Acts 15 - Introduction

The Discussion About Law Keeping Acts Fifteen

Jews from Jerusalem were still trying to bind the requirements of the Law upon the Gentiles. They traveled to cities where Gentiles had been converted to preach their "Law Keeping" message. They even came to Antioch to spread their teaching. Paul was an apostle, with all authority of any apostles, yet he saw the need for unity. So, the conference at Jerusalem was arranged. This allowed God to be heard and to maintain His sovereign control over the church.

The question of "circumcision" or "Law Keeping" touched the very heart of Christianity. Determining the foundation upon which our relationship with God stands is at the heart of the discussion. Paul knew that if one was circumcised as a matter of Law that this bound him to the entire Law. Being bound to the Law would mean that he had given up the system of grace and had fallen from Christ.

Paul, Barnabas, and certain others from Antioch went to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. The question of "Law Keeping" was to be settled by God and not by the brethren. Peter took the lead in the discussion and related the case of the conversion of Cornelius and his household. He said that God made no difference between Jew and Gentile.

Afterwards Paul and Barnabas declared that the power of God had worked through them among the Gentiles. James then summed up the judgment of the assembly. He said the Gentiles are not obligated to be circumcised, or to obey the Law of Moses. However, they must abstain from blood, from things strangled, from fornication, and from meat offered to idols. These are not new laws that are a part of Christianity only. These have always been requirements of the Creator. The spirit of grace and wisdom is truly seen in the way this matter was handled.

After returning to Antioch for a while Paul proposed to Barnabas that they should revisit the churches they had established. Barnabas was determined to take Mark with them. He had earlier turned back from the work. Under no circumstances would Paul agree to take Mark. These two great servants of God separated over this issue. Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus. Paul took Silas with him on his journeys. It is great that later Paul spoke of Barnabas with love and he also said that Mark was profitable for the ministry.