Acts 15:24

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment:

Forasmuch as {G1894} we have heard {G191}, that {G3754} certain {G5100} which went out {G1831} from {G1537} us {G2257} have troubled {G5015} you {G5209} with words {G3056}, subverting {G384} your {G5216} souls {G5590}, saying {G3004}, Ye must be circumcised {G4059}, and {G2532} keep {G5083} the law {G3551}: to whom {G3739} we gave {G1291} no {G3756} such commandment {G1291}:

We have heard that some people went out from among us without our authorization, and that they have upset you with their talk, unsettling your minds.

It has come to our attention that some went out from us without our authorization and unsettled you, troubling your minds by what they said.

Forasmuch as we have heard that certain who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls; to whom we gave no commandment;

Commentary

Acts 15:24 KJV is a pivotal verse from the letter penned by the Jerusalem Council, addressing a critical theological dispute in the early church. It directly confronts unauthorized teachers who were causing significant distress and confusion among new Gentile converts.

Context

This verse is part of the official decree issued by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, including Peter, James, and Paul, following the Jerusalem Council described in Acts 15. The council was convened because certain Jewish believers, often referred to as "Judaizers," were teaching that Gentile converts to Christianity must be circumcised and adhere to the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law to be saved. This controversial teaching threatened to divide the nascent Christian community and undermine the gospel of grace. The verse clearly states that those spreading this doctrine acted without the council's authority or approval, effectively labeling them as false teachers.

Key Themes

  • Rejection of Legalism: The most significant theme is the council's definitive rejection of salvation by works, specifically the requirement of circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for Gentiles. This reinforces the core New Testament truth that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, as highlighted in Ephesians 2:8-9.
  • False Teaching and Authority: The verse explicitly identifies those spreading these doctrines as "certain which went out from us," yet clarifies, "to whom we gave no such commandment." This underscores the importance of legitimate apostolic authority and the danger of unauthorized teachers who "troubled you with words, subverting your souls."
  • Unity in the Early Church: The council's decision and this letter aimed to preserve the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, ensuring that unnecessary burdens were not placed upon new converts. This decision paved the way for the broader expansion of the Gospel among all nations.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "subverting your souls" (Greek: anaskeuazō) is particularly strong. It means to demolish, dismantle, or overturn, implying that these false teachings were not just confusing but actively destructive to the spiritual foundation and faith of the believers. It suggests a complete upheaval of their understanding of salvation and their relationship with God, leading to spiritual distress and doubt.

Practical Application

Acts 15:24 serves as a timeless warning against false teaching and the subtle dangers of legalism. Believers today must exercise discernment, testing all teachings against the authority of Scripture (e.g., 1 John 4:1). The verse reminds us that true salvation comes through faith in Christ's finished work, not by adherence to human-made rules or attempting to earn God's favor through works of the law. It encourages us to uphold the freedom found in the gospel and to guard against anyone who would add unnecessary burdens or conditions to God's free gift of grace.

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Cross-References

  • Galatians 5:12

    I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

  • Titus 1:10

    For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

  • Titus 1:11

    Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

  • Acts 15:1

    ΒΆ And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

  • Galatians 5:10

    I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

  • Galatians 1:7

    Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

  • 1 John 2:19

    They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.