Welcome to Acts 15

Acts 15 presents one of the most crucial theological and practical challenges faced by the early church: the debate over Gentile inclusion and the role of the Mosaic Law for Gentile believers. This controversy directly impacts the ongoing fulfillment of The Great Commission, as questions arise regarding the conditions for salvation and fellowship for new converts from paganism. Troublemakers from Judea arrive in Antioch, asserting that Gentiles must be circumcised according to Mosaic custom to be saved, directly contradicting the Gospel of grace proclaimed by Paul and Barnabas. This issue forces a direct confrontation, highlighting the early stages of Christianity Accepted and Opposed from within its own ranks.

To resolve this escalating conflict, Paul and Barnabas, along with others, travel to Jerusalem for what becomes known as the Jerusalem Council. Here, the apostles and elders convene to address the matter. Peter, referencing his experience with Cornelius in Acts 10, powerfully testifies to God's choice to save Gentiles through faith alone, giving them The Holy Spirit's Role without requiring circumcision. He emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles are saved by the "grace of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 15:11). Barnabas and Paul then recount the miraculous signs and wonders God performed among the Gentiles during their first missionary journey, further substantiating God's acceptance. Finally, James, the brother of Jesus, delivers a decisive summary, drawing upon Prophecy Fulfillment from Amos 9 to demonstrate that the inclusion of Gentiles was part of God's ancient plan, a fulfillment of David's fallen tent being rebuilt. His conclusion is that Gentiles should not be burdened with the Mosaic Law's ceremonial aspects but should abstain from things polluted by idols, sexual immorality, things strangled, and blood, for the sake of fellowship and witness.

The Council's decision, guided by The Holy Spirit's Role ("For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us..." Acts 15:28), affirms salvation by grace through faith for Gentiles, without the necessity of circumcision or full adherence to the Mosaic Law. This ruling is communicated via a letter carried by Judas Barsabbas and Silas to the churches, bringing great joy and encouragement. The chapter concludes with Paul and Barnabas strengthening the church in Antioch, but then diverging over whether to take John Mark on the second missionary journey. This disagreement leads to their separation, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus and Paul choosing Silas, thus providentially multiplying the missionary teams for the continued advance of The Great Commission. This pivotal moment in Acts is fundamental for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT, particularly Paul's epistles, which frequently defend the doctrine of justification by faith apart from works of the Law.