The Council at Jerusalem - Acts chapter 15

FlyingDove · Sep 2, 2022

The Council at Jerusalem - Acts chapter 15

Acts 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.

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.

6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
(MY NOTE: After a heated debate & hearing from Peter, James & Paul)

7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
(MY NOTE: The apostles recognize thru the Holy Spirit miracles Paul's ministry to gentiles was God approved)

9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
(MY NOTE: James, Peter & John the pillars of the Jerusalem assembly & elders gathered. Shake Paul' & Barnabas hands & send them to witness/evangelize the gentiles)

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.
(MY NOTE: The Jerusalem assembly sends letters to the gentile city churches)

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:
(MY NOTE: Peter, James & John tell gentile believers they DON'T have to be circumcised OR keep the law of Moses)

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

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.
(MY NOTE: Here are the Holy Spirit instructed rules, the apostles & elders gave to the gentile churches. No mentioned requirement of Sabbath observance.)

31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation
(MY NOTE: The people read the letter & REJOICED! Rejoice! NT believers aren't required to be circumcised OR keep the law of Moses to be saved!)
Bible source link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+15&version=KJV

XavierJesusLovesIndia · Sep 2, 2022

Yes, it was a Great Apostolic Council in Jerusalem. It probably happened in A.D. 48 and proved circumcision is not needed for Christians. We are saved by the Grace of Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, as the Apostles taught the Church there and elsewhere: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal 3:28). God Bless.

Journeyman · Sep 2, 2022

I think James was saying the gentile believers didn't have to keep the law by being circumcised, but he certainly didn't mean gentile believers don't have to keep the commandments Jesus taught.

GRACE_ambassador · Sep 2, 2022

Journeyman said:

James was saying:

Act 15:19 "Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
Act 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."

"trouble not" because Peter Said:

Act 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?"

"a yoke" Because of:

Act 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."

Yes, the "Jews Were Commanded By Christ To obey!":

Mat 28:20 "Teaching them to observe ALL things whatsoever I
Have Commanded you:..." Including:

Mat 23:1 "Then Spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
Mat 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
Mat 23:3
ALL therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do;
but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not."

Prophecy/LAW

Rightly Divided (2 Timothy 2:15) From “Things That Differ” (online)

MYSTERY/Grace (Romans - Philemon) For The Gentiles to obey
The Commandment The LORD Jesus Revealed To Paul, to:

Fulfil All Of His Law, In "ONE Word: Love thy neighbor as thyself!"
(Galatians 5:14; Romans 13:8-10)
--------------------------------------------------

Please Be Very RICHLY Encouraged And Edified In
The LORD JESUS CHRIST, And His Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided.

GRACE And Peace...

Pilgrimshope · Sep 2, 2022

FlyingDove said:

yeah try. Ot making a distinction between Jew and gentile believers and you’ll have it it’s about a new testament and whoever believes the one gospel , the believers aren’t required to keep Moses law of they have been baptized whether Jew or gentile

“knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2:16

“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:10-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

no flesh whether Jew or gentile remembering oil was a former Jewish Pharisee saying this paul makes a really plain argument that Jew and gentile no longer exist in Christ but only Gods children which of course Paul is elaborating on what the gospel said first

We need to see this part the church began with all Jews and later those believing Jews many not only Paul we’re sent to gentile people ( all
Non Jewish people ) it’s the great commission for the believing remnant of Jews to preach gospel to gentiles of all nations it’s why the New Testament witness is written by former Jews they are testifying to all people in the Bible that they too are called to Christ and his kingdom

There’s no such thing as a Jew and gentile in Christ no one in Christ is meant to be judged by Moses law we aren’t going to be breaking it “ don’t lie “ don’t steal , don’t kill don’t commit adultery

it’s not like now we can go ahead and break those commands , the gospel won’t lead us there the old just isn’t our law it can’t bring us freedom and righteousness but Jew and gentile ends when we believe the gospel and get baptized ot makes us the seed of abrahams eternal promise or in other words makes believers of all nations Gods elect and chosen israel who are Abraham’s seed of all nations

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:26-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The whole Bible comes down to that inheritance and name. Being born of certain flesh and blood has nothing to son with the New Testament but the flesh and blood of Jesus is what it’s about now nd to one who hear and believe

Magenta · Sep 2, 2022

Acts 13:38-39

FlyingDove · Sep 3, 2022

FlyingDove said:

The Council at Jerusalem REVISTED - Galatians chapter 2

Gal 2:
I went up [to Jerusalem] because of a [divine] revelation, and I put before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles. But I did so in private before those of [a]reputation, for fear that I might be running or had run [the course of my ministry] in vain.
(MY NOTE: Thru divine revelation Paul is sent to Jerusalem. To meet with Peter, James, John & the Jerusalem assembly elders)

9 And recognizing the grace [that God had] bestowed on me, James and Cephas (Peter) and John, who were reputed to be pillars [of the Jerusalem church], gave to me and Barnabas the [c]right hand of fellowship, so that we could go to the Gentiles [with their blessing] and they to the circumcised (Jews).
(MY NOTE: James, Peter & John, on a hand skake. Send Paul & Barnabas to the Gentiles [with their blessing] & they to the circumcised/Jews)

10 They asked only [one thing], that we remember the poor, the very thing I was also eager to do.

15 Paul say's “We are Jews by birth and not sinners from among the Gentiles;

16 yet we know that a man is not [e]justified [and placed in right standing with God] by works of the Law, but [only] through faith in [God’s beloved Son,] Christ Jesus. And even we [as Jews] have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law. By observing the Law no one will ever be justified [declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty].
(MY NOTE: Man IS NOT JUSTIFIED/placed in right standing with God by works of the Law! By observing the Law NO ONE will ever be JUSTIFIED/declared free of the guilt of sin & its penalty. ONLY THRU FAITH/in God’s beloved Son, Christ Jesus. Even we, as Jews, have believed in Christ Jesus. So that We May Be JUSTIFIED By FAITH in Christ)

17 But if, while we seek to be justified in Christ [by faith], we ourselves are found to be sinners, does that make Christ an advocate or promoter of our sin? Certainly not!
(MY NOTE: This verse is a jab at the sin Paul Publicly called Peter out for in verses Gal 2:11-14) Peter, a believing pillar of the faith's cowardly sin, doesn't Make Christ (who will forgive Peter again) an advocate or promoter of our sin)

18 For if I [or anyone else should] rebuild [through word or by practice] what I once tore down [the belief that observing the Law is essential for salvation], I prove myself to be a transgressor.
(MY NOTE: ANYBODY! that promotes, the belief that observing the Law is essential for salvation. Is himself a transgressor!)

19 For through the Law I died to the Law and its demands on me [because salvation is provided through the death and resurrection of Christ], so that I might [from now on] live to God.
(MY NOTE: The only path to salvation is Belief/FAITH in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus!) AMEN & Amen...
Bible source link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+2&version=AMP

presidente · Sep 3, 2022

I'm not saying this is a salvation issue, but the topic was whether __Gentiles__ should be circumcised and obey the law of Moses. James and the elders apparently thought it was appropriate for Hebrew believers in the Messiah to continue to circumcise their children.

Acts 21
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; 21 but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. 23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. 25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from [f]sexual immorality.”

presidente · Sep 3, 2022

It is also interesting that the Talmud records similar discussion about whether Gentiles can the righteous before God, set a generation or so later. The idea was that Gentiles had a covenant through Noah, and could live righteously. The Torah indicates certain things are sins for Gentiles. Gentiles were driven out of the land for various forms of sexual immorality and child sacrifice as we see in Leviticus 18. God made Gentiles also, made a covenant with Noah, and so it is wrong to commit idolatry. He gave Noah meat to eat, but not blood.

These may be the same sort of thinking--- what does the Hebrew Bible require of Gentiles-- that we see reflected in Acts 15-- to abstain from things strangled and from blood, from fornication, and the pollution of idols.

The Jews came up with seven Noachide principles that included not eating parts of live animals, not fornicating, not committing idolatry. They had other issues like courts of justice.

presidente · Sep 3, 2022

FlyingDove said:

I think you are really off with this interpretation. This is the way some of the liberal German theologians of the 1800's interpreted the passage. They were working with a bit of bad archeology/history, not realizing that the border of Galatia had been moved northward in the 2nd century. Some of the first missionary journey churches in Acts 13-14 were in Galatia.

It is much more likely there were growing concerns about the law and Gentiles before the events of Acts 15, and Galatians refers to another incident. Paul could have settled the issue with Galatia by referred to the Jerusalem council letters. Why would there have been a debate at that point?

There are theories that try to pit James against Paul, as if after the Jerusalem council, they were at odds on the issue.

A more likely scenario is that this had been an issue in Antioch, and was becoming one in Galatia. Paul wrote his letter, referring to his trip to Jerusalem earlier in Acts, before he had been shipped off to Tarsus over safety concerns. Then he goes to Antioch, then on the first missionary journey, writes back to some of the churches who had an issue with Judaizers, mentioning similar struggles in Antioch. While in Antioch, some Gentile circumcisers not sent from the church start causing trouble, and Paul and Barnabas disputed with them-- probably because the early church had a somewhat 'open floor' where believers can speak like we see in I Corinthians 10:26, Acts 15:5 and hinted at in Hebrews 10:24-25.

So then, after Galatians was written and they faced these Judaizers coming from Jerusalem, they went to Jerusalem about the matter.

And we don't end up with some unnecessarily divisive interpretation that Paul in Galatians is opposed to himself and the rest of the apostle's perception of what seemed good to the Holy Ghost in Acts 15.

There was an Anthony Hopkins movie with a bit of this James v. Paul theory.

You can look up the 'South Galatian theory'.

GRACE_ambassador · Sep 3, 2022

presidente said:

No, there is no "apparently thought" with James and the elders. There WAS
strict obedience to their commission! ie: see post # 4...

presidente · Sep 3, 2022

GRACE_ambassador said:

Your point is as clear as mud.

FlyingDove · Sep 3, 2022

presidente said:

Luke tells the The Council at Jerusalem event in Acts 15. Paul revisits the Council at Jerusalem in Galatians 2.

In both accounts Peter, James, John & the Christ believing elders. At the Christ believing assembly in Jerusalem. Write letters to the Christ believing gentile churches. You DON'T have to be circumcised OR keep Mosaic law. And each time give the same account of what they do require of them.

Gal 2:
I went up [to Jerusalem] because of a [divine] revelation, and I put before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles. But I did so in private before those of [a]reputation, for fear that I might be running or had run [the course of my ministry] in vain.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+15&version=AMP

Here is the text by itself & link to Bible source provided. """Clink the link""". You'll see the Bible translators start the Gal 2 chapter with these words: "The Council at Jerusalem".

Your reply say's: Paragraph 2, Quote "It is much more likely. Paragraph 3, There are theories. Paragraph 4, A more likely scenario is."" end Quotes...

I'll stick with scripture you're free to add whatever "most likely" "theories'" & "scenarios" you chose.

presidente wrote: There was an Anthony Hopkins movie with a bit of this James v. Paul theory. You can look up the 'South Galatian theory'.

presidente, I have zero interest in Anthony Hopkins or 'South Galatian theory'. But thanks for sharing. Peace, JJ

FlyingDove · Sep 3, 2022

presidente said:

Acts 21 you cited is only 1/2 the story. These are the same UNBELIEVING Jews that killed Jesus & Stephen. Now they're after Paul.

Acts 22 tells the rest o the story. God breathed scripture citing Christ (more than once) choosing & sending Paul to gentiles (against to Mosaic law).

Here is just a small sniped of what Paul suffered for the Lord's sake.

Acts 9:29 UNBELIEVING JEWS attempt to put him to death, 13:50 Jews expelled Paul & Barnabas out of their coasts, 14:5 Jews stone him, 16:22-23 beaten with many stripes, 18:12 Jews haul him into court, 20:23 bondage awaits in Jerusalem, 21:31 & 22:22 life threatened, 23:3 beaten, 2 Cor 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, 26 in perils by mine own countrymen, perils among false brethren;

Some additional contexts of Paul's apostleship

Find here Paul's God breathed scripture Apostleship. Confirmed by Luke (wrote Acts), Peter, James John & all the Jerusalem assembly elders (Council at Jerusalem - Acts 15 & Gal 2)

Jesus confirmed Paul's Apostleship in Acts 26:14-18

Peter's epistle confirms Paul again.

2 Peter 3:
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
(MY NOTE: Peter calls Paul his beloved brother. And confirms Paul's writings as wisdom)

16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
(MY NOTE: Peter confirms Paul's writings as SCRIPTURE!)

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is "God-breathed" and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

One witness is not enough:
Numbers 35:30, Deuteronomy 17:6, Deuteronomy 19:15

Both Peter & Luke epistles confirm Paul's apostleship & writings as God breathed.

Read Acts 15 Peter & James write the declaration to the Christ believing gentile churches. Circumcision & Mosaic law keeping aren't necessary. Peter, James & John go to witness to the Jews & send Paul & Bar to the gentiles.

See here how Jews viewed gentiles.

Matt 10:5 The Lord Jesus sends the 12 & commanded them. Don't! go to Gentiles,

Matt 10:6 The Lord Jesus commands the 12: Only go! To lost sheep of the house of Israel,

Matt 15:24 The Lord Jesus said, He's only been sent to preach to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,

Rom 15:8 Paul teaches, Messiah was sent to preach to the circumcision (JEWS),

Acts 10:28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
(MY NOTE: Peter tells Cornelius it's UNLAWFULL for a Jew to keep company or come unto one of another nation.)

Eph 2:12 remember that at that time you were separated from Christ [excluded from any relationship with Him], alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise [with no share in the sacred Messianic promise and without knowledge of God’s agreements], having no hope [in His promise] and [living] in the world without God.
(MY NOTE: Pre-Christ's sin atoning death & resurrection ALL gentiles were viewed as impure, godless dogs, without hope, bastards living outside of covenant seals)

Matt 7:6 The Lord Jesus said, give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
(MY NOTE: Dogs, swine & gentiles all considered unclean/impure under Mosaic Law)

Matt 15:22-26, Vs 26 Jesus calls the Canaanite/gentile women a DOG!
(MY NOTE: Note: In Jesus [a Jew] day gentiles were considered to be godless & ceremonially unclean. The reference "dog" was a commonly known & used expression within the Jewish culture.

Jn 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the (roman/gentile) hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the Passover.
(MY NOTE: Just being in the gentile Hall of Judgment made a Jew UNCLEAN!)

Gal chapter 2 that I shared. I left out verses 11-14 where Peter is Opposed by Paul for being a coward. Peter has be eating & fellowshipping with the gentiles. Then some Jews show up & Peter withdraws so the Jews don't chastise him.

Scripture testifies James was helping to set up the meeting with Paul & the Jews. No place does scripture say James was part of or supportive of the lynch mob.

Acts 22:21 Paul say's he was sent to proclaim God to the gentiles & the Jewish crowd once again goes ballistic & tries to KILL Paul.
(NOTE: Paul just mentions gentiles & the UNBELIEVING Jews go ballistic & seek to KILL Paul)

presidente · Sep 3, 2022

FlyingDove said:

Luke tells the The Council at Jerusalem event in Acts 15. Paul revisits the Council at Jerusalem in Galatians 2.

In both accounts Peter, James, John & the Christ believing elders. At the Christ believing assembly in Jerusalem. Write letters to the Christ believing gentile churches. You DON'T have to be circumcised OR keep Mosaic law. And each time give the same account of what they do require of them.

Gal 2:
I went up [to Jerusalem] because of a [divine] revelation, and I put before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles. But I did so in private before those of [a]reputation, for fear that I might be running or had run [the course of my ministry] in vain.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+15&version=AMP

I am not sure what translation you are looking at, because mine does not have that section title. But it seems like this might be a case of Bible translators (or some other editors in the process) being bad at what they are doing. They are supposed to translate the Bible, not interpret it when it is not necessary for translation, and not add section titles on controversial historical and doctrinal points like this. You know those section titles translate nothing at all, right? They aren't in the original Greek. The translators or editors just make those up.

Compare Paul's visit to Jerusalem in Acts 9 with Galatians 1. In Galatians 1, the churches in Judaea had not seen Paul's face. From the 12 apostles, he only sees Peter. There is no reference to Barnabas. In Acts 9, Barnabas introduces him to the apostles__plural. Compare that to Galatians 2 where he goes with Barnabas to meet the apostles. In Galatians 1, the churches in Judaea did not know his Face. In Acts 9 he was with the apostles, coming in and going out in Jerusalem. Acts does not include every minute detail, include Paul's meeting with Cephas without the other apostles present at some point in time.

There is also the glaring omission in Galatians 2, where Paul does __not__ say this is a settled issue, and tell them, "Remember I gave you that letter from all the apostles in Jerusalem." That is a pretty big glaring omission given the subject matter of the epistle. Galatians 2 points out how the so-called 'pillars' wanted Saul/Paul to remember the poor. We see he and Barnabas delivered an offering for the poor saints in chapter 11.

Stick with scripture? Scripture doesn't say the Galatians 2 events are the Acts 15 events. In Galatians 2, Paul takes a trip to Jerusalem with Barnabas and meets apostles. In Acts 9, Paul takes a trip to Jerusalem with Barnabas and meets apostles.

The Anthony Hopkins movie promotes the liberal German theory of Paul versus James, based on the liberal German idea of the two basically having competing views of the gospel. It relies on the timeline you accept.

The South Galatian theory, as opposed to the North Galatian theory that aligns with your time line, takes Galatians as having been written to some of the first missionary journey churches in Acts 13-14. If the epistle were written very late, then the events of Acts 15 would have already happened.

presidente · Sep 3, 2022

FlyingDove said:

If you skim, you will miss part of what it says. Notice the first verse I quoted:

20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law;

I don't know for sure what you are saying. 'Against to Mosaic law', partly because of the word usage error. I know of no Mosaic law that speaks against Christ sending Paul to the Gentiles. The song of Moses actually predicts what God would do with his Gentiles with 'rejoice, ye Gentiles with His people' toward the end of the song. Paul quotes from this throughout Romans 10 all the way through chapter 15 in dealing with God's plans for Jews and Gentiles.

That doesn't mean that the Jews in Jerusalem WHO BELIEVED did not believe.

I am not sure what you are getting at here... what your point is in relation to what I posted. I believe Paul was an apostle.

Jesus sent the eleven not to all nations after the ascension. The Psalms tell of the LORD telling the Messiah, "Ask of Me, and I will you the nations for your inheritance..." Jesus said all authority is given to Him in Heaven and on earth, and then sent the apostles to the nations.

The Shammai Pharisees were in power, and they were not as friendly to Gentiles as the previous Hillel Pharisee regime had been. If you search the Old Testament, you will find no law saying not to keep company with Gentiles. But the Sanhedrin under the Shammai school had made 18 edicts about Gentiles. The contents of them are now lost to history, but there could have been regulations that Peter was referring to. Jesus said to do what the scribes and Pharisees 'bid you observe', but revelation from God and commands from the Lord trumped that.

Scripture does not say that the Jews who believed were part of the lynch mob either.

Nehemiah6 · Sep 3, 2022

Journeyman said:

James fully understood the meaning of the Law of Christ. He called it "the Royal Law" or "the Law of Liberty". Which is also the Law of Love.

FlyingDove · Sep 4, 2022

presidente said:

These may be the same sort of thinking--- what does the Hebrew Bible require of Gentiles-- that we see reflected in Acts 15-- to abstain from things strangled and from blood, from fornication, and the pollution of idols./QUOTE]

Jerusalem church apostles' & elders' message/letters sent to gentile churches on circumcision & keeping the law of Moses. KJ Bible

Acts 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.

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.

6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

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.

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:

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

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.

Bible source link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+15&version=KJV

Overview:
Vs 5, Some Pharisees said the gentile believers need to get circumcised & keep the law of Moses.

Vs 6, Peter, James, John & the elders at the NT assembly in Jerusalem meet on this matter.

Vs 23, The apostles & elders make a decision & send letter to believing Gentile churches in Antioch, Syria & Cilicia.

Vs 24, The letters say: Gentile believers, you DON'T have to get circumcised OR keep Mosaic law!

Vs 28, This decision was Holy Spirit inspired!

Pilgrimshope · Sep 4, 2022

the meeting of apostles happened before the Galatians letter was ever written v

Journeyman said:

exactly the thing is Moses words are the old covenant Jesus words are the new covenant it’s not about what Moses said but all about what Jesus said there’s the law of Moses and the gospel of Jesus Christ they don’t go together is the thing that confuses people one is fulfilled and the other begins

“The law and the prophets were until John:( Moses and the prophets words )

since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭16:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

it’s not the law of Moses that Jesus sent into the world but his gospel that he sent into all nations his word even Moses in the law foretold of the day he would come and speak Gods true words

“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭18:18-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

this is actually a prophecy Moses is foretelling “Christ will come one day and speak Gods word it’s him you have to hear “

we know this for certain because Peter told us after he receives the Holy Ghost

“and he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3:20-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and of course Jesus said it also

“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”
‭‭John‬ ‭12:48-50‬

your exactly right Jesus words are the covenant the thing that confuses people is not allowing the scriptire to explain the purpose of Moses law and it’s temporal nature that was only leading tonjesus who would speak his word in the open and send it to all people this is our law

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

That’s how this was going to be fulfilled

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:14‬

it’s not Moses law that’s sent out into the world that led us here

“For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

john comes at this point

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:1, 4‬ ‭

and the gospel began to be preached here

“Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Moses didn’t preach eternal salvation Jesus did until we seperate Moses directives from Jesus directives it’s not going to make any sense your exactly right however we aren’t free to disobey Jesus word in the gospel and we aren’t free to break the law of Moses we have to be put to death by it and raised up through baptism

presidente · Sep 4, 2022

Pilgrimshope said:

This seem unlikely, if you are referring to the meeting in Acts 15. Barnabas introduced Paul to apostles in Acts 9. Paul and Barnabas meet apostles in Galatians 2. These could be referring to the same events. If the council in Jerusalem had happened, why doesn't Paul mention it?

The Council at Jerusalem - Acts chapter 15

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