PrevActs 15:11Next

Acts 15

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

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?

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

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.

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

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:

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.

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

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

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

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:

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:

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:

It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

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

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.

So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

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.

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

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;

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

What does Acts 15:11 mean?

Explanation

The verse, Acts 15:11, spoken by the Apostle Peter, restates a fundamental Christian belief that salvation is not exclusive to the Jewish people but is attainable for Gentiles (non-Jews) as well through the grace of Jesus Christ.

It is literally stating that both Jews and Gentiles will be saved through the same grace.

The deeper meaning emphasizes the concept of grace - the unmerited favor from God - as the basis of salvation as opposed to adherence to the Jewish Law, such as circumcision and dietary laws, which was a major point of contention in the early Church.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 15:11 is part of what is known as the Jerusalem Council, a meeting that took place around 50 A.D.

The main issue at stake was whether Gentile converts had to follow Jewish Law, especially circumcision, to be considered part of the Christian community.

This gathering was crucial for the early Church as it addressed how to integrate Gentiles into what was initially a sect within Judaism.

It represents a pivotal moment in Christianity's development as an inclusive religion.

Theological Insights

Different Christian denominations may interpret Acts 15:11 in various ways.

Catholic theology emphasizes the Church's role in dispensing grace through the sacraments.

Protestant perspectives often focus on grace through faith alone, with Peter's declaration in Acts affirming that neither Jew nor Gentile can earn salvation through works or observance of the law.

Orthodox Christians may highlight the significance of the Holy Tradition and the conciliar consensus as a means through which the understanding of grace is mediated.

Practical Applications

Acts 15:11 can apply to daily life in a number of ways.

It reminds individuals that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace, promoting an inclusive and non-judgmental approach to others.

It also underscores the importance of unity among believers, regardless of background or status.

Furthermore, the verse encourages Christians to focus on faith and grace rather than legalistic practices for their salvation.

Cross-References

Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Galatians 2:16: "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."

Language Study

The key phrase from Acts 15:11 in Greek is "διὰ τῆς χάριτος τοῦ κυρίου" (dia tēs charitos tou kuriou), translating to "through the grace of the Lord." The word "χάρις" (charis) means grace, which carries the idea of a gift or blessing that is given unconditionally. "κυρίου" (kuriou) refers to "Lord," signifying authority and power, denoting Jesus's divine authority to grant salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient religions, the concept of grace as understood in Christianity was rather unique.

Many ancient religions emphasized a system of reciprocity with the gods, where humans offered something to gain favor or benefits. In the Biblical Christian view, grace is given freely by God without precondition, setting it apart from many contemporaneous belief systems.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse is primarily theological rather than scientific.

However, modern psychological studies on grace and forgiveness have shown positive correlations between these beliefs and mental health. Accepting that one receives unearned grace might foster a sense of peace and encourage grace-filled behavior towards others.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators reflect on Acts 15:11 in various ways.

Some focus on its ecclesiastical import, indicating the first major decision made by church leaders in a collective manner.

Others might view Peter's assertion as a foundational theological statement that helped to define Christian identity separate from Jewish customs.

Practically, commentators often highlight the verse’s overarching message of inclusivity and its impact on the spread of the early Church beyond the Jewish community.

Acts 15

Acts 15

What does Acts 15:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 15:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?