Acts 15:2

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.

When therefore {G3767} Paul {G3972} and {G2532} Barnabas {G921} had {G1096} no {G3756} small {G3641} dissension {G4714} and {G2532} disputation {G4803} with {G4314} them {G846}, they determined {G5021} that Paul {G3972} and {G2532} Barnabas {G921}, and {G2532} certain {G5100} other {G243} of {G1537} them {G846}, should go up {G305} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419} unto {G4314} the apostles {G652} and {G2532} elders {G4245} about {G4012} this {G5127} question {G2213}.

This brought them into no small measure of discord and dispute with Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba. So the congregation assigned Sha’ul, Bar-Nabba and some of themselves to go and put this sh’eilah before the emissaries and the elders up in Yerushalayim.

And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.

And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and questioning with them, the brethren appointed that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

Context of Acts 15:2

Acts 15:2 marks a pivotal moment in early Christian history, detailing the intense theological debate that led to the first major church council. The preceding verse, Acts 15:1, sets the stage by introducing "certain men which came down from Judaea" who taught believers in Antioch that circumcision, according to the Law of Moses, was necessary for salvation. This teaching directly contradicted the message Paul and Barnabas had been preaching, which emphasized salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, irrespective of Jewish ceremonial law.

The phrase "no small dissension and disputation" highlights the severity and significance of this theological disagreement. It was not a minor squabble but a fundamental clash over the very nature of the Gospel and the path to salvation, particularly for Gentile converts. The decision to send Paul and Barnabas, along with others, to Jerusalem indicates the early church's recognition of the need for unified apostolic authority and collective wisdom to resolve such a critical doctrinal issue.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Theological Purity and Doctrinal Conflict: This verse underscores the early church's commitment to preserving the purity of the Gospel message. The "question" was whether salvation was by grace through faith alone, or if it required adherence to the Mosaic Law, specifically circumcision. This conflict was foundational to the identity and mission of the nascent Christian movement.
  • Church Authority and Unity: The determination to "go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders" demonstrates a respect for the established leadership and a desire for unity within the expanding church. It shows that even strong leaders like Paul and Barnabas recognized the importance of submitting to collective wisdom and apostolic authority for the sake of doctrinal cohesion. This established a precedent for resolving significant disputes through communal discernment.
  • Apostolic Leadership and Advocacy: Paul and Barnabas, having encountered the issue directly in their missionary work among the Gentiles, became key advocates for the freedom of Gentile believers from the Mosaic Law. Their willingness to engage in "dissension and disputation" shows their conviction and zeal for the truth of the Gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "no small dissension and disputation" is a strong rendering of the Greek, indicating a significant and contentious debate. The word "dissension" (Greek: stasis) implies a standing apart, a division or conflict, while "disputation" (Greek: syzetesis) refers to a close discussion, a debate, or even an argument. Together, they paint a picture of a serious and possibly heated exchange, underscoring the high stakes of the theological disagreement concerning salvation by faith.

Practical Application

Acts 15:2 offers valuable lessons for believers and the church today:

  • Addressing Doctrinal Disputes: It illustrates a biblical model for handling significant theological disagreements within the church. Rather than allowing division, the early church sought resolution through prayer, discussion, and appealing to recognized spiritual authority.
  • Upholding Core Truths: The intense debate highlights the importance of contending for the truth of the Gospel, especially concerning the nature of salvation. Believers should be prepared to defend foundational doctrines against teachings that compromise the simplicity of faith in Christ.
  • Seeking Wise Counsel: The decision to go to Jerusalem teaches us the value of seeking counsel from mature, godly leaders and elders when facing complex issues. This process of communal discernment helps maintain unity and ensures decisions align with biblical truth. The outcome of this council, detailed later in Acts 15:28, affirmed the inclusion of Gentiles without circumcision.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 15:22

    ¶ 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:

  • Acts 15:23

    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:

  • Acts 15:6

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

  • Acts 15:7

    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.

  • Galatians 2:1

    ¶ Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with [me] also.

  • Galatians 2:2

    And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

  • Galatians 1:6

    ¶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

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