Acts 15:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the apostles {G652} and {G2532} elders {G4245} came together {G4863} for to consider {G1492} of {G4012} this {G5127} matter {G3056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The emissaries and the elders met to look into this matter.

Berean Standard Bible

So the apostles and elders met to look into this matter.

American Standard Version

And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:6 marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, detailing the formal convocation of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for the renowned Jerusalem Council, a critical assembly convened to address the contentious theological and practical dispute regarding the necessity of circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for Gentile converts to Christianity. It highlights the deliberate and authoritative gathering of the church's leadership to seek divine wisdom and resolve a matter of profound doctrinal and communal significance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the escalation of a significant theological controversy that originated in Antioch. In [Acts 15:1](/acts/15-1 "Acts 15:1 - The Circumcision Controversy"), certain men from Judea began teaching that Gentile believers must be circumcised according to the custom of Moses to be saved. This teaching directly challenged the gospel message proclaimed by Paul and Barnabas, who had witnessed the Holy Spirit empowering uncircumcised Gentiles (as seen in [Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "Acts 10:44-48 - Peter and Cornelius")). The ensuing "no small dissension and debate" ([Acts 15:2](/acts/15-2 "Acts 15:2 - Paul and Barnabas sent to Jerusalem")) necessitated a formal resolution. Consequently, Paul, Barnabas, and others were appointed to go to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders on "this question," leading directly to the assembly described in verse 6. The verse thus signals the transition from initial dispute to formal deliberation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jerusalem Council, convened around 49 AD, was a landmark event that shaped the future trajectory of Christianity. At its core was the tension between the Jewish origins of the faith and its burgeoning expansion into the Gentile world. Jewish Christians, particularly those from a Pharisaic background ([Acts 15:5](/acts/15-5 "Acts 15:5 - Believers from the Pharisees")), believed that Gentile converts should fully embrace Judaism, including circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law, to truly become part of God's people. This perspective stemmed from centuries of Jewish identity rooted in the covenant with Abraham and the Law given through Moses. Conversely, the experiences of Paul, Barnabas, and Peter demonstrated God's Spirit being poured out on Gentiles without these prerequisites, challenging deeply ingrained cultural and religious norms. The council's decision would determine whether Christianity would remain a sect within Judaism or emerge as a distinct, universal faith accessible to all humanity.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 15:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Church Authority and Governance**. The gathering of the apostles and elders demonstrates a recognized, collective leadership structure within the early church, highlighting their shared responsibility to interpret doctrine and guide the nascent community. This established a vital precedent for how significant doctrinal disputes would be handled through communal discernment, rather than individual decree. Secondly, the verse introduces the central theme of the **Nature of Salvation**. The "matter" under consideration was nothing less than the fundamental question of how one is saved: through adherence to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, or solely through faith in Jesus Christ. The council's subsequent deliberations, recorded in [Acts 15:7-21](/acts/15-7-21 "Acts 15:7-21 - The Speeches of Peter, Barnabas, Paul, and James"), would ultimately affirm salvation by grace through faith, a core tenet of the Christian gospel, echoing later Pauline epistles like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Finally, the assembly highlights the theme of **Unity Amidst Diversity**. The debate reflected the profound tension between Christianity's Jewish roots and its rapid expansion among Gentiles. 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 and fragmented the body of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Apostles (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** Derived from the verb `apostellō` (to send forth), an `apóstolos` is fundamentally "a delegate" or "one sent." In the New Testament, it refers specifically to an ambassador of the Gospel, officially a commissioner of Christ with miraculous powers. These were individuals directly commissioned by Jesus, serving as foundational pillars of the church, bearing unique authority and responsibility in establishing doctrine and practice. Their presence at the council signifies the highest level of spiritual and doctrinal authority being brought to bear on the issue.
* **Elders (Greek, _presbýteros'_):** This term literally means "older" and, as a noun, refers to a senior or an elder. In the context of the early church, it designates a recognized leader or overseer within the local Christian community, parallel to the elders in Jewish synagogues. These were men of spiritual maturity and wisdom, responsible for the pastoral care, teaching, and governance of the church. Their inclusion alongside the apostles underscores the collaborative and representative nature of the early church's leadership structure.
* **Matter (Greek, _lógos'_):** While often translated as "word," `lógos` is a rich term encompassing "something said (including the thought)," "a topic," "subject of discourse," "reasoning," "utterance," or even "tidings." In Acts 15:6, "this matter" (τοῦ λόγου τούτου) refers to the entire complex issue of Gentile salvation and the Mosaic Law. It signifies not just a simple question but a weighty theological discourse, a significant point of contention requiring careful thought, communication, and resolution. The use of `lógos` emphasizes the intellectual and doctrinal gravity of the dispute.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the apostles and elders":** This phrase identifies the key participants in the assembly. "Apostles" refers to the original, divinely appointed witnesses and authoritative teachers of Christ's gospel, while "elders" refers to the local, established leaders of the Jerusalem church. Their joint presence indicates a unified, authoritative body representing both the foundational leadership of the universal church and the established leadership of the local congregation.
* **"came together":** The Greek term `synágō` (G4863) implies a deliberate act of assembling or convening. This was not a casual meeting but a formal gathering, indicating the seriousness with which the issue was approached. It suggests a structured process of deliberation, emphasizing the collective wisdom and authority of the gathered leaders.
* **"for to consider of this matter":** This clause states the explicit purpose of their assembly. The phrase "to consider" (from `eídō`, G1492) means "to see," "to perceive," or "to know," implying a thorough examination, careful deliberation, and seeking of understanding. "This matter" (from `lógos`, G3056, and `toútou`, G5127) refers to the specific, pressing theological and practical question of Gentile inclusion and the Mosaic Law. This highlights the council's intention to engage in deep theological reflection and discernment to arrive at a definitive resolution.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 15:6, though brief, employs several effective literary devices. Its **Conciseness** allows it to serve as a powerful transition, moving the narrative from the initial controversy to the formal process of resolution. The verse's **Formal Tone** is conveyed through the identification of "apostles and elders" as the deliberating body and the stated purpose "for to consider of this matter," signaling the gravity and official nature of the event. This formality underscores the importance of the decisions to be made. Furthermore, the verse functions as a crucial point of **Narrative Progression**, building anticipation for the speeches and final verdict that will follow. It marks the shift from argument and travel to the actual, structured engagement with the core issue, propelling the story towards its resolution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 15:6 provides a foundational theological blueprint for how the church, across generations, should approach significant doctrinal and practical challenges. It illustrates the principle of communal discernment, where Spirit-gifted leaders, grounded in Scripture and guided by prayer, come together to seek God's will for the Body of Christ. This process underscores the belief that God provides wisdom and clarity to His church through its appointed leadership, ensuring doctrinal purity and unity. The council's willingness to engage in robust debate, yet ultimately submit to collective wisdom, serves as a model for healthy church governance and conflict resolution, prioritizing the truth of the gospel and the unity of believers over personal preferences or cultural traditions.

* [Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Where two or three are gathered in My name")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is not a God of confusion")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 15:6 offers profound lessons for believers and churches today. It reminds us that navigating complex theological or ethical issues requires thoughtful, prayerful deliberation, not hasty decisions or individual pronouncements. The example of the apostles and elders gathering to "consider of this matter" emphasizes the value of collective wisdom, humble submission to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and a deep commitment to biblical truth. In an age of division and diverse opinions, the church is called to emulate this model: to engage in respectful dialogue, to seek unity on essential doctrines, and to prioritize the mission of the gospel over secondary matters. It challenges us to ask whether our church structures facilitate such discernment and whether we are willing to submit to the collective wisdom of godly leaders.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the example of the Jerusalem Council inform our approach to resolving theological or ethical disagreements within the church today?**
* **What is the role of collective leadership and discernment in maintaining the unity and doctrinal purity of the church?**
* **In what ways can individual believers contribute to a spirit of thoughtful deliberation and humble submission when facing difficult questions in their faith community?**

### FAQ

**What was the "matter" that the apostles and elders came together to consider?**

Answer: The "matter" was the critical theological and practical question of whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law (specifically, the customs of Moses) in order to be saved. This issue arose because certain Jewish believers from Judea were teaching in Antioch that circumcision was a prerequisite for salvation, directly contradicting the gospel preached by Paul and Barnabas, who emphasized salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone ([Acts 15:1-2](/acts/15-1-2 "Acts 15:1-2 - The Dispute in Antioch")). The council was convened to provide a definitive, authoritative answer to this fundamental question that threatened to divide the early church.

**Why was it important for both "apostles" and "elders" to be present at this council?**

Answer: The presence of both "apostles" and "elders" was crucial for several reasons. The apostles, such as Peter and John, were the original eyewitnesses of Christ's ministry, resurrection, and ascension, and had been directly commissioned by Him ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). They carried unique, foundational authority in establishing Christian doctrine and practice. The elders, on the other hand, represented the established, local leadership of the Jerusalem church, providing practical wisdom, pastoral insight, and a connection to the broader community of believers. Their combined presence ensured that the decision would be rooted in apostolic authority, grounded in the experience of the local church, and accepted as legitimate by the wider Christian community, fostering unity and preventing schism ([Acts 15:22-29](/acts/15-22-29 "Acts 15:22-29 - The Council's Letter")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 15:6, while describing a procedural step, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. The very "matter" under consideration—the terms of salvation for Gentiles—revolves entirely around the sufficiency of Christ's work. The council's eventual decision, affirming salvation by grace through faith apart from the Law, directly upholds the finished work of Jesus on the cross as the sole means of reconciliation with God. The apostles and elders, as Christ's appointed servants, were gathered to discern and declare what the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, desired for His expanding body. Their collective wisdom, guided by the Holy Spirit (who is the Spirit of Christ), ensured that the church would remain true to the gospel that centers on Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection, not human effort or ritual adherence. This pivotal meeting preserved the purity of the gospel, allowing the message of Christ's universal Lordship to extend unhindered to "the uttermost part of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Jesus' Final Instructions")), fulfilling His commission and demonstrating His active guidance over His church as its living Head ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 15:22

¶ Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

Acts 15:25

It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Hebrews 13:7

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.

Acts 21:18

And the [day] following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

Acts 6:2

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

Acts 15:4

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and [of] the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.