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border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/14-28.htm" title="Acts 14:28">◄</a> Acts 15:1 <a href="/acts/15-2.htm" title="Acts 15:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/15.htm">New International Version</a> Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: &#8220Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/acts/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.” <a href="/esv/acts/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” <a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” <a href="/blb/acts/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But certain ones having come down from Judea were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you are not able to be saved." <a href="/kjv/acts/15.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/acts/15.htm">New King James Version</a> And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” <a href="/nasb_/acts/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” <a href="/nasb/acts/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, &#8220Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/acts/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” <a href="/lsb/acts/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” <a href="/amp/acts/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised in accordance with the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” <a href="/csb/acts/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved.” <a href="/hcsb/acts/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers: &#8220Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved!&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> And certain men came down from Jud锟絘 and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. <a href="/cev/acts/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Some people came from Judea and started teaching the Lord's followers that they could not be saved, unless they were circumcised as Moses had taught. <a href="/erv/acts/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> And certain men came down from Judaea and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. <a href="/gwt/acts/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Some men came from Judea and started to teach believers that people can't be saved unless they are circumcised as Moses' Teachings require. <a href="/gnt/acts/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> Some men came from Judea to Antioch and started teaching the believers, "You cannot be saved unless you are circumcised as the Law of Moses requires." <a href="/isv/acts/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then some men came down from Judea and started to teach the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the Law of Moses, you can't be saved." <a href="/msb/acts/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ?Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.? <a href="/net/acts/15.htm">NET Bible</a> Now some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." <a href="/nheb/acts/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." <a href="/wbt/acts/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And certain men who came down from Judea, taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. <a href="/wey/acts/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But certain persons who had come down from Judaea tried to convince the brethren, saying, "Unless you are circumcised in accordance with the Mosaic custom, you cannot be saved." <a href="/web/acts/15.htm">World English Bible</a> Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moses, you can’t be saved.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And certain having come down from Judea, were teaching the brothers, “If you are not circumcised after the custom of Moses, you are not able to be saved”; <a href="/blb/acts/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But certain ones having come down from Judea were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you are not able to be saved." <a href="/ylt/acts/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And certain having come down from Judea, were teaching the brethren -- 'If ye be not circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye are not able to be saved;' <a href="/slt/acts/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And certain having come down from Judea taught the brethren, That except ye be circumcised by Moses custom, ye cannot be saved.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> AND some coming down from Judea, taught the brethren: That except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved. <a href="/cpdv/acts/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And certain ones, descending from Judea, were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” <a href="/nabre/acts/15.htm">New American Bible</a> Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” <a href="/nrsvce/acts/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND certain men who had come down from Judæ’a taught the brethren, Unless you be circumcised in accordance with the custom of the law you cannot be saved. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But men had come down from Judea and were teaching the brethren: “If you are not circumcised in the custom of The Law, you cannot have life.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And certain men came down from Judea, and taught the brethren, saying: Unless you be circumcised, according to the custom of Moses, you can not be saved. <a href="/godbey/acts/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And certain ones having come down from Judea were teaching the brethren that, Unless you may be circumcised, according to the custom of Moses, you are not able to be saved. <a href="/haweis/acts/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> AND certain persons coming down from Judea taught the brethren, That if ye are not circumcised according to the ordinances of Moses, ye cannot be saved. <a href="/mace/acts/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a> However some that arrived from Judea, told the Gentile converts, unless you are circumcised agreeably to the law of Moses, you cannot be saved. <a href="/wey/acts/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But certain persons who had come down from Judaea tried to convince the brethren, saying, "Unless you are circumcised in accordance with the Mosaic custom, you cannot be saved." <a href="/worrell/acts/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And some, coming down from Judaea, were teaching the brethren, "Unless ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved." <a href="/worsley/acts/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now some that came down from Judea, taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised according to the law of Moses, ye cannot be saved. <a href="/parallel/acts/15-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=4830" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm">The Dispute over Circumcision</a> 1<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Then</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tines (IPro-NMP) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">some men</a> <a href="/greek/2718.htm" title="2718: katelthontes (V-APA-NMP) -- From kata and erchomai; to come down.">came down</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2449.htm" title="2449: Ioudaias (N-GFS) -- Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine.">Judea</a> <a href="/greek/1321.htm" title="1321: edidaskon (V-IIA-3P) -- To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.">and were teaching</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphous (N-AMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: Ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">“Unless</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/4059.htm" title="4059: peritmēthēte (V-ASP-2P) -- To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise.">you are circumcised</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">according to the</a> <a href="/greek/1485.htm" title="1485: ethei (N-DNS) -- A custom, habit; an institute, rite. From etho; a usage.">custom</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3475.htm" title="3475: Mōuseōs (N-GMS) -- Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.">of Moses,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynasthe (V-PIM/P-2P) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">you cannot</a> <a href="/greek/4982.htm" title="4982: sōthēnai (V-ANP) -- To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.">be saved.”</a> 2And 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/galatians/2-3.htm">Galatians 2:3-5</a> Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. / This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. / We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. <a href="/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2-4</a> Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. / Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. / You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Galatians 6:12-13</a> Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ. / For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28-29</a> A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God. <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Romans 3:28-30</a> For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law. / Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, / since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. <a href="/romans/4-9.htm">Romans 4:9-12</a> Is this blessing only on the circumcised, or also on the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. / In what context was it credited? Was it after his circumcision, or before? It was not after, but before. / And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. ... <a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Romans 14:1-3</a> Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions. / For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. / The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18-19</a> Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised. / Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts. <a href="/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2-3</a> Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh! / For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— <a href="/colossians/2-11.htm">Colossians 2:11-12</a> In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. / And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead. <a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Colossians 2:16-17</a> Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. / These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ. <a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-14</a> This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. / You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. / Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. ... <a href="/exodus/12-48.htm">Exodus 12:48-49</a> If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in the household must be circumcised; then he may come near to celebrate it, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. / The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.” <a href="/leviticus/12-3.htm">Leviticus 12:3</a> And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised. <a href="/deuteronomy/10-16.htm">Deuteronomy 10:16</a> Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brothers, and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.Cir.<a href="/acts/21-20.htm">Acts 21:20</a> And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:<a href="/galatians/2-4.htm">Galatians 2:4,12,13</a> And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: … the brethren.<a href="/acts/15-23.htm">Acts 15:23</a> 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:Except.<a href="/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5</a> But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.<a href="/romans/4-8.htm">Romans 4:8-12</a> Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin… <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1-4</a> Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage… after.<a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10</a> This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.<a href="/leviticus/12-3.htm">Leviticus 12:3</a> And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.<a href="/john/7-22.htm">John 7:22</a> Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.ye.<a href="/acts/15-24.htm">Acts 15:24</a> 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:<a href="/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18,19</a> Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised… <a href="/galatians/2-1.htm">Galatians 2:1,3</a> Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/13-36.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/acts/14-28.htm">Antioch</a> <a href="/acts/11-2.htm">Circumcised</a> <a href="/acts/11-3.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/john/16-8.htm">Convince</a> <a href="/john/19-40.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/acts/11-19.htm">Except</a> <a href="/acts/12-19.htm">Judaea</a> <a href="/acts/12-19.htm">Judea</a> <a href="/acts/14-1.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/acts/13-39.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/acts/10-47.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/acts/11-2.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/acts/13-47.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/acts/11-14.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/acts/4-12.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/acts/14-21.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/acts/14-1.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/acts/13-8.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/acts/8-31.htm">Unless</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/23-3.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/acts/15-22.htm">Antioch</a> <a href="/acts/15-5.htm">Circumcised</a> <a href="/acts/15-5.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/acts/28-23.htm">Convince</a> <a href="/acts/16-13.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/acts/15-28.htm">Except</a> <a href="/acts/21-10.htm">Judaea</a> <a href="/acts/21-10.htm">Judea</a> <a href="/acts/15-11.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/acts/15-5.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/acts/15-22.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/acts/25-1.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/acts/15-11.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/acts/15-11.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/acts/16-30.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/acts/15-35.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/acts/15-24.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/acts/16-7.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/acts/24-21.htm">Unless</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 15</div>1. <a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision.</a> 5. <a href="/acts/15-5.htm">The apostles consult about it,</a> 22. <a href="/acts/15-22.htm">and send their determination by letters to the churches.</a> 36. <a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together, </a> 39. <a href="/acts/15-39.htm">disagree, and travel different ways.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then some men came down from Judea Judea was a region in the southern part of ancient Israel, where Jerusalem is located. The phrase "came down" reflects the geographical descent from the higher elevation of Judea to other regions. This indicates the men were likely Jewish Christians, possibly Pharisees, who were zealous for the Mosaic Law. Their journey signifies the spread of early Christian teachings and the challenges of integrating Gentile believers into what was initially a Jewish sect.and were teaching the brothers The "brothers" refers to fellow believers, indicating that the early Christian community was already established in the area they visited. This teaching was not merely a casual conversation but an authoritative instruction, suggesting these men held some influence or authority. The early church faced significant challenges in defining doctrine and practice, especially concerning the inclusion of Gentiles.“Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (<a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-14</a>) and was later incorporated into the Mosaic Law. It was a physical mark of Jewish identity and religious commitment. The insistence on circumcision highlights the tension between Jewish traditions and the new covenant in Christ, which emphasized faith over law (<a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Galatians 5:6</a>). This issue was central to the early church's struggle to define the role of the Law in salvation.you cannot be saved.” This statement reflects a belief that adherence to the Mosaic Law was necessary for salvation, a view that was challenged by the apostles, particularly Paul, who argued that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone (<a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>). This controversy led to the Jerusalem Council (<a href="/acts/15-6.htm">Acts 15:6-29</a>), where it was decided that Gentile believers were not required to follow the entirety of the Jewish Law. This decision was pivotal in shaping the identity of the Christian faith as distinct from Judaism.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/men_from_judea.htm">Men from Judea</a> These were Jewish Christians who believed that adherence to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, was necessary for salvation. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_brothers.htm">The Brothers</a> Refers to the Gentile believers in Antioch who were being taught by the men from Judea. 3. <a href="/topical/j/judea.htm">Judea</a> A region in ancient Israel, significant as the center of Jewish religious life and the origin of the men who brought the teaching. 4. <a href="/topical/a/antioch.htm">Antioch</a> A major center of early Christianity where Paul and Barnabas were based, and where this teaching was being spread. 5. <a href="/topical/c/circumcision.htm">Circumcision</a> A physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, central to Jewish identity and religious practice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_challenge_of_legalism.htm">The Challenge of Legalism</a> Legalism can creep into the church, adding requirements to salvation that are not based on faith in Christ alone. We must guard against this by holding fast to the gospel of grace. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_tradition.htm">The Role of Tradition</a> While traditions can be valuable, they should not overshadow the core message of the gospel. Evaluate traditions in light of Scripture to ensure they align with the truth of salvation by grace through faith. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The early church faced challenges in integrating diverse cultural backgrounds. Today, we must strive for unity in the body of Christ, recognizing that salvation is available to all, regardless of cultural or religious background. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_sound_doctrine.htm">The Importance of Sound Doctrine</a> Teaching and doctrine must be rooted in Scripture. Believers should be discerning and test teachings against the Word of God to avoid being led astray. <a href="/topical/t/the_sufficiency_of_christ.htm">The Sufficiency of Christ</a> Salvation is found in Christ alone. Any teaching that adds to the finished work of Christ on the cross must be rejected. Embrace the sufficiency of Christ for salvation and live in the freedom He provides.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 15</a> <a href="/q/how_to_verify_acts_15's_historicity.htm">Acts 15:1 – How can we verify the historicity of this Jerusalem Council when non-biblical sources are silent on such a pivotal event? </a> <a href="/q/purpose_of_the_jerusalem_council.htm">What was the purpose of the Jerusalem Council?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_torahism.htm">What defines Torahism as a belief system?</a> <a href="/q/why_are_some_ot_laws_still_needed.htm">Acts 15:7–9 – If God supposedly made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, why do some Old Testament laws still appear necessary in the letter? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XV.(1) And certain men which came down from Judaea.--We enter on the history of the first great controversy in the records of the Christian Church. It might have seemed as if the conversion of Cornelius had been accepted as deciding the question which we now find raised again (<a href="/acts/11-18.htm" title="When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance to life.">Acts 11:18</a>). It would seem, however, that those who had raised objections to Peter's conduct in that case were not content to accept the conclusion which he drew from it, and it is not difficult to represent to ourselves the train of thought which led them to take a different view. To them it may have seemed the exception that proved the rule. Where signs and wonders came in, they may have been content to accept an uncircumcised convert as a member of the Church, simply on the ground that God had dispensed in such cases with His own law; or they may have urged that though, in such cases, they did not require circumcision as a condition of admission, the continuance in the uncircumcised state after baptism was a wilful transgression, which shut men out from the "salvation" which they were seeking. Circumcision, they may have said, had been given as an "everlasting covenant" (<a href="/genesis/17-13.htm" title="He that is born in your house, and he that is bought with your money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.">Genesis 17:13</a>), and had never been formally abrogated. Who were the new teachers, that they should change what God had thus established? It is clear that they came, claiming to speak in the name of James, the Bishop of Jerusalem, and though he distinctly repudiates having authorised them (<a href="/acts/15-24.htm" title="For as much as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, You must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:">Acts 15:24</a>), yet if we suppose, as is probable, that his Epistle was written shortly before the Council, we can easily understand that they might rest their case on the words which he had used in it, that "whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, is guilty of all" (<a href="/james/2-10.htm" title="For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.">James 2:10</a>). Here, they might say, is a point confessedly in the Law, and even prior to it; and they were not prepared to draw the distinctions which we have learned to draw between the positive and the moral, the transient and the permanent, obligations of that Law. And it is to be noted that they did not merely make circumcision a condition of church communion; they carried their principles to their logical conclusion--as mediaeval dogmatism did in the case of baptism--and excluded the uncircumcised from all hope of salvation. (Comp. the account of Ananias and Izates given in the Note on <a href="/acts/9-10.htm" title="And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.">Acts 9:10</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Came down... and taught for which came down... taught, A.V.; saying for and said, A.V.; custom (ἔθος) for manner, A.V. Except ye be circumcised, etc. The question thus raised nearly effected the disruption of the Church, and was the most serious controversy that had yet arisen. If the views broached by these Judaean Christians had prevailed, the whole character of Christianity would have been changed, and its existence probably cut short. How great the danger was appears from even Peter and Barnabas having wavered in their opinion. (For St. Paul's treatment of the subject, see <a href="/romans/2-25.htm">Romans 2:25</a>, etc.; 4; <a href="/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2-6</a>; <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Galatians 6:12-15</a>, etc.) The expression, Τινὲς κατέλθοντες ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰουδαίας, is so like that in <a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Galatians 2:11</a>, Πρὸ τοῦ ἐλθεῖν τινὰς ἀπὸ Ἰακώβου as to suggest very strongly the consideration whether Peter was not at Antioch at this time, and whether the scene related in <a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Galatians 2:11</a>, etc., did not precede, and in fact cause, the Council of Jerusalem. In this case the "dissension and disputation" spoken of in ver. 2 would include and directly point to the memorable rebuke given by Paul to Peter; and we should understand that Peter, accepting Paul's rebuke, preceded him and Barnabas, and prepared the way at Jerusalem for the solution arrived at. And, indeed, Peter's words at Jerusalem are almost an echo of Paul's words addressed to him at Antioch. If Barnabas had shown a leaning towards the Judaizing party, he would the more readily have been accepted by them as one of the embassy. The chief objection to this hypothesis is that in <a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Galatians 2:11</a> Peter's visit to Antioch seems to be spoken of as something subsequent to the journey of St. Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem. But it is not in the least necessary so to understand it. St, Paul's mention of his visit to Jerusalem might naturally recall the incident which had led to it, and which was another example of his own independence. Farrar places Peter's visit to Antioch between the Council of Jerusalem and the quarrel with Barnabas, in the time indicated in ver. 35 of this chapter (vol. 1. <a href="/acts/23.htm">Acts 23</a>.), and so do Conybeare and Howson (vol. 1. p. 238), Meyer, and Alford ('Proleg.,' p. 24; note on Acts 15:36, and <a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Galatians 2:11</a>). Renan ('St. Paul,' p. 290, etc.) and Lewin (vol. 1. <a href="/acts/13.htm">Acts 13</a>.) place it after St. Paul's return to Antioch, at the conclusion of his second missionary journey (<a href="/acts/18-22.htm">Acts 18:22, 23</a>). No absolute certainty can be arrived at, but see note to ver. 35. Custom (see <a href="/acts/16-21.htm">Acts 16:21</a>); τὰ ἔθη is the technical term for the Mosaic institutions, used by Josephus and Philo (see too <a href="/acts/6-14.htm">Acts 6:14</a>; <a href="/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21</a>, note). <a href="/commentaries/acts/15-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then Καί (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. some men τινες (tines) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. came down κατελθόντες (katelthontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2718.htm">Strong's 2718: </a> From kata and erchomai; to come down. from ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. Judea Ἰουδαίας (Ioudaias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2449.htm">Strong's 2449: </a> Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine. [and] were teaching ἐδίδασκον (edidaskon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1321.htm">Strong's 1321: </a> To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. brothers, ἀδελφοὺς (adelphous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. “Unless Ἐὰν (Ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. you are circumcised περιτμηθῆτε (peritmēthēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4059.htm">Strong's 4059: </a> To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise. according to the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. custom ἔθει (ethei) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1485.htm">Strong's 1485: </a> A custom, habit; an institute, rite. From etho; a usage. of Moses, Μωϋσέως (Mōuseōs) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3475.htm">Strong's 3475: </a> Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver. you cannot δύνασθε (dynasthe) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. be saved.” σωθῆναι (sōthēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_4982.htm">Strong's 4982: </a> To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/15-1.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 15:1 Some men came down from Judea (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/14-28.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 14:28"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 14:28" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/15-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 15:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 15:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>