Acts of the Apostles - Chapter 15

Acts of the Apostles 15.1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. Acts of the Apostles 15.2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. Acts of the Apostles 15.3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. Acts of the Apostles 15.4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. Acts of the Apostles 15.5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. Acts of the Apostles 15.6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. Acts of the Apostles 15.7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. Acts of the Apostles 15.8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; Acts of the Apostles 15.9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Acts of the Apostles 15.10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? Acts of the Apostles 15.11 But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Acts of the Apostles 15.12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. Acts of the Apostles 15.13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Acts of the Apostles 15.14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. Acts of the Apostles 15.15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, Acts of the Apostles 15.16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: Acts of the Apostles 15.17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Acts of the Apostles 15.18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Acts of the Apostles 15.19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: Acts of the Apostles 15.20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. Acts of the Apostles 15.21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Acts of the Apostles 15.22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren: Acts of the Apostles 15.23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Acts of the Apostles 15.24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: Acts of the Apostles 15.25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Acts of the Apostles 15.26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts of the Apostles 15.27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. Acts of the Apostles 15.28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; Acts of the Apostles 15.29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. Acts of the Apostles 15.30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Acts of the Apostles 15.31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. Acts of the Apostles 15.32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. Acts of the Apostles 15.33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Acts of the Apostles 15.34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Acts of the Apostles 15.35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. Acts of the Apostles 15.36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do. Acts of the Apostles 15.37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. Acts of the Apostles 15.38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. Acts of the Apostles 15.39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; Acts of the Apostles 15.40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. Acts of the Apostles 15.41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Acts of the Apostles : Chapter 15

The Council of Jerusalem: Resolving Conflicts in the Early Church

Chapter 15 of the Acts of the Apostles takes us to the heart of the Council of Jerusalem, a crucial moment in the history of the early church. This text sheds light on how early Christians addressed and resolved the doctrinal conflicts they faced, particularly regarding the circumcision of Gentile converts. This chapter also highlights the importance of freedom in Christ and unity in diversity within the Christian community.

Furthermore, Acts 15 recounts the separation of Paul and Barnabas, a significant event that illustrates the relational challenges even the apostles faced. Through this reflection, we invite you to consider five biblical passages that shed light on the fundamental principles of conflict resolution and doctrine presented in this essential chapter.

1. Galatians 2:1-2

The passage tells us: "After fourteen years, I went up to Jerusalem again, this time with Barnabas, also taking Titus with me. I went there because of a revelation and explained to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this especially to those who seemed to be the most influential, so as not to present myself, or have presented myself, in vain." This verse describes the same event as the Council of Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of communication and transparency in conflict resolution.

2. Galatians 5:1

In this verse, we read: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery." This statement resonates with the Council's decision not to impose the law on the Gentiles, thus reminding us that freedom in Christ is fundamental to the Christian life.

3. Amos 9:11-12

The prophet Amos declares: "In that day I will raise up the fallen tent of David. I will repair what is broken, raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as at first, that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that are called by My name, declares the Lord, who does these things.” This passage, quoted by James in Acts 15:16-18, supports the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation, thus illustrating the universal dimension of the gospel.

4. 1 Corinthians 8:1, 4

Paul writes: “As for food sacrificed to idols, we all know. Knowledge brings pride, but love builds up. [...] Therefore, concerning food sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol means nothing in the world and that there is only one God." This passage echoes the Council's decision regarding food sacrificed to idols, emphasizing the importance of love and mutual understanding in community life.

5. Colossians 4:10

Finally, we read: "My fellow prisoner Aristarchus greets you, as does Mark, Barnabas's cousin. You have already received instructions about this; if he comes to visit you, welcome him. » This verse evokes Mark, whose separation from Paul is recounted in Acts 15:37-39, reminding us that even in times of division, acceptance and reconciliation remain essential.

In conclusion, the Council of Jerusalem and the biblical passages surrounding it offer us valuable lessons on conflict resolution and how to live our faith with unity and love, despite our differences. May these reflections nourish our commitment to follow Christ in a spirit of communion and service.