← Back to Acts

Acts 15

41 verses

TL;DR

The Jerusalem Council resolves the dispute over circumcision for Gentile believers, issuing an epistle that allows them to remain uncircumcised while avoiding idolatrous practices, and Paul’s continued missionary work ends in a split with Barnabas over John Mark.

Summary

The chapter opens with a group from Judea insisting that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved, prompting Paul and Barnabas to travel to Jerusalem to discuss the issue with the apostles and elders. A heated debate ensues, during which Peter reminds the church that God has already accepted the Gentiles through the Holy Spirit, while James, speaking on behalf of the Jerusalem leaders, records a decision that Gentile believers should abstain from idolatrous food and immoral practices but need not be circumcised. The epistle, signed by the apostles and elders, is sent to the Gentile churches in Antioch and surrounding regions, reinforcing the council’s resolution. Afterward, Paul and Barnabas continue teaching in Antioch, but a disagreement over bringing John Mark with them leads to a split: Barnabas takes Mark to Cyprus, while Paul departs with Silas to confirm churches in Syria and Cilicia.

Outline
  1. Debate over circumcision and Gentile inclusion
  2. Jerusalem Council resolution and epistle to Gentiles
  3. Paul’s missionary journey and division with Barnabas
Themes
Inclusion of GentilesChurch governance and decision makingConflict and resolution within early Christian communities
Keywords
GentilescircumcisionapostlesJerusalemlaw of MosesHoly GhostPaulBarnabasJamesPeter
People
PaulBarnabasPeterJamesJudas BarsabasSilasJohn MarkJudasSilasMark
Places
JerusalemAntiochSamariaPheniceSyriaCiliciaCyprus
Things
circumcisionlaw of MosesHoly Ghostapostleseldersepistleidolatryblood
Key Verses
  • Acts 15:1: Introduces the central conflict regarding circumcision
  • Acts 15:7: Peter’s defense of Gentile inclusion and the role of the Holy Spirit
  • Acts 15:20: James' summary of the council’s decision and the conditions for Gentiles
Questions
  • Why was the issue of circumcision so contentious for the early church?
  • How does the Jerusalem Council exemplify early Christian decision-making processes?
  • What implications does the council’s decision have for Christian identity and practice?
  • In what ways does the conflict over John Mark illustrate challenges in missionary collaboration?
  • How does the council’s resolution impact the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers?
Sentiment

mixed
Tension present but ultimately resolved with a compromise that maintains unity