MPV Commentary

Council at Jerusalem to Decide on the Necessity of Circumcision for Gentile Converts.

Certain men from Judea had been teaching that circumcision was necessary for Gentile converts (Acts 15:1). These men were opposed by Paul and Barnabas, who had been sent by the church in Antioch to deliver a gift to the poor in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:4).

The issue of circumcision had caused significant dissension within the church at Antioch. The church decided that Paul and Barnabas should travel to Jerusalem with Titus, an uncircumcised Gentile convert who was gifted with the Holy Spirit, to discuss this matter further (Galatians 2:1).

On their way to Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas were accompanied by a group of believers from Antioch. They passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, where they shared the news of the Gentile conversions and brought great joy to the brethren (Acts 11:19). When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received warmly by the church and the apostles.

The apostles and elders gathered together to discuss the issue of circumcision. Peter spoke up, recalling his own experience with Cornelius, a Gentile convert who had been accepted by God without needing to be circumcised (Acts 11:21). He emphasized that God knows the hearts of people and does not make distinctions between Jews and Gentiles.

Peter declared that God has purified the hearts of Gentile converts through faith, just as he had done with Peter himself. He warned against tempting God by imposing Jewish customs on Gentile believers, which would undermine their freedom in Christ (Acts 15:9-11).

The apostles and elders agreed to write a letter to the church in Antioch, explaining that circumcision was not necessary for Gentile converts. They emphasized that the only requirements were to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, blood, and things strangled, as well as from immorality (Acts 15:20).

The letter was signed by Judas Barsabas and Silas, two respected leaders in the church at Jerusalem. It was sent to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, who were being troubled by false teachers who claimed that circumcision was necessary for salvation.

The letter explained that Barnabas and Paul had risked their lives to spread the gospel, and that Judas and Silas would come to Antioch to confirm this message. The apostles and elders emphasized that they were not imposing any new burdens on the Gentile believers, but rather clarifying the requirements for living in harmony with Jewish customs.

The letter concluded by expressing the joy of the Jerusalem church at the decision reached, and their desire to maintain unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. Judas and Silas were sent to Antioch to confirm this message and to encourage the believers to remain faithful.

Upon arriving in Antioch, Judas and Silas preached with great enthusiasm, confirming the message of the letter and emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with one another. They spent some time with the believers, then returned to Jerusalem, leaving Paul and Barnabas behind to continue their ministry.

Paul and Barnabas continued to teach and preach the word of the Lord in Antioch, accompanied by many other laborers. The church at Antioch was thriving, with a rich diversity of gifts and ministries.