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Acts 15 The Conversion of Cornelius

1 The Council at Jerusalem
Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “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 brothers 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 obey 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 made no distinction 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 the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers 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 miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.

13 When they finished, James spoke up: “Brothers, listen to me.

14 Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself.

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 remnant of men may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who bear my name,
says the Lord, who does these things’

18 that have been known for ages.

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 Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

22 The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers
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, two men who were leaders among the brothers.

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 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 brothers.

33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them.

35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

36 Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers 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 brothers to the grace of the Lord.

41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

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Analysis of Acts Chapter 15

Acts Chapter 15 is a pivotal chapter in the New Testament, detailing the Council at Jerusalem – a significant event that addressed the critical issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to adhere to Jewish law, particularly circumcision. This chapter marks a turning point in the early Christian church’s development, reflecting the struggle to define Christian identity and practice apart from Jewish customs.

The Dissension and Debate (Acts 15:1-5)

The chapter opens with certain individuals coming down from Judea to Antioch, teaching that “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (verse 1). This immediately causes a dispute and considerable debate between Paul and Barnabas and these Judaizers, revealing the tension between the inclusive vision of Paul and the exclusivist stance of those insisting on circumcision.

Paul and Barnabas were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and elders (verse 2). This indicates the emerging structure and authority within the early church, with Jerusalem still being the central hub of apostles’ authority. On their way, they pass through Phoenicia and Samaria, sharing stories of Gentile conversions, bringing joy to all the believers (verses 3-4). This emphasizes the expansion and reception of the gospel among the Gentiles, hinting at broader acceptance beyond traditional Jewish boundaries.

However, when they arrive in Jerusalem, some believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees insist that Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the Torah (verse 5). This sets the stage for a theological and doctrinal discussion that will shape the future of Christianity.

The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:6-21)

The apostles and elders gather to consider the issue, and after much debate, Peter stands up to address the assembly (verse 6). Peter’s speech is critical as he recounts his experience with Cornelius, a Gentile, and how God gave the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles just as it did to the Jews, making no distinction between them (verses 7-9). This reference to his earlier vision and preaching to Cornelius (as described in Acts 10) underscores the theme of divine initiative and inclusivity in the early church.

Peter’s conclusion that “we believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are” (verse 11) highlights the principle of salvation by grace through faith, apart from the law. This is a profound theological assertion that shapes the core of Christian doctrine.

Next, Barnabas and Paul describe the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them (verse 12), serving as further evidence of God’s acceptance of Gentiles. This testimony complements Peter’s argument by underscoring the practical outcomes of their mission work.

Then James, one of the leading figures in the Jerusalem church, speaks up. He supports Peter’s view by quoting Amos 9:11-12, indicating that the inclusion of Gentiles was prophesied in the Scriptures (verses 13-18). James’ use of Scripture legitimizes the decision within the framework of Jewish tradition and prophecy.

James proposes a compromise: Gentile believers should not be burdened with the full yoke of the Torah but should abstain from certain practices associated with idolatry, sexual immorality, and consumption of blood (verses 19-21). This compromise respects the sensitivities of Jewish Christians while removing barriers for Gentile converts, promoting unity within the diverse early Christian community.

The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers (Acts 15:22-35)

The assembly agrees with James, and they draft a letter to the Gentile believers outlining the council’s decision. Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, leaders among the brothers, are sent with Paul and Barnabas to deliver the letter (verses 22-23). The letter articulates the decision and emphasizes the unity and authority of the apostles and elders (verses 23-29).

“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements…” (verse 28).

This suggests a collaborative decision-making process guided by the Holy Spirit, reinforcing the divine backing of their resolutions. The letter’s contents – abstaining from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, and from sexual immorality – are practical guidelines to maintain harmony and respect between Jewish and Gentile Christians.

Upon arrival in Antioch, the letter is received with joy by the Gentile believers (verse 31), suggesting that this decision was perceived as liberating and inclusive. Judas and Silas also encourage and strengthen the believers, indicating the importance of personal ministry alongside written communication (verses 32-33). Paul and Barnabas continue teaching and preaching in Antioch, highlighting the ongoing mission to spread the gospel (verse 35).

The Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41)

The chapter concludes with a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark. Paul does not want to take him because he had deserted them in Pamphylia, while Barnabas wishes to give him another chance (verses 36-38). This disagreement leads to their separation, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus and Paul choosing Silas to accompany him (verses 39-40).

While this parting is regrettable, it also demonstrates the human aspect of the apostles, showing that even leaders in the early church had conflicts. Yet, this separation also leads to the multiplication of mission teams and the further spread of the gospel. Paul and Silas are commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord, showing ongoing support and unity despite differences (verse 40).

Concluding Reflections on Acts Chapter 15

Acts Chapter 15 is a rich and complex narrative that underscores several crucial themes in early Christianity:

  1. The Inclusivity of the Gospel: The council’s decision marks a significant step in affirming that salvation is by grace through faith, available to all people, irrespective of cultural or ethnic background. This inclusivity is rooted in both apostolic experience and scriptural prophecy, reflecting a message of universal salvation.
  2. Guidance of the Holy Spirit: The narrative repeatedly emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early church’s decisions. From Peter’s vision to the council’s deliberation, the Holy Spirit’s role is crucial in affirming the inclusion of the Gentiles and shaping the church’s mission.
  3. Unity Amidst Diversity: The Jerusalem Council’s decision shows an effort to balance respect for Jewish traditions with the new reality of a diverse Christian community. The compromise reached illustrates how the early church sought unity without imposing unnecessary burdens on new believers.
  4. Leadership and Authority: The chapter highlights emerging structures of leadership and authority within the early church. The involvement of apostles, elders, and the broader community in decision-making processes reflects a dynamic and communal approach to leadership.
  5. Conflict and Resolution: The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas shows that conflict was not absent even in the early church. However, their separation also led to the expansion of the missionary effort, indicating that God could work through human differences to further the gospel.

In summary, Acts Chapter 15 provides valuable insights into the early church’s struggles, decisions, and divine guidance as it navigated the complexities of integrating diverse communities into one body of Christ. This chapter remains a foundational text for understanding Christian unity, mission, and the role of grace in salvation.