. 18 These things have been known from the beginning of time. 19 So, I think we shouldn’t bother non-Jewish brothers who have turned to God. 20 Instead, we should write them a letter to tell them these things: Do not eat food which has been given to idols. Do not commit any kind of sexual sin. Do not eat animals which have been strangled. Do not taste blood. 21 There are those in every town who teach the law of Moses. The words of Moses have been read in the synagogue every Sabbath day for generations long past.” 22 The apostles, the elders, and the whole congregation wanted to send some men with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch in Syria. The group decided to choose some of their own men. They chose Judas Barsabbas and Silas. These men were respected by the brothers in Jerusalem.
[12-18] This James was one of the brothers of the Lord. He was one of the elders of the church in Jerusalem and greatly respected by all (Acts 21:18). In addition to the evidence given by Peter, Barnabas, and Paul, he adds the testimony of the prophets. The Jews had great confidence in the prophets. James pointed out that even the prophets spoke of the Gentiles’ coming to the Lord. This silenced the opposition.
[19-20] On the basis of the evidence presented, James said the Gentiles were not to be troubled. The only requirements made of the Gentiles were that they had to avoid idolatry, sexual impurity, eating blood, and eating animals which had been strangled. These were requirements which God had placed upon man before the law of Moses was given. God has never permitted man to associate with idols in any way. He has limited the sexual expressions of man and woman to marriage. He has forbidden the eating of blood because this is the source of life (Genesis 9:4).
[21] James suggested that such an attitude toward the Gentiles was not a threat to the law of Moses. The Gentiles were never under the law of Moses in the first place. Also, the law would continue to be preached, regardless of the decision made there in Jerusalem.
[22] After their debate of the issues, James gave his judgement. The whole church in Jerusalem was in agreement and sent a letter to the Gentiles. Two men, Judas and Silas, were also sent so they could bear testimony of the meeting in Jerusalem.
Acts 15:23-41
23 The group sent the letter with these men. The letter said: From the apostles and elders, your brothers. To all non-Jewish brothers in the city of Antioch and in the countries of Syria and Cilicia: Dear Brothers, 24 We have heard that some men have come to you from our group. The things they said have troubled and upset you, but we didn’t tell them to do this! 25 We have all agreed to choose some men and send them to you. They are with our dear friends, Barnabas and Paul. 26 Paul and Barnahas have given their lives to serve the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 So, we have sent Judas and Silas with them. They will tell you the same things. 28 The Holy Spirit thinks you should have no more burdens. We agree. You only need to do these things: 29 Do not eat any food which has been given to idols. Do not taste blood. Do not eat any animals which have been strangled. Do not commit any kind of sexual sin. If you stay away from these things, you will do well. Now we say good-bye. 30 So Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas left Jerusalem. They went down to Antioch in Syria. They gathered the group of believers and gave them the letter. 31 When the believers read it, they were happy. It encouraged them. 32 Judas and Silas were prophets, too. They said many things to help the brothers and make them stronger. 33 After Judas and Silas stayed there for a while, they left with a blessing of peace from the brothers. Judas and Silas went back to the brothers in Jerusalem who had sent them. 34 35 But Paul and Barnabas were staying on in Antioch. They and many others were telling the Good News and teaching the people the message of the Lord. 36 A few days later, Paul said to Barnabas, “We spoke the Lord’s message in many towns. We should go back to all of those towns to visit the brothers and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark along with them, too. 38 But, on their first trip, John Mark had left them at Pamphylia; he did not continue with them in the work. So, Paul didn’t think it was such a good idea to take him along. 39 Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement about this. They separated and went different ways. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed to the island of Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas to go with him. The brothers in Antioch put Paul into the Lord’s care and sent him out. 41 Paul and Silas went through the countries of Syria and Cilicia, helping the congregations grow stronger.
[23-29] This letter was addressed specifically to Gentiles who had been troubled by the Jewish false teachers. It was made clear that such false teachers were not sent out by the church in Jerusalem.
Peace Restored in Antioch, 15:30-35.
[30-35] The letter was delivered, and there was rejoicing. Silas and Judas had the gift of prophecy and encouraged the church at Antioch with their teaching. After some time, they returned to the church in Jerusalem. Some manuscripts have verse thirty-four: “But Silas decided to stay there.”