Acts 15:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.

NIV: The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.

NASB: When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.

CSB: When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.

NLT: And there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message.

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

NKJV: When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.

Jewish Christians from the sect of the Pharisees had arrived at the church in Syrian Antioch, 300 miles to the north. They insisted Gentiles needed to convert to Judaism before they could be saved through Jesus' sacrifice (Acts 15:1). They and their message seemed to have the authority of the church in Jerusalem and of James, the pastor (Acts 15:24; Galatians 2:12). This is only an illusion, however (Acts 15:24). Their message wasn't from the church of Jerusalem, and it had nothing to do with the requirements of salvation. Their intent was to be able to worship Jesus while avoiding any persecution for doing so (Galatians 6:12). As Pharisees, they were used to the attention and honor they received for their pious lifestyle (Matthew 23:5–7). They ignored the warning that to follow Jesus was to suffer the same hatred the world showed Him (John 15:18–21).

James and the church in Jerusalem have rectified the situation by sending a letter via two representatives, Judas Barsabbas and Silas. The apostles and elders disavow the message of the Pharisees and embrace the church in Antioch. In addition, Jerusalem provides clear, simple guidelines for the Gentiles in the church in Antioch to maintain fellowship with their Jewish friends (Acts 15:22–29). The Gentile believers in Antioch know that both they and their faith are enough.

Acts 15:30–35 depicts the delivery of a resolution about Gentiles in the church. Jewish Christians from Judea had come to Syrian Antioch and insisted Gentile believers must first convert to Judaism. The Antiochenes took their objections to the leadership in Jerusalem. The church in Jerusalem sided with the Antiochenes, but required they make cultural concessions so Jews felt free to worship and live with them in unity (Acts 15:1–29). Now, the church in Antioch rejoices. Not only are they officially free from the Mosaic law, they are warmly unified with the apostles and the first church in Jerusalem.

Paul and Barnabas are in Syrian Antioch, home from their first missionary journey. Legalistic Christians from Jerusalem arrive and insist Gentiles must convert to Judaism. When negotiations fail, a delegation travels to Jerusalem to request clarification from Jesus' closest students. The leadership in Jerusalem agree with Paul and Barnabas. They write a letter that Gentiles should only make concessions, mostly dietary, which will ensure unity with the Jews in their congregation. After delivering the letter to Antioch, Paul takes Silas and Barnabas takes John Mark to share the letter to other churches they have planted.

Acts chapter 15 resembles Acts 11:1–18, where Peter testified before the leadership of the church in Jerusalem. His subject was how the Holy Spirit had fallen on uncircumcised and unbaptized Gentiles. Here Paul and Barnabas also testify that Gentiles are coming to faith in Jesus without being circumcised. The issue the leadership must decide is the extent Gentiles must be responsible to follow the Mosaic law. Their decision is that the Law is in no way required to be saved, but Gentiles should graciously make concessions so their Jewish brothers and sisters feel free to live in community. This forms a partial background to the rest of Paul's missionary journeys as explained in Acts.

The summary of the book of Acts is provided in Jesus' words in Acts 1:8: ''But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'' In Acts 2:1–13, the Christ-followers receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14—7:60 describes the rapid growth of the church in Jerusalem. Chapters 8—12 find Jewish persecution inadvertently spreading the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria. And in chapters 13—28, Paul and his companions spread the good news throughout the Roman Empire.