Acts 15:6

Acts 15:6 describes a pivotal moment in the history of the early church: the formal convocation of its leading figures to address a critical theological and practical dispute. This verse sets the stage for what is commonly known as the Jerusalem Council, a landmark event where the apostles and elders gathered to deliberate on the requirements for Gentile converts to Christianity.

Context

This verse immediately follows the introduction of a significant controversy that arose in Antioch. Certain men from Judea had come to Antioch, teaching that Gentile believers must be circumcised according to the custom of Moses in order to be saved (Acts 15:1). This teaching directly contradicted the message of Paul and Barnabas, who had been witnessing the Holy Spirit poured out on uncircumcised Gentiles (Acts 10:44-48). To resolve this deep division, Paul and Barnabas, along with others, were sent to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders there. Verse 6 marks the beginning of their formal session to "consider of this matter," highlighting the gravity and importance of the discussion that was about to unfold.

Key Themes

• Church Authority and Governance: The gathering of the apostles and elders demonstrates a recognized structure of authority within the early church. They convened not just as individuals but as a collective body, acknowledging their shared responsibility to interpret doctrine and guide the community. This established a precedent for how significant doctrinal disputes would be handled.
• The Nature of Salvation: At the heart of "this matter" was the fundamental question of how one is saved. Was it through adherence to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, or solely through faith in Jesus Christ? The council's deliberations would ultimately affirm salvation by grace through faith, a core tenet of the Christian gospel (compare with Ephesians 2:8-9).
• Unity Amidst Diversity: The debate reflected the tension between the Jewish roots of Christianity and its expansion to the Gentile world. The council's decision was crucial for fostering unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, preventing a schism that could have severely hindered the spread of the gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "came together for to consider of this matter" (KJV) emphasizes the purpose-driven nature of their assembly. The Greek word for "came together" is synérchomai (συνέρχομαι), implying a deliberate gathering or assembly. The emphasis on "consider of this matter" (βλέπειν περὶ τοῦ λόγου τούτου - blepein peri tou logou toutou) highlights their intention to carefully examine, look into, and deliberate on the specifics of the controversy. This was not a casual meeting but a formal council dedicated to seeking God's will on a critical issue.

Practical Application

Acts 15:6 offers valuable lessons for the church today:

• Importance of Deliberation: When faced with complex doctrinal or ethical issues, the church should engage in thoughtful, prayerful deliberation, seeking wisdom from Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• Respect for Authority: The willingness of Paul and Barnabas, despite their apostolic authority, to submit the matter to the broader leadership in Jerusalem underscores the value of collective wisdom and accountability within the body of Christ.
• Focus on Core Truths: The council's ultimate decision, recorded later in Acts 15, prioritized the essential truth of salvation by grace over cultural or ceremonial practices. This reminds believers to distinguish between fundamental doctrines and secondary issues, striving for unity on what truly matters for faith and salvation.