Study of Acts - Ch 15

The Jerusalem Council

Tonight we are looking at chapter 15 of Acts and verses 1-35 is considered the Jerusalem Council.

Verses 36-41 could be considered part of chapter 16, as it begins talking about Paul’s second missionary journey.

The reason for the Jerusalem council is because there arose so disagreement among the believers at Antioch of Syria.

As a large number of Gentiles were being saved and added to the church, there surface some underlying attitudes of pride and prejudice.

There were some legalistic Jews that tried to demand that the Gentile believers be circumcised.

Because of this legalistic demand, there was a fierce disagreement, and this resulted in the Jerusalem Council.

At Jerusalem the apostles and elders convened to consider the relationship between Jewish believers and Gentile believers, and between the Mosaic Law and the Gospel of Grace.

The Jerusalem Council concluded, based on the Old Testament book of Amos, and in light of the sovereign experiences of both Peter and Paul, that Gentiles were equal partners with the Jews in God’s eternal plan.

Further, the council ruled that salvation depended solely on belief in Jesus, not on keeping the law of Moses.

James the half brother of Jesus, and leader of the Jerusalem church suggested that they write a letter.

This letter was carried by Judas and Silas to the church in Antioch of Syria, Paul and Barnabas also went back to the church.

In this letter the Council instructed the Gentile believers to strictly avoid idolatry, immorality, and eating the meat of unbled animals - activities common among Gentiles that were especially offensive to Jews.

Now lets look at our text.

Acts 15:1 NASB95

1 Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

Some men - these men were what is called Judaizers, that is, false teachers who were self-appointed guardians of legalism, teaching a doctrine of salvation by works.

They were teaching that a person must be circumcised to be saved.

Acts 15:2 NASB95

2 And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.

Here we see that it says “up to Jerusalem” as we have talked about in the past, Jerusalem is at a higher elevation than the surrounding area; this travelers literally had to go up in elevation to enter the city.

Acts 15:3–4 NASB95

3 Therefore, 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 were bringing great joy to all the brethren. 4 When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them.

They reported all that God had done - The report that Paul and Barnabas gave was thorough and should have been enough evidence of God’s sovereign selection of the Gentiles.

But when a conflict, disagreement arises in the church, then the church leaders need to sit down and discuss the issue at hand.

Acts 15:5 NASB95

5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.”

Paul addresses this very false teaching in his letter to the church at Galatia

Galatians 2:1–5 NASB95

1 Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. 2 It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. 3 But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. 5 But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

Acts 15:6 NASB95

6 The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter.

Paul and Barnabas give their report, their side of the disagreement, and then a sect of the Pharisees - Judaizers give their side - that it was necessary to be circumcised and observe the Law of Moses.

The Pharisees were an influential religious sect within Judaism in the time of Christ and the early church.

The word Pharisees comes from a Hebrew word meaning “separated.”

The accepted oral tradition in addition to the written Law, and they taught that all Jews, and then with the Gentiles must observe all 600 - plus laws of the Torah.

As both sides have presented their position, the apostles and elders - that is church leaders came together to discuss the matter and make a decision.

Acts 15:7 NASB95

7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, 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.

There is three speeches here and Peter gives the first one.

Peter rises up and makes a strong defense for salvation by faith alone.

In essence, he reminded everyone that God had not required circumcision of previous Gentile believers.

Peter was referring to the conversion of Cornelius and his household in Chapter 10.

Acts 10:44–48 NASB95

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.

Therefore, if the Holy Spirit had fallen on the Gentiles at Cornelius house, which is evidence of salvation, then how could these Judaizers demand legalistic ways for salvation?

Acts 15:8 NASB95

8 “And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us;

God knows the heart, He knows if there is true repentance in the heart.

And when God sees the true repentance through faith He gives proof of Salvation which is the sealing of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13 NASB95

13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Acts 15:9–10 NASB95

9 and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 “Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

No distinction between us and them, that is the Jews and Gentiles.

Romans 10:12 NASB95

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;

Peter asks, why do you put to the Gentiles to test by placing upon the, a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

This yoke that Peter is referring to here, is that of the Mosaic Law, they were adding to the plan of Salvation.

Acts 15:11 NASB95

11 “But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”

Here Peter concludes his speech saying that they have all found salvation through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

If that grace is good enough for them then it is good enough for the Gentiles.

Acts 15:12 NASB95

12 All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.

Now the second speech is share by Paul and Barnabas, as they testify of what God had done through them to the Gentiles on their missionary journey.

These two men had seen God’s work in and through the Gentiles, giving evidence of salvation in their lives.

Acts 15:13 NASB95

13 After they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, “Brethren, listen to me.

Now we have the third speech of the Jerusalem Council.

James which is Jesus’ half brother, and leader of the Jerusalem church.

James also offers a defense of salvation by faith alone.

Acts 15:14–15 NASB95

14 “Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name. 15 “With this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written,

James speaks of Simeon who we know better as Peter.

James states that Peter has given witness of how the Gentiles received salvation.

He then quotes from the Old Testament prophet Amos.

Acts 15:16–18 NASB95

16 ‘After these things I will return, And I will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen, And I will rebuild its ruins, And I will restore it, 17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,’ 18 Says the Lord, who makes these things known from long ago.

Amos 9:11–12 NASB95

11 “In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, And wall up its breaches; I will also raise up its ruins And rebuild it as in the days of old; 12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom And all the nations who are called by My name,” Declares the Lord who does this.

The scene of this Prophecy of Amos is that of the Millennial reign of Jesus.

The text does not make any mention of Gentiles becoming Jewish proselytes - which is a Gentile (non-Jew) converting to Judaism by way of Mosaic Law (Circumcision.)

Therefore, if Gentiles can be saved without becoming Jews in the age to come (millennium), they do not need to become Jews in the present age.

Acts 15:19 NASB95

19 “Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles,

The Greek word for Trouble means “to throw something in the path of someone to annoy them.”

The decision of the Jerusalem Council after considering all the evidence, was that keeping the Law and observing rituals were not requirements for Salvation.

The Judaizers were to cease troubling and annoying the Gentiles over these things.

Acts 15:20 NASB95

20 but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.

Now James makes the suggestion to write a letter to the churches.

In this letter they will give some instructions.

These instructions were so that the Gentiles did not celebrate in their freedom to the point of offending their Jewish brothers, so they gave some instructions.

The Gentiles were to abstain from certain practices.

First they were to abstain from things contaminated or polluted by idols, this was typically food that was used to offer sacrifices to pagan gods, and then sold in the market.

Second the Gentiles were to abstain from fornication or sexual immorality - that is sexual sins in general, but also the orgies associated with pagan rites in particular.

Third the Gentiles were to abstain from what is strangled and from blood - this is that the Gentiles be sensitive to the Jewish dietary restrictions.

Now they just made the point that Salvation was through faith alone, and now they are giving these instructions.

They are not saying these things are required for salvation but are more results if you will of salvation.

We may call this the law of love.

Paul talks about this in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 14:13–21 NASB95

13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. 14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. 20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. 21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.

Acts 15:21–22 NASB95

21 “For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” 22 Then 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 called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren,

Nothing more is known about Judas here with the exception of verse 32, that he is a prophet.

Silas was also know as Silvanus, and he later accompanied Paul and served as his scribe.

Another words Silas was used by Paul to write down the letters that Paul authored.

Acts 15:23–29 NASB95

23 and they sent this letter by them, “The apostles and the brethren who are elders, to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles, greetings. 24 “Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls, 25 it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 “Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: 29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.”

Here is the letter that the Jerusalem Council sent to the churches.

In verse 24, the word disturbed or trouble there is different than the one used in verse 19, this word is a verb and means “to deeply upset.”

Also in verse 24, the word unsettling is used in extrabiblical Greek to speak of someone going bankrupt; the idea is chaos and turmoil.

Then in verse 26, the men who risked their lives, this is speaking of Paul and Barnabas who had been persecuted and stoned while on their first missionary journey.

Acts 15:30–35 NASB95

30 So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message. 33 After they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brethren in peace to those who had sent them out. 34 But it seemed good to Silas to remain there. 35 But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching with many others also, the word of the Lord.

The believers at Antioch of Syria rejoiced and were encouraged after receiving the letter.

Then the rest of the chapter verse 36-41 deal with Paul and Barnabas preparing to go on their next missionary journey.

Acts 15:36–41 NASB95

36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. 38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Paul recognizes the need to go back to the churches that they had planted and disciple the believers there, that is to strengthen them and check on them

Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul did not agree as John Mark had left the first missionary journey and did not finish.

Therefore, because of this disagreement Paul and Barnabas go separate ways.

Barnabas took John Mark, and Paul took Silas with him.

With this there was now two missionary teams.

God took the disagreement and used to to further the gospel message.

Now with the two teams they would be able to cover more ground and do more ministry.

What conflict threatened to tear apart the early church?

What did the first-century believers do to attempt to resolve this bitter debate?

What decision was eventually reached?

How was the council’s decision received?

R. C. H. Lenski said, “To add anything to Christ as being necessary to salvation, say circumcision or any human work of any kind, is to deny that Christ is the complete Savior, it is to put something human on a par with Jesus, to make it the crowning point, that is fatal.

What are some of the common, modern-day misconceptions about salvation?

In what human elements do many people trust to save them?