Acts 15:1-5
1 Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
2 And after Paul and Barnabas had [a]a heated argument and debate with them, the brothers determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.
3 Therefore, after 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 they were bringing great joy to all the brothers and sisters.
4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them.
5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise [b]them and to direct them to keep the Law of Moses.”
Jerusalem Council (2)
Intense debate
“And after Paul and Barnabas had a heated argument and debate with them…” Paul and Barnabas challenged the false teachings of the Judaizers. Their teaching threatened to cause a severe rift within the Antioch church and, if left unaddressed, could become a serious obstacle to future Gentile missions. What caused the Judaizers to insist on a misguided understanding of salvation? (1) They only had the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), and thus, they struggled to grasp the concept of salvation by grace. At this point, the Letter to the Galatians had just been written (it is the first book of the New Testament). This letter taught Christian freedom (the freedom in Christ). (2) The Old Testament commands believers to undergo circumcision (ref. Gen. 17:12, 14; Ex. 12:48-49). Furthermore, Jesus and all the apostles were circumcised. From this perspective, it might have seemed discriminatory not to require circumcision for Gentiles. (3) The Old Testament prophets foretold that Gentiles would come to Jerusalem (ref. Isa. 2:2-3; Zech. 8:23). It wouldn’t be entirely illogical to think that these prophecies would be fulfilled when mass of Gentiles converted to Judaism. However, these prophecies referred to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom in the end times. It was difficult for the Judaizers to systematically understand God’s broader plan. (4) The rapid increase of Gentile believers was seen as a threat to Jewish believers. Gentile believers were unfamiliar with the Torah and came from a background of idolatry. As the number of Gentile believers grew, it became increasingly difficult for Jewish evangelism. Therefore, the Judaizers believed that Gentile believers should be accepted into the church only if they adhered to the oral law.
Arrival of delegation
“The brothers determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.” Since the debate could not be resolved, the Antioch church sent a delegation to Jerusalem to settle the matter once and for all regarding this important theological issue. Paul, Barnabas, and a few others were sent as representatives to meet with the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. It was critical not to overlook false teachings. The battle for truth continues even today. Let us stand firm in the truth daily through our devotions.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, the truth is still attack even today. Please help me to stand firm in the truth and to fight for it. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.