This article is part of our weekly series, “The Book of Acts and the Church Today.” You can see all articles in the series here.
After reading Acts 15:1–35, we might think that the issues the Jerusalem council addressed are no longer relevant. I’ve never heard anyone insist that believers achieve salvation by keeping the Law of Moses.
But let’s dig a little deeper. Have you ever judged, or been judged by, another Christian over different customs? Have you ever felt like God couldn’t accept you because you don’t measure up to his law? Have you ever had to make a hard decision as a church leader, or respect the decisions of church leaders?
The Jerusalem council’s importance goes way beyond the value of circumcision.
The Example of the Jerusalem Council
The Jerusalem council was how the church resolved a division-causing disagreement in Antioch. Without church authorization, men from Judea had been teaching that circumcision was required for salvation. By believing that Jesus was the Christ but that his sacrifice for sinners was insufficient, they created a two-tiered church; a circumcised A-list and an uncircumcised B-list. When the congregation was unable to resolve the disagreement internally, they wisely sent delegates to a broader assembly of church leaders (Acts 15:2).
Here are the council’s main arguments against the necessity of circumcision: First,Peter argued that God is saving one people purely by grace through faith. For good reasons, the ceremonial law (including circumcision) had distinguished Jews from Gentiles. But “the ceremonies and symbols of the law have ended with the coming of Christ.”[i] God proved this by sending his Holy Spirit on the Gentiles; he “made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:8–9). So Jews must not burden Gentiles by requiring circumcision, a formidable barrier to adult male converts.
Second, Paul and Barnabas “related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles” (Acts 15:12). God was already at work among the uncircumcised!
Finally, James told how the prophets predicted the Gentile’s full inclusion among God’s people. Through the prophet Amos, God promised that when he rebuilt “the tent of David that has fallen,” the Gentiles would seek the Lord (Amos 9:11–12). God restored David’s tent by sending Jesus to sit on his throne as the great King. Jesus’s ascension opened heaven’s doors to every believer regardless of their circumcision status.
After the deliberation, James’ advice was adopted by the council: “We should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God” (Acts 15:19). The church may not allow man-made hurdles to keep people from Jesus. For their part, the Gentiles should abstain from sexual immorality and respect the customs of the church. All God’s people must learn how to behave in his household (1 Tim. 3:15). Coming to Jesus requires big changes. But the changes must come through the cross—not as prerequisites that qualify a person to benefit from the cross.
The Gentile believers rejoiced when they learned of the church’s decision.
The Wisdom of the Jerusalem Council
This first church council establishes several principles for handling church disagreements.
Champion the Gospel
Church disagreements require compromise—but never on the gospel. The view that seemed good to the church’s leaders is that by true faith in Jesus Christ alone, God treats you as if you have been “as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient” for you.[ii] We may never soften this gospel truth: “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to thy cross I cling.”[iii]
Commit to Learn
In the midst of a heated debate, Church leaders became silent and listened to what others had to say (Acts 15:12, 13). Peter was still struggling to treat Gentiles as full church members (Gal. 2:11–14). But like the other leaders, he wasn’t pushing his own agenda but submitting to God’s word, which always trumps our feelings and prejudices.
Communicate Decisions Wisely
The letter that relayed the church’s decision was warm and edifying. And the church didn’t simply send a letter. Several competent teachers “encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words” for “some time” (Acts 15:32, 33, 35). Instead of lording over the consciences of the Antiochene believers, the Jerusalem church helped them understand God’s will.
Comply with Church Decisions
The troublers in Antioch spoke on their own authority (Acts 15:24). By contrast, the decision of the Jerusalem council had the approval of the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28). Church decisions can be properly challenged. But unless they are shown to be unbiblical, they must be received “with respect and submission” and as “settled and binding.”[iv]
Cultivate Change
The church protected the Gentiles from legalism. But the apostles also expected conformity to Christ from even new believers who previously had no qualms about sexual immorality. Obedience to the law isn’t a condition for coming to Jesus. But it is a condition for growing in Jesus.
Celebrate Christ
When the believers at Antioch heard the report that Jesus was enough, they rejoiced (Acts 15:31)! They received the gospel as good news. People who could never measure up to God can cling by faith to one who does. Nothing will help the church cope with disagreement like celebrating a sufficient Savior!
Acts 15 is much more than a glimpse into a business meeting of the early church. It’s evidence that Jesus cares for his family. And by his grace he will save and sanctify everyone who trusts in him. Even you and me!
[i] Belgic Confession, art. 25.
[ii] Heidelberg Catechism Q/A 60.
[iii] Augustus M. Toplady, Trinity Psalter Hymnal, 452.
[iv] URCNA Church Order, art. 29. https://www.urcna.org/church-order.