Acts 15:1-5

The Teachings of Certain Men

The teachings of certain men, who were apparently Pharisees in close association with James, caused a great uproar in the Gentile churches. They were saying that submission to the law of Moses, as demonstrated by circumcision, was required for one to be saved. They also taught that it was improper for a Jewish Christian to eat with Gentile Christians, likely specifically those who had not been circumcised. Their teachings led to Paul and Barnabas raising some serious questions and the apparent division of the church into two distinct camps. Ultimately, even Barnabas participated in the Judaizers' acts of hypocrisy. Commanded by the Lord and commissioned by the church in Antioch, Paul, Barnabas and some unnamed others went to Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-2; Acts 15:5; Galatians 2:2; Galatians 2:12-13).

On their overland journey to Jerusalem, the group reported the conversions which had been occurring in the Gentile world because of the preaching of the gospel. The Christians who heard the report rejoiced because of the things God had accomplished. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they again reported on the good which had been done among the Gentiles. If, as it appears, Galatians 2:1-21 is a more detailed account of the events reported by Luke, Paul first reported to a small group of reputable men. In this way, public confrontation between apostles could be avoided. Converts from among the Pharisees still pressed their point by saying that all Gentiles who would go to heaven would have to submit to the law of Moses (Acts 15:3-5).