Acts 15

V 1–5: CIRCUMCISION Christians are taught wrongly by some that circumcision is necessary for salvation. Paul and Barnabas dissent and dispute with the false teachers. They then go to Jerusalem to discuss this with the leaders and the elders. On the way there, through Phoenicia and Samaria, they relate the wonder of the conversion of the Gentiles, to the great joy of their Christian hearers. In Jerusalem they again encounter the erroneous teaching that circumcision is necessary for salvation, this time coming from believing Pharisees. V 6–21: CONSIDERATION The apostles and elders discuss the matter and consider the conversion of the Gentiles. After the participation of Peter, Barnabas and Paul, James confirms that only believing in Christ is necessary for salvation. Nevertheless, to avoid offending the Jews, the Gentiles are to abstain from certain practices, mainly idolatrous ones, which also break the law of Moses. They will write to them to explain. V 22–29: CONFIRMATION The discussion is confirmed in a decree, from the apostles and elders and the whole church, to Gentiles in Anticoch, Syria and Cilicia. Judas and Silas, from Jerusalem, are to accompany Paul and Barnabas to make this agreed position known. V 30–35: CHURCH The church in Antioch rejoices in receiving the letter. Judas and Silas minister to the church and return. Paul and Barnabas are rejoined by Silas and remain there teaching and preaching, with many others. V 36–41: CONTENTION Later, after a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, as to whether John Mark should accompany them, Barnabas and Mark go to Cyprus while Paul and Silas go to Syria and Cilicia. All are still involved in the Lord’s work.