ACTS 15- The Freedom of the Gospel
Acts 15 is one of the most important chapters in the entire New Testament. It records the first major doctrinal conflict of the early church and how the Apostles discerned the will of God through Scripture, testimony, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It reveals how easily people can add unnecessary burdens to the gospel, how quickly culture can mix with faith, and how God protects the simplicity of salvation.
This chapter shows us that the gospel is strong enough to stand on its own and gentle enough to meet every believer where they are.
Acts 15:1–5 – A Demand for Circumcision
The church in Antioch was thriving. God had brought many Gentiles into the faith. Paul and Barnabas had returned from their missionary journey with testimonies of salvation and miracles. Yet certain Jewish Christians arrived teaching that Gentiles must be circumcised in order to be saved.
They were genuinely concerned for holiness, but they confused ceremonial laws with moral laws. Circumcision had been a physical sign under the Mosaic covenant. These teachers assumed that following Jesus required Gentiles to take on the full Jewish identity.
Paul and Barnabas confronted this openly because the purity of the gospel was at stake. If salvation required Christ plus something else then the cross was not enough. This disagreement became so significant that the church sent them to Jerusalem for a formal decision.
Acts 15:6–11 Peter’s Testimony
The Apostles and elders gathered for a full council. There was real debate and thoughtful reasoning. Scripture was considered. The ministry of Jesus was remembered. They were not casual with doctrine.
Peter stood and reminded them of Cornelius. Years earlier he watched God pour out the Holy Spirit on Gentiles who simply believed. God cleansed their hearts by faith. Peter confessed that even the Jews had never been able to perfectly obey the law. If salvation depended on perfect obedience then no one would be saved.
He concluded that there is only one way into the kingdom of God. Salvation is by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ for both Jew and Gentile.
Acts 15:12–21 James Confirms the Decision
James, the brother of Jesus, was the leader of the Jerusalem church. When he spoke, he spoke with spiritual authority and clarity. He affirmed Peter’s testimony. Then he quoted the prophets to show that Scripture had always pointed to this moment. God promised to gather a people for His name from all nations.
James insisted that Gentiles should not be troubled with ceremonial laws. However he encouraged them to stay away from practices that would unnecessarily offend Jewish believers. This would help the two groups fellowship as one body. It was not law keeping for salvation but wisdom for unity.
Acts 15:22–35 A Letter of Freedom and Peace
The council sent a letter back to Antioch. It affirmed that Gentile believers were full members of God’s family. It confirmed that salvation was by grace alone through faith alone. The letter also explained the few practices necessary for unity within mixed communities of Jews and Gentiles.
The church in Antioch rejoiced. The gospel had been defended. They were reminded that the Holy Spirit guided the church then and He guides us now.
Acts 15:36–41 A Sharp Disagreement and a Sovereign God
Paul wanted to revisit the new churches. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark again. Paul did not trust Mark because he had abandoned them earlier. Their disagreement became so sharp that they parted ways.
Yet God used even this tension for His purposes. The work multiplied. Two teams were formed. The gospel spread faster. Mark eventually matured and Paul later called him useful to ministry.
God wastes nothing. Not even disagreements.
Lessons for Today
Do not add to the gospel. Salvation is only through Christ. Not culture. Not rituals. Not personal standards.
God speaks through Scripture, testimony, unity, and the Spirit. Doctrine is discerned through community.
Cultural sensitivity helps fellowship. Love may ask us to restrict our freedom for the sake of others.
Disagreements do not destroy God’s plan. He can turn conflict into multiplication.
God chooses people from every nation for His name. The gospel tears down dividing walls that culture builds.
Prayer
Father I thank You that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned. Thank You for making the gospel simple and pure. Help me to guard my heart from adding burdens where You have offered grace. Give me wisdom to walk in unity with other believers even when our backgrounds are different. Teach me to be patient kind and humble as Peter and James were in discerning Your will. Strengthen Your church to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Use my life to bring glory to Your name among all people. In Jesus name Amen.