Acts 15:11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.
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“Paul at the Jerusalem Council”
A Dispute Over Circumcision (vv. 1-5): Some Jewish believers from Judea insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses to be saved, sparking a conflict with Paul and Barnabas, who opposed this requirement. The issue escalated, leading to a decision to consult the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.
The Jerusalem Council (vv. 6-21): Church leaders, including Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James, met to deliberate. Peter argued that God had already accepted Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, showing no distinction between Jew and Gentile. Paul and Barnabas shared evidence of God’s work among the Gentiles. James proposed a resolution, citing Scripture, to not burden Gentiles with the full Mosaic Law but to instruct them to avoid idolatry, sexual immorality, and certain dietary practices.
Decision and Letter (vv. 22-29): The council agreed and sent a letter to Gentile believers, affirming their inclusion in the faith without requiring circumcision, and outlining basic guidelines for unity with Jewish believers. The letter was delivered by Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas.
Response and Continued Ministry (vv. 30-35): The Gentile believers in Antioch rejoiced at the encouraging message. Judas and Silas stayed briefly to strengthen the church before returning to Jerusalem, while Paul and Barnabas continued teaching.
Paul and Barnabas Separate (vv. 36-41): Planning a second missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas disagreed over taking John Mark (who had previously abandoned them). They parted ways—Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus, and Paul took Silas through Syria and Cilicia—yet the gospel work multiplied through their separate efforts.
Acts 15 depicts the early church resolving a critical theological and cultural conflict through the Jerusalem Council, affirming that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ for both Jews and Gentiles, while fostering unity amid diversity and expanding missionary efforts despite personal disagreements.
