Acts Chapter 15

The Dispute over Circumcision

(Genesis 17:9-27; Leviticus 12:1-8; Joshua 5:1-9)

1And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2When 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. 3And 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. 4And 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.

The Council at Jerusalem

5But 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.

6And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 7And 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. 8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10Now 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? 11But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

12Then 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.

13And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: 14Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

16After 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:

17That 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.

18Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. 21For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

The Letter to the Gentile Believers

22Then 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: 23And 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: 24Forasmuch 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: 25It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29That 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.

The Believers at Antioch Rejoice

30So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 31Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. 32And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. 33And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. 34Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. 35Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Paul's Second Missionary Journey

(Acts 13:1-3; Acts 18:23-28)

36And 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. 37And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

40And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Dispute over Circumcision

1 Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moses, you can’t be saved.” 2 Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some others of them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. 3 They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all things that God had done with them.

The Council at Jerusalem
(Amos 9:11–15; Galatians 2:1–10)

5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter. 7 When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News, and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”

12 All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them.

13 After they were silent, James answered, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations, to take out of them a people for his name. 15 This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,

16 ‘After these things I will return. I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up,

17 That the rest of men may seek after the Lord; All the Gentiles who are called by my name, Says the Lord, who does all these things.

18 All his works are known to God from eternity.’ 19 “Therefore my judgment is that we don’t trouble those from among the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

The Letter to the Gentile Believers

22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers. 23 They wrote these things by their hand: “The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings. 24 Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the law,’ to whom we gave no commandment; 25 it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”

The Believers at Antioch Rejoice

30 So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement. 32 Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words, and strengthened them. 33 After they had spent some time there, they were sent back with greetings from the brothers to the apostles. 34  35 But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey Begins
(Acts 13:1–3; Acts 18:23–28)

36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas planned to take John, who was called Mark, with them also. 38 But Paul didn’t think that it was a good idea to take with them someone who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and didn’t go with them to do the work. 39 Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away to Cyprus,

40 but Paul chose Silas, and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.

The Dispute over Circumcision

1 Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.

3 Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. 4 On their arrival in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and apostles and elders, to whom they reported all that God had done through them.

The Council at Jerusalem
(Amos 9:11–15; Galatians 2:1–10)

5 But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and declared, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.” 6 So the apostles and elders met to look into this matter.

7 After much discussion, Peter got up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you that the Gentiles would hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith.

10 Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe it is through the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

12 The whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13 When they had finished speaking, James declared, “Brothers, listen to me! 14 Simon a has told us how God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people to be His own. 15 The words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:

16 ‘After this I will return and rebuild

the fallen tent of David.

Its ruins I will rebuild,

and I will restore it,

17 so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord,

and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,

says the Lord who does these things

18 that have been known for ages.’ b

19 It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not cause trouble for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood. 21 For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

The Letter to the Gentile Believers

22 Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers, 23 and sent them with this letter:

The apostles and the elders, your brothers,

To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

24 It has come to our attention that some went out from us without our authorization and unsettled you, troubling your minds by what they said. c 25 So we all agreed to choose men to send to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to tell you in person the same things we are writing.

28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: 29 You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.

Farewell.

The Believers at Antioch Rejoice

30 So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they assembled the congregation and delivered the letter. 31 When the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message.

32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers in peace to return to those who had sent them. d 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained at Antioch, along with many others, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord.

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey Begins
(Acts 13:1–3; Acts 18:23–28)

36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark. 38 But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work.

39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Footnotes:

14 a Greek Simeon , a variant of Simon
18 b Amos 9:11–12 (see also LXX); BYZ and TR says the Lord, who does all these things. 18Known unto God are all His works from the ages.
24 c BYZ and TR by saying that you must be circumcised and keep the law.
33 d TR includes 34Silas, however, decided to remain there.

The Dispute over Circumcision

(Genesis 17:9-27; Leviticus 12:1-8; Joshua 5:1-9)

1And certain having come down from Judea, were teaching the brethren -- 'If ye be not circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye are not able to be saved;' 2there having been, therefore, not a little dissension and disputation to Paul and Barnabas with them, they arranged for Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, to go up unto the apostles and elders to Jerusalem about this question, 3they indeed, then, having been sent forward by the assembly, were passing through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the nations, and they were causing great joy to all the brethren. 4And having come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly, and the apostles, and the elders, they declared also as many things as God did with them;

The Council at Jerusalem

5and there rose up certain of those of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying -- 'It behoveth to circumcise them, to command them also to keep the law of Moses.'

6And there were gathered together the apostles and the elders, to see about this matter, 7and there having been much disputing, Peter having risen up said unto them, 'Men, brethren, ye know that from former days, God among us did make choice, through my mouth, for the nations to hear the word of the good news, and to believe; 8and the heart-knowing God did bare them testimony, having given to them the Holy Spirit, even as also to us, 9and did put no difference also between us and them, by the faith having purified their hearts; 10now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11but, through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we believe to be saved, even as also they.'

12And all the multitude did keep silence, and were hearkening to Barnabas and Paul, declaring as many signs and wonders as God did among the nations through them;

13and after they are silent, James answered, saying, 'Men, brethren, hearken to me; 14Simeon did declare how at first God did look after to take out of the nations a people for His name, 15and to this agree the words of the prophets, as it hath been written:

16After these things I will turn back, and I will build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen down, and its ruins I will build again, and will set it upright --

17that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and all the nations, upon whom My name hath been called, saith the Lord, who is doing all these things.

18'Known from the ages to God are all His works; 19wherefore I judge: not to trouble those who from the nations do turn back to God, 20but to write to them to abstain from the pollutions of the idols, and the whoredom, and the strangled thing; and the blood; 21for Moses from former generations in every city hath those preaching him -- in the synagogues every sabbath being read.'

The Letter to the Gentile Believers

22Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, chosen men out of themselves to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas -- Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren -- 23having written through their hand thus: 'The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to those in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia, brethren, who are of the nations, greeting; 24seeing we have heard that certain having gone forth from us did trouble you with words, subverting your souls, saying to be circumcised and to keep the law, to whom we did give no charge, 25it seemed good to us, having come together with one accord, chosen men to send unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul -- 26men who have given up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ -- 27we have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas, and they by word are telling the same things. 28'For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, no more burden to lay upon you, except these necessary things: 29to abstain from things offered to idols, and blood, and a strangled thing, and whoredom; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well; be strong!'

The Believers at Antioch Rejoice

30They then, indeed, having been let go, went to Antioch, and having brought the multitude together, did deliver the epistle, 31and they having read, did rejoice for the consolation; 32Judas also and Silas, being themselves also prophets, through much discourse did exhort the brethren, and confirm, 33and having passed some time, they were let go with peace from the brethren unto the apostles; 34and it seemed good to Silas to remain there still. 35And Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming good news -- with many others also -- the word of the Lord;

Paul's Second Missionary Journey

(Acts 13:1-3; Acts 18:23-28)

36and after certain days, Paul said unto Barnabas, 'Having turned back again, we may look after our brethren, in every city in which we have preached the word of the Lord -- how they are.' 37And Barnabas counselled to take with them John called Mark, 38and Paul was not thinking it good to take him with them who withdrew from them from Pamphylia, and did not go with them to the work; 39there came, therefore, a sharp contention, so that they were parted from one another, and Barnabas having taken Mark, did sail to Cyprus,

40and Paul having chosen Silas, went forth, having been given up to the grace of God by the brethren; 41and he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the assemblies.

The Council at Jerusalem

¹ Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and began teaching the believers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” ² This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. ³ The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad. ⁴ When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.

⁵ Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ The apostles and elders met to consider this question. ⁷ After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. ⁸ God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. ⁹ He did not discriminate between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith. ¹⁰ Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? ¹¹ No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

¹² The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.

James’ Judgment

¹³ When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. ¹⁴ Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for His name from the Gentiles. ¹⁵ The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:

¹⁶ “‘After this I will return

and rebuild David’s fallen tent.

Its ruins I will rebuild,

and I will restore it,

¹⁷ that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,

even all the Gentiles who bear My name,

says the Lord, who does these things’—

¹⁸ things known from long ago.

¹⁹ “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. ²⁰ Instead, we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood. ²¹ For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

The Letter to the Gentile Believers

²² Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. ²³ With them they sent the following letter:

The apostles and elders, your brothers,

To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

²⁴ We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. ²⁵ So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— ²⁶ men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁷ Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. ²⁸ It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: ²⁹ You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.

Farewell.

³⁰ So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. ³¹ The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. ³² Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. ³³ After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. ³⁴ But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas

³⁶ Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” ³⁷ Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, ³⁸ but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. ³⁹ They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, ⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. ⁴¹ He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Footnotes:

15:1: Circumcision was a central issue in the early church, particularly regarding how Gentile converts were to observe the Mosaic law. This controversy triggered one of the first major theological debates.

15:5: The party of the Pharisees within the early Christian movement still adhered to much of the Mosaic law and struggled with how to integrate Gentile believers into what had been a Jewish faith.

15:10: Peter’s reference to a “yoke” reflects the burden of trying to live under the law, which neither the Jews nor their ancestors could fully carry.

15:16: James quotes from Amos, a prophecy that speaks of rebuilding David’s fallen tent, symbolizing the restoration of Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s people.

15:20: The decision to abstain from certain foods and behaviors was both theological and practical, helping to maintain unity between Jewish and Gentile believers while respecting cultural sensitivities.

15:28: The phrase “seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” emphasizes the Spirit’s guidance in this decision, highlighting the communal discernment of God’s will.

15:39: The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas shows that even apostles had personal conflicts, but it did not hinder the mission, as they continued spreading the gospel in different directions.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Acts 15?

1.1Introduction to Acts 15

1.2Context of Acts 15

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Acts 15 Unique Insights

1.6Acts 15 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Acts 15 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Acts 15 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Acts 15?

Introduction to Acts 15

Acts 15 stands as a pivotal moment in church history, often called the “Jerusalem Council.” This chapter addresses one of the most crucial questions faced by the early believers: how does the Gospel of the Messiah relate to the Torah, and what should be required of Gentile believers? The decisions made at this council would shape the future of Messianic faith and set precedents for how Jewish and Gentile believers would relate to one another in the body of Messiah.

Context of Acts 15

Within the book of Acts, chapter 15 serves as a watershed moment. It follows Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey, where they witnessed an unprecedented number of Gentiles coming to faith in Yeshua. This success among the Gentiles precipitated a crisis within the early Messianic community. Some believers from Judea insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and follow the Torah of Moses to be saved.

This chapter bridges the gap between the primarily Jewish focus of the early chapters of Acts and the increasingly Gentile-focused latter chapters. It represents a crucial transition in the book’s narrative from Jerusalem-centered ministry to worldwide expansion. The decisions made here echo the prophetic promises found in Amos 9:11-12, where God promised to rebuild David’s fallen tent so that all nations might seek the Lord.

Ancient Key Word Study

χωρὶς περιτομῆς (choris peritomēs) – “Without circumcision”: This phrase in verse 1 represents the heart of the controversy. The word χωρὶς emphasizes complete separation or absence, indicating that some were teaching an absolute requirement for circumcision.
ζυγὸν (zygon) – “Yoke”: Used in verse 10, this term referred to the wooden beam placed on oxen but metaphorically represented the weight of religious obligations. Peter uses this word to describe the full weight of Torah observance as interpreted by the religious authorities.
ἐπιστρέφουσιν (epistrephousin) – “Turn to God”: This word in verse 19 carries the full weight of repentance and conversion, suggesting not just a mental change but a complete reorientation of life toward God.
παρενοχλεῖν (parenochlein) – “Trouble”: Used in verse 19, this rare word suggests unnecessary disturbance or harassment, indicating James’s concern about placing undue burdens on Gentile believers.
ἀπέχεσθαι (apechesthai) – “Abstain”: This verb in verse 20 carries the sense of deliberately keeping oneself from something, implying both physical and moral separation.
πνικτοῦ (pniktou) – “Strangled”: This term refers to meat from animals killed by strangulation, where the blood remains in the flesh, violating the Noahic covenant’s prohibition against consuming blood.
σεσωσμένοι (sesōsmenoi) – “Saved”: Used in the context of verse 1, this perfect passive participle emphasizes the completed state of salvation, challenging the notion that additional requirements were necessary for salvation.
ἐκλεξαμένους (eklexamenous) – “Having chosen”: This word in verse 22 emphasizes divine selection and appointment, showing the careful consideration given to those who would represent the Jerusalem council.

Compare & Contrast

Acts 15:1 uses the phrase “cannot be saved” (οὐ δύνασθε σωθῆναι) rather than “should not” or “ought not.” This stronger language emphasizes the absolute nature of the false teaching being confronted. The Greek construction implies impossibility rather than mere impropriety.
Acts 15:7 employs ἀφ’ ἡμερῶν ἀρχαίων (“from early days”) rather than “recently” or “lately,” deliberately connecting Peter’s experience with Cornelius to God’s eternal plan rather than presenting it as a new innovation.
Acts 15:10 uses πειράζετε (“why do you test?”) rather than “why do you question?” This stronger term implies putting God Himself to the test, echoing Israel’s wilderness testing of God.
Acts 15:19 employs διὸ ἐγὼ κρίνω (“therefore I judge”) rather than “I think” or “I suggest,” indicating James’s authoritative ruling rather than mere opinion.
Acts 15:20 lists four specific prohibitions rather than general moral guidance, carefully chosen to address both practical fellowship issues and fundamental moral concerns rooted in the Noahic covenant.
Acts 15:28 uses the phrase “seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” rather than just “we decided,” emphasizing divine guidance in their decision-making process.

Acts 15 Unique Insights

The Jerusalem Council’s deliberations reflect a sophisticated understanding of both Second Temple Jewish theology and the revolutionary implications of Yeshua’s finished work. The four prohibitions given to Gentile believers (abstaining from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality) closely parallel the Noahic covenant requirements, which Jewish tradition understood as binding on all humanity.

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The Rabbinical literature, particularly in the Tosefta and later Talmudic discussions, reveals that the issues addressed in Acts 15 continued to be debated within Jewish communities for centuries. The term “God-fearers” (φοβούμενοι τὸν θεόν) used elsewhere in Acts appears in archaeological findings from synagogues, suggesting a recognized status for Gentiles who affiliated with Jewish communities without full conversion.

Early church fathers like Irenaeus and Tertullian viewed this council as establishing the principle that salvation comes through faith in Messiah alone, while still maintaining ethical standards rooted in God’s eternal moral law. The decision represented a middle path between two extremes: complete abandonment of Torah principles and mandatory Torah observance for salvation.

Acts 15 Connections to Yeshua

The Jerusalem Council’s decision fundamentally rests on understanding Yeshua as the fulfillment of Torah rather than its abolishment. James’s citation of Amos’s prophecy (Amos 9:11-12) connects the Gentile inclusion directly to God’s promise to restore David’s fallen tent – a Messianic prophecy fulfilled in Yeshua.

The emphasis on salvation by faith through grace directly reflects Yeshua’s own teaching and sacrificial work. Peter’s testimony about God giving the Holy Spirit to Gentiles “just as He did to us” (Acts 15:8) demonstrates that Yeshua’s death and resurrection created one new humanity, fulfilling His high priestly prayer for unity in John 17.

Acts 15 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous prophetic passages about Gentile inclusion in God’s people. Beyond the explicit quotation from Amos, it echoes Isaiah’s vision of all nations streaming to Zion (Isaiah 2:2-3) and Zechariah’s prophecy of many nations joining themselves to the Lord (Zechariah 2:11).

The four prohibitions echo the Levitical holiness code and the Noahic covenant, demonstrating continuity with God’s eternal moral standards while recognizing the new covenant reality. The council’s decision fulfills prophecies about the Torah being written on hearts rather than tablets of stone (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

Acts 15 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine how we balance truth and grace in our own lives and communities. The Jerusalem Council demonstrated remarkable wisdom in maintaining both the purity of the Gospel and the unity of the body of Messiah. They show us that difficult questions deserve careful consideration, biblical reflection, and Spirit-led wisdom.

Their example encourages us to seek God’s wisdom when facing complex situations, to listen to multiple perspectives, and to find solutions that honor both God’s unchanging truth and His heart for all people. The chapter reminds us that salvation comes through faith alone while also calling us to live lives worthy of our calling.

Did You Know

The phrase “seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” in verse 28 reflects language used in official Greco-Roman decrees, suggesting the letter was intentionally formatted to carry maximum authority in the Gentile world.
Archaeological evidence from first-century synagogues confirms the existence of “God-fearers” – Gentiles who participated in synagogue life without full conversion to Judaism.
The four prohibitions given to Gentile believers correspond to practices common in pagan temples, suggesting they were partly chosen to help believers make a clean break from their former religious practices.
James’s quotation from Amos differs from both the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint, possibly reflecting an ancient Hebrew text tradition no longer extant.
The “letter” sent to Gentile believers represents one of the earliest Christian documents, predating most of the New Testament writings.
The term “apostles and elders” (verse 6) reflects a blend of Jewish (elders) and new covenant (apostles) leadership structures.
The council’s decision was delivered by four men: two representing the Jerusalem leadership (Judas and Silas) and two representing the Antioch church (Paul and Barnabas), symbolizing unity in the decision.
The requirement to abstain from blood reflects the eternal covenant God made with Noah in Genesis 9:4, showing continuity with God’s previous covenants.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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