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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

CHAPTER FIFTEEN:
DISSENSION AND THE FIRST CONFERENCE

[“Jews and non-Jews”]
Key word: Decisions

Acts 15:1-2 – Judaizers Create Dissension [49 AD]

AC15:1 Now certain men came down from Judea 580 and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised 581 according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

580

Now certain men came down from Judea: That is, Certain Jewish Christian elders. These represent Jews who had become Christians known as Judaizers, because they wished the Church to remain a Jewish organ dedicated to the Law of Moses and Jewish rituals. It seems that some of the prominent Church leadership leaned toward this. [Galatians 2:12] The schism is to become one of the strongest sources of disunity in the early Church. It would also evolve a related form, the Gnostics, a variation of Judaism, Greek philosophy, and ancient Egyptian theology. Both are still alive and well within the modern Church and continue to do their damage. These are also called “the Circumcision.”

581	Unless you are circumcised… you cannot be saved: To these Judaizers circumcision was essential to salvation. By the word “circumcised” they also meant the observance of all the Law of Moses. This problem is to be addressed in one way or another in almost all of Paul’s letters. [Galatians 5:2]

AC15:2 And when Paul and Barnabas had no small disagreement and controversy 582 with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others arranged for them to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this dispute. 583

582

Disagreement and controversy: Or, dissension and disputation; disagreement, controversy, debate, fierce discussion. Judging from Paul’s letter to the Galatians, which was to be written shortly after this dissension, the Jewish Christian was not under the Law of Moses, and anyone who insisted on circumcision had parted from Christ. [Galatians 5:6, 11; 6:15]

583

To Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this dispute: Or, question, issue. There were eleven apostles now. One of the “elders” would have included the disciple James, brother of Jesus. Most, if not all, of these would have been Jewish Christians. The apostolic body in Jerusalem remains the “mother” Church where all major decisions are made. So after this conference the apostles vanish from Acts and James becomes the clear presiding disciple of the Church.

Acts 15:3-5 – A Kind Reception on a Hot Issue

AC15:3 So, being sent forth by the congregation, Paul and Barnabas passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, 584 relating the details of the conversion of the non-Jews, and they were making all the brothers joyous.

584	Through both Phoenicia and Samaria: About 500 miles to the south and then inland to Jerusalem. Possibly they sailed to Caesarea and then went inland.

AC15:4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the congregation 585 and the apostles and the elders, 586 and Paul and Barnabas declared all that The God had done with them.

585	Welcomed by the congregation: It is likely the Jerusalem congregation remains the mother church until 66 AD.

586	The apostles and the elders: It is clear the remaining eleven apostles represent the central authority in the Church, though this does not mean they do not delegate responsibilities to others, such as James. The elders in Jerusalem must have been the older and most experienced in the whole Church.

AC15:5 But some believers who belonged to the heresy of the Pharisees 587 rose up, and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to observed the Law of Moses.” 588

587

Believers who belonged to the heresy of the Pharisees: The word “heresy” here is from the Greek HAIRESEOS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #139, sect, opinion] which originally meant “opinion.” It is now also rendered: sect, party. Paul would also have been one of these according to Philippians 3:5, though he does agree with them here. Josephus reports on their beliefs: “They believe that souls have power to survive death and that there are rewards and punishments under the earth for those who have led lives of virtue or vice: eternal imprisonment is the lot of evil souls, while the good souls receive an easy passage to a new life.” (Jewish Antiquities, XVIII, 14 [i, 3]) “Every soul, they maintain, is imperishable, but the soul of the good alone passes into another body, while the souls of the wicked suffer eternal punishment.” “[They] attribute everything to Fate and to God; they hold that to act rightly or otherwise rests, indeed, for the most part with men, but that in each action Fate co-operates.” [The Jewish War, II, 162, 163 (viii, 14)] It is very likely some of these Egyptian and Greek ideas wormed their way into the Christian Church and are now established as major doctrines. Those who do not agree with them are often considered “cults.”

588

Charge them to observed the Law of Moses: Or, to keep. It is not “circumcision” that is the primary issue. It is the agenda attached to circumcision – the observance of the Law of Moses. It seems evident where the idea came from the Pharisees, that is, Christian elders who had formerly belonged to the Pharisees. These are among the very ones the Nazarene had warned his apostles about years before. Jesus said: “Watch out… for the teaching of the Pharisees.” [Matthew 16:12] Now here it has already begun to infiltrate into the Church. Dominant in the observance of Moses’ Law were circumcision and the observance of the Sabbath. Also, dietary restrictions and certain annual festivals. There are entire modern Christian sects who, while claiming “justification is by faith”, insist on the observance of many features of the Law of Moses, and also hold to those pagan theology mentioned above. An important question for these is: Exactly which Laws of Moses must be observed?

Acts 15:6-11 – Apostles and Elders Convene

AC15:6 The apostles and the elders 589 were gathered together to see about this subject. 590

589	Apostles and the elders: It does not seem Paul and Barnabas are included in this apostolic body. For more behind the scenes details see the notes on Galatians chapter 2.

590	Subject: Or, matter, question.

AC15:7 And after there had been considerable discussion, 591 Peter 592 rose and said to them: “Men, brothers, all of you know that in the early days The God originally made the choice among you, that through my mouth the non-Jews should hear the Word of the Good News and believe.

591

After there had been considerable discussion: Or, disputing, debate, questioning, exhaustive inquiry. We are not privy to this portion though it would have been most interesting. Judging from Paul’s epistle to the Galatians – to be written about one year later – he may have broached some of those thoughts: the purpose of the Law, and why Christian Jews are not longer under the Law of Moses, Christ having released them from the curse of the Law by dying on a Tree. [Galatians 3]

592	Peter: After the open debate, Peter is first to testify about his bringing the Good News to Cornelius 16 years before.

AC15:8 And the heart-knowing 593 God testified to them, giving them the holy Pneuma just as he also did to us.

593	Heart-knowing: Or, knows men’s hearts, inmost thoughts, search of hearts. In Greek this is one word, CARDIO-GNOSTES [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2598].

AC15:9 And He made no distinction at all between us and them, 594 but purified their hearts by the Faith.

594	He made no distinction at all between us and them: See Acts 10. [Galatians 3:28]

AC15:10 So now, why do you keep testing The God 595 by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples 596 which neither our [Hebrew] forefathers nor we [Jews] have ever been strong enough to carry? 597

595	Why do you keep testing The God: Or, tempt, provoke, trial. A violation of the Law itself.

596	Putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples: The Law of Moses. [Galatians 5:1]

597	Neither our [Hebrew] forefathers nor we [Jews] have ever been strong enough to carry: It is not likely Peter only refers to the circumcision of 8-day old baby boys, but rather the entire Law of Moses.

AC15:11 But we believe 598 that we [Jews] shall be saved by means of the unmerited favor of the Master Jesus, 599 just as they will also.” 600

598	We believe: From which the Latin comes – “creed.”

599	We [Jews] shall be saved by means of the unmerited favor of the Master Jesus: Peter essential says: the Law of Moses will not save Jews, but rather the grace of the Master Jesus will. [John 1:17; Galatians 2:16]

600	Just as they will also: That is, the non-Jews.

Acts 15:12-21 – Decision Not to Trouble Non-Jews

AC15:12 Now the entire crowd became silent 601 as they began to listen to Barnabas 602 and Paul as they related what signs and portents 603 The God had done through them among the non-Jews.

601	The entire crowd became silent: Or, multitude, assembly, meeting.

602	Barnabas: Note Barnabas is now named first where it has been “Paul and Barnabas.” Perhaps only Barnabas gave the report of their first missionary tour.

603	Signs and portents: Proof from the missionary field that God continued to bless the non-Jews despite their lack of circumcision and observance of the Law of Moses.

AC15:13 After they quit speaking, [the disciple] James 604 replied: “Men, brothers, listen to me.

604	James: The brother of Jesus becomes more and more prominent and later it seems to be his judgment or decision that summarizes the apostolic body’s conclusion.

AC15:14 Simeon has related how God originally visited the non-Jews, 605 to take out of them a people for His name. [Deuteronomy 7:6]

605	God originally visited the non-Jews: That is 13 years before as record in Acts 10.

AC15:15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it has been written: AC15:16 ‘“After these things I shall return, and I shall rebuild the booth of David that has collapsed. 606 I shall rebuild it again, and I shall erect it again,

606	Rebuild the booth of David that has collapsed: The restoration occurs in the New Creation, the Israel of God. James quotes Amos 9:11, 12 as Scriptural proof God’s Name would be called upon the non-Jews or Gentiles.

AC15:17 so surely the remnant of humans should seek the Supreme Being, 607 and all the non-Jews upon whom My name is called,” 608

607	Supreme Being: Or, the Lord. The Hebrew form would be ha’Adhohn meaning “the true Lord,” that is, the Absolute Sovereign.

608	Upon whom My name is called: No where is the name Yehowah [Jehovah] ever used as an identifying designation for Christians. Instead, it is “Jesus Christ the Nazarene” that describes the Nazarene community.

AC15:18 says YHWH, 609 who is doing these things known from times immemorial.’ 610 [Amos 9:11, 12]

609	YHWH: The Hebrew Text has the Tetragram here and the Greek might allow for it. YHWH also occurs above in the earlier LORD but James does not phrase the Greek in this way.

610	Times immemorial: Or, from age [KIT], from of old [NWT], beginning of the world [KJV], from all eternity [KNX], long since [BAR].

AC15:19 Therefore, my judgment 611 is that we should not continue to trouble 612 those of the non-Jews who keep turning to The God.

611	My judgment: Or, sentence, opinion, decision. Indicating the degree of his authority in the Church, though he may just summarize the majority opinion.

612

Not continue to trouble: Or, TCN: not add to their difficulties; NEB: impose no irksome restrictions. It should be noted what James omits from his short list of non-Jewish requirements. Note the word “trouble” at Galatians 1:7; 5:10; 6:17. The decision was not to impose the Law of Moses on non-Jews.

AC15:20 Instead we should dispatch word to them 613 to keep abstaining from idolatrous contamination, 614 from sexual immorality, 615 from whatever is strangled, 616 and from blood. 617

613	We should dispatch word to them: Or, write them, command, instructions. The individual congregations were not autonomous. See notes on Acts 16:4.

614

Keep abstaining from idolatrous contamination: Or, KJV: pollutions of idols; TCN: abstain from food that has been polluted by being sacrificed to idols; WEY: by connection with idolatry. Note similar words t Revelation 2:15, 20. Compare notes on 1 Corinthians 8:7 and 1 Corinthians 10:25, where Paul argues that it is going too far to say a Jew or non-Jew cannot eat anything sold in a pagan meat market.

615	From sexual immorality: Or, fornication, impurity, sexual vice, unchastity, prostitution. For details on the word PORNEIA see notes elsewhere. [Nazarene Principles 2000©] PORNEIA is mentioned before the Law of Moses. [Genesis 38:24]

616

From whatever is strangled: Many cultures prepare their meat without draining blood as the Jews did under the Mosaic Law. [Leviticus 17:13] The Church decides the non-Jews should also adhere to this rule. The reason may go back before the Law to God’s command to Noah, and thus to all humankind. [Genesis 9:3, 4]

617

From blood: Many pagan cultures drink blood as a part of their diet. This was forbidden long before the Law of Moses. [Genesis 9:3, 4] It is known from 1st Century history that Christians were tempted in prison with blood sausage and they refused to eat it. The requirements laid down by the apostolic body for non-Jewish Christians were principles that existed before the Law of Moses. It is worthy of note that the non-Jews are not required: to observe the Sabbath, to observe Jewish festivals such as Passover, to abstain from non-kosher foods, etc. The lengths that a Christian may go to in order to “abstain… from blood” are a matter of personal conscience, particularly in medical matters.

AC15:21 For since the original generations Moses has had preachers in every city, as he is read aloud every Sabbath in the synagogues.” 618

618	He is read aloud every Sabbath in the synagogues: Jews would be familiar with the matters directed to the non-Jews. However, Paul is to write later to the Corinthians that despite this weekly reading the Jews remind blind. [2 Corinthians 3:14]

Acts 15:22-23a – Four Brothers Approved

AC15:22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, together with the whole congregation, 619 to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, 620 and Silas, 621 leading men among the brothers. 622

619	Together with the whole congregation: Note in verse 13 that the group is addressed as “Men, brothers,” using the Greek word for male. This may indicate that this conference, or congregation, was one of Christian men.

620	Barsabbas: Possibly the same mentioned at Acts 1:23 and therefore a most qualified man.

621	Silas: His Greek name is Silvanus [“Forest”]. He is to become a missionary companion of Paul’s for many years. [Acts 15:22, 26, 27, 32, 40; 16:19, 25, 37, 38; 2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1] He was also known to Peter. [1 Peter 5:12]

622	Leading men among the brothers: Or, chief men, prominent members, leaders.

AC15:23a And by their hand they wrote: 623

623	By their hand they wrote: It is possible Paul took the lead in composing the decree that would be sent out to certain congregations.

Acts 15:23b-29 – The Apostolic Letter

AC15:23b “The apostles and the elder brothers: to the brothers who are among the non-Jews in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia 624 – Greetings!

624	Non-Jews in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: It is interesting to note the letter is addressed to two primary regions, all north of Jerusalem. Antioch is a city, while Syria and Cilicia were Roman provinces at this time.

AC15:24 Since we have heard that some from us [Jews] 625 have caused you some agitation with words, 626 subverting your souls 627 – although we gave them no instructions 628 –

625

Some from us [Jews]: James means at least Jews in general, though it seems like from what he says after he means those he might have been Jewish-Christian elders in the Jerusalem congregation. These Judaizers would persist throughout decades to try to keep the disciples under the yoke of the Law of Moses.

626

Caused you some agitation with words: Or, KJV: troubled you wit words; WEY: disturbed you by their teaching; RIE: great distress of spirit among you by spreading misleading doctrines. We are not told if these Jewish teachers were rebuked, but the problem continues to persist throughout the Church. These Judaizers followed Paul and tried to mislead congregations.

627	Subverting your souls: Or, unsettled, upset, in doubt; BAR: unsettled your minds with their statements. Some manuscripts add: “saying: ‘You must be circumcised and keep the Law [of Moses].’”

628

We gave them no instructions: Or, no commandment, unauthorized, no commission, no orders. The phrase indicates a couple of things, including the fact the Jerusalem apostolic body was a center of authority in the Church and the newly forming congregations throughout the world would look to them as such.

AC15:25 it has seemed good to us – having come to unity of mind 629 – to choose men and send them to you together with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 630

629	Unity of mind: Or, unanimously decided, resolution.

630	With our beloved Barnabas and Paul: Barnabas is mentioned first as the senior though the words speak warmly of both men.

AC15:26 persons who have risked their own souls 631 for the sake of our Master Jesus Christ.

631	Risked their own souls: Or, endangered, risked, dedicated, devoted, sacrificed. [1 Corinthians 15:30; 2 Corinthians 11:23; Philippians 2:29] These are extremely devoted role models who serve as examples throughout the history of the Church.

AC15:27 So we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will report to you the same things by word of mouth. 632

632	Report to you the same things by word of mouth: To confirm the authenticity of the letter. As it turns out Silas travels with Paul to accomplish both. It is likely copies were made of this apostolic epistle to be delivered to various congregations.

AC15:28 For it has seemed good to the holy Pneuma, 633 and also to us, to put upon you no further burden than these necessary things: 634

633	Seemed good to the holy Pneuma: Or, TCN: under the guidance of. This phrase may refer to two factors: a] the evidence of the Pneuma on the work Peter and Paul were doing; and, b] the fulfillment of prophetic Scripture.

634	To put upon you no further burden than these necessary things: Or, TCN: necessary conditions; MOF: essential requirements; KNX: which cannot be avoided. Again it is noteworthy matters that are not mentioned, such as Sabbath observance.

AC15:29 abstain from 635 what has been sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, 636 you will do well. 637 Farewell.”

635

Abstain from: The order is changed. The list repeats what is listed above: a] things sacrificed to idols [something Jews would automatically avoid, but non-Jews would be severely exposed to]; b] blood [that is the drinking of it]; c] meats from strangled animals with the blood undrained; and, d] sexual immorality. See notes above.

636	If you keep yourselves from these: Or, guard against.

637	You will do well: Or, RHM: you shall prosper; BER: you will get along splendidly; PME: make good progress; NEB: you will be doing right. Note there is no threat of punishment should they not abstain from the above.

Acts 15:30-34 – Letter Read in Antioch

AC15:30 So after they were sent forth, [the four] left and went down to Antioch. 638 After they gathered the congregation together, 639 and delivered by hand the letter.

638	Went down to Antioch: Descending from Jerusalem and then sailing north 400 miles again.

639	They gathered the congregation together: Possibly a special meeting. There is no mention of just attending a regular, scheduled meeting.

AC15:31 And when they read it, they rejoiced at the encouragement. 640

640	They rejoiced at the encouragement: We can imagine their joy. These new non-Jewish Christians faced the thought they may have to be circumcised and then observe the Law of Moses. The news of this decision must have lightened their concerns considerably.

AC15:32 And Judas and Silas, who were also prophets, 641 encouraged the brothers with many discourses 642 and strengthened them.

641	Were also prophets: We know Paul was also a “prophet” as Acts 13:1 reveals. See notes on prophet at 1 Corinthians 12:28 and elsewhere. The next phrase indicates that a prophet was a speaker gifted with the spirit of exhortation and encouragement. Compare Romans 12:8.

642	Encouraged the brothers with many discourses: Or, exhorted, consoled. This is what Christian prophets do. The two main purposes of the Christian congregation are education and encouragement.

AC15:33 And after [Silas and Barsabbas] had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those [in Jerusalem] who had sent them. [[AC15:34 But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.]] 643

643	But it seemed good to Silas to remain there: This phrase [verse 34] is missing from some mss and found in others. It does seem to explain the appearance of Silas next.

AC15:35 However, Paul and Barnabas 644 remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word 645 of the Master, with [the help of] many others also. 646

644	Paul and Barnabas: Back to naming Paul first.

645	Teaching and preaching the word: A prophet preaches. A teacher instructs. One deals with fundamental principles and exhortation to encourage, while the latter details with details and deep matters. Both are needed in any congregation.

646	With [the help of] many others also: Or, RIE: with a band of fellow-workers. John Mark would have been included here.

Acts 15:35-41 – Second Tour Begins [49-52 AD]

AC15:36 And after some days remaining in Antioch, Paul said to Barnabas, 647 “Come, let us return and visit the brothers in every city 648 where we declared the word of the Master, and see how they are.”

647	Paul said to Barnabas: This is Paul’s decision or suggestion. He does not need instructions from Jerusalem to do his missionary work.

648	Let us return and visit the brothers in every city: Paul proposes a second missionary tour retracing much of his previous efforts. It is not enough to just start new congregation, for they need to be solidly fixed in the Truth.

AC15:37 Now Barnabas wanted to take along with them John Mark. 649

649	Barnabas wanted to take along with them John Mark: They were cousins. [Colossians 4:10]

AC15:38 But Paul thought it improper to take with them 650 one who had deserted them 651 in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.

650	Paul thought it improper to take with them: Or, not good, thought it wrong, did not approve.

651	One who had deserted them: Or, departed, withdrew, left, quit. Paul does not take such desertion lightly and he must have had deeper reasons that we are not told.

AC15:39 At this there occurred a sharp altercation, 652 so that they separated from each other. 653 Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 654

652

There occurred a sharp altercation: Or, KJV: the contention was so sharp; RHM: angry feeling; GDS: differed so sharply; PME: sharp clash of opinion; WMS: the disagreement was so sharp. The Greek word is PAROXYSMOS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3948] and literally refers to the bellows of the smithy, meaning adding air to the fire. Compare notes on Hebrews 10:24 where the word occurs in a positive form. Sinful human nature being as it is, the history of the Church experiences such disagreements – some times over personalities – and they are not likely to stop until the Master comes. [1 Corinthians 4:5]

653	They separated from each other: Or, PME: went their separates. This was not a permanent breech for Paul later mentions Mark in a favorable tone. [2 Timothy 4:11]

654	Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus: They do not quit the ministry but take a different assignment over 100 miles away.

AC15:40 Paul selected Silas 655 – who was recommended by the brothers 656 – and then they departed with the Master’s unmerited favor.

655	Paul selected Silas: Silas, also called in Greek Silvanus, becomes a long time missionary companion and likely co-writer [or, at least secretary/copyist] of several Pauline epistles.

656	Who was recommended by the brothers: Or, commended, entrusted, committed.

AC15:41 So Paul went through Syria and Cilicia, 657 strengthening the congregations. 658

657	Paul went through Syria and Cilicia: Completed the assignment from the Jerusalem congregation. This includes the congregations in two Roman provinces.

658	Strengthening the congregations: Or, bringing new strength to the congregations.

Review Questions on Chapter Fifteen