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border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.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/15-4.htm" title="Acts 15:4">◄</a> Acts 15:5 <a href="/acts/15-6.htm" title="Acts 15:6">►</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> Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, &#8220The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/acts/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> But then some of the believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and insisted, “The Gentile converts must be circumcised and required to follow the law of Moses.” <a href="/esv/acts/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” <a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and declared, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.” <a href="/blb/acts/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now certain of those who believed, from the sect of the Pharisees, rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses." <a href="/kjv/acts/15.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/acts/15.htm">New King James Version</a> But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” <a href="/nasb_/acts/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to keep the Law of Moses.” <a href="/nasb/acts/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, &#8220It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/acts/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But certain ones of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.” <a href="/lsb/acts/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the Law of Moses.” <a href="/amp/acts/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But some from the sect of the Pharisees who had believed [in Jesus as the Messiah] stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise the Gentile converts and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.” <a href="/csb/acts/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” <a href="/hcsb/acts/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But some of the believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, &#8220It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses!&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses. <a href="/cev/acts/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But some Pharisees had become followers of the Lord. They stood up and said, "Gentiles who have faith in the Lord must be circumcised and told to obey the Law of Moses." <a href="/erv/acts/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses. <a href="/gwt/acts/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "People who are not Jewish must be circumcised and ordered to follow Moses' Teachings." <a href="/gnt/acts/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> But some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and told to obey the Law of Moses." <a href="/isv/acts/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The gentiles must be circumcised and ordered to keep the Law of Moses." <a href="/msb/acts/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and declared, ?The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.? <a href="/net/acts/15.htm">NET Bible</a> But some from the religious party of the Pharisees who had believed stood up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise the Gentiles and to order them to observe the law of Moses." <a href="/nheb/acts/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses." <a href="/wbt/acts/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But there rose certain of the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. <a href="/wey/acts/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But certain men who had belonged to the sect of the Pharisees but were now believers, stood up in the assembly, and said, "Yes, Gentile believers ought to be circumcised and be ordered to keep the Law of Moses." <a href="/web/acts/15.htm">World English Bible</a> But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and there rose up certain of those of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, “It is required to circumcise them, to command them also to keep the Law of Moses.” <a href="/blb/acts/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now certain of those who believed, from the sect of the Pharisees, rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses." <a href="/ylt/acts/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and there rose up certain of those of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying -- 'It behoveth to circumcise them, to command them also to keep the law of Moses.' <a href="/slt/acts/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And certain of them from the sect of the Pharisees having believed, rose up, saying, That they must be circumcised, and to enjoin to keep the law of Moses.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But there arose some of the sect of the Pharisees that believed, saying: They must be circumcised, and be commanded to observe the law of Moses. <a href="/cpdv/acts/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But some from the sect of the Pharisees, those who were believers, rose up saying, “It is necessary for them to be circumcised and to be instructed to keep the Law of Moses.” <a href="/nabre/acts/15.htm">New American Bible</a> But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.” <a href="/nrsvce/acts/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But some believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary for them to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But some of the men who had been converted from the sect of the Phar’i-sees rose up and said, You must circumcise them and command them to keep the law of Moses. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But some of the school of The Pharisees who had believed stood up, and they were saying, “It is necessary for you to circumcise them and to command them to keep The Law of Moses.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But some of the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, arose, saying, that it was necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.<CM> <a href="/godbey/acts/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And certain one of those from the sect of the Pharisees having believed arose up, saying that, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. <a href="/haweis/acts/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But up rose some of the pharisaical sect, who professed the faith, insisting, That it was necessary to circumcise them, and to enjoin them to observe the law of Moses. <a href="/mace/acts/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but some of the sect of the Pharisees who had embraced the faith, started up, pretending that the Gentiles ought to be circumcised, and observe the law of Moses. <a href="/wey/acts/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But certain men who had belonged to the sect of the Pharisees but were now believers, stood up in the assembly, and said, "Yes, Gentile believers ought to be circumcised and be ordered to keep the Law of Moses." <a href="/worrell/acts/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But there rose up some from the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses." <a href="/worsley/acts/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But there rose up, said they, some of the sect of the pharisees that believed, saying, that it was necessary to circumcise them, and enjoin them to keep the law of Moses. <a href="/parallel/acts/15-5.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=4877" 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 Council at Jerusalem</a> 4On their arrival in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and apostles and elders, to whom they reported all that God had done through them. 5<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</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</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: pepisteukotes (V-RPA-NMP) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">believers</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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/139.htm" title="139: haireseōs (N-GFS) -- From haireomai; properly, a choice, i.e. a party or disunion.">party</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaiōn (N-GMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">Pharisees</a> <a href="/greek/1817.htm" title="1817: Exanestēsan (V-AIA-3P) -- From ek and anistemi; objectively, to produce, i.e. beget; subjectively, to arise, i.e. object.">stood up</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">and declared,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">“The Gentiles</a> <a href="/greek/1163.htm" title="1163: Dei (V-PIA-3S) -- Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.">must</a> <a href="/greek/4059.htm" title="4059: peritemnein (V-PNA) -- To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise.">be circumcised</a> <a href="/greek/5037.htm" title="5037: te (Conj) -- And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3853.htm" title="3853: parangellein (V-PNA) -- To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.">required</a> <a href="/greek/5083.htm" title="5083: tērein (V-PNA) -- From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.">to obey</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- 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/3551.htm" title="3551: nomon (N-AMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">law</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> 6So the apostles and elders met to look into this matter.…<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/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/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="/romans/2-25.htm">Romans 2:25-29</a> Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. / If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? / The one who is physically uncircumcised yet keeps the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. ... <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="/galatians/6-12.htm">Galatians 6:12-15</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. / But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. ... <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="/colossians/2-11.htm">Colossians 2:11-14</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. / When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses, ... <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Galatians 5:6</a> For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love. <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="/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="/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="/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. <a href="/jeremiah/4-4.htm">Jeremiah 4:4</a> Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.” <a href="/ezekiel/44-9.htm">Ezekiel 44:9</a> This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.rose up certain.<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="/acts/26-5.htm">Acts 26:5,6</a> Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee… <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5-8</a> Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; … That it.<a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1,24</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="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1-3</a> Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/15-4.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/acts/14-23.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/acts/11-24.htm">Believers</a> <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Belonged</a> <a href="/acts/13-28.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/acts/7-8.htm">Circumcise</a> <a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Circumcised</a> <a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/acts/13-47.htm">Command</a> <a href="/luke/1-79.htm">Direct</a> <a href="/esther/9-21.htm">Enjoin</a> <a href="/acts/14-27.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/acts/10-28.htm">Gentile</a> <a href="/acts/15-3.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/acts/13-39.htm">Law</a> <a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/acts/13-46.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/acts/1-16.htm">Needful</a> <a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/john/12-19.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/acts/12-19.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/acts/14-19.htm">Party</a> <a href="/john/18-3.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/luke/23-24.htm">Required</a> <a href="/acts/14-20.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/acts/5-17.htm">Sect</a> <a href="/acts/14-20.htm">Stood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/15-12.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/acts/16-1.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/acts/17-12.htm">Believers</a> <a href="/acts/16-14.htm">Belonged</a> <a href="/acts/16-18.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/acts/21-21.htm">Circumcise</a> <a href="/acts/15-24.htm">Circumcised</a> <a href="/acts/16-3.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/acts/16-18.htm">Command</a> <a href="/acts/16-11.htm">Direct</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">Enjoin</a> <a href="/acts/15-9.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/acts/15-23.htm">Gentile</a> <a href="/acts/15-7.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/acts/15-24.htm">Law</a> <a href="/acts/15-21.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/acts/15-28.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Needful</a> <a href="/acts/16-4.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/acts/16-4.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/acts/16-22.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/acts/17-29.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/acts/21-16.htm">Party</a> <a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/acts/17-9.htm">Required</a> <a href="/acts/15-7.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/acts/23-9.htm">Sect</a> <a href="/acts/16-9.htm">Stood</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'; 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The Pharisees were a Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and traditions. Their involvement in the early church indicates the diverse backgrounds of early believers. The fact that they "stood up" suggests a formal setting, likely the Jerusalem Council, where significant theological debates were taking place. This council was a pivotal moment in the early church, addressing the integration of Gentile converts.“The Gentiles must be circumcised Circumcision was a sign of the Abrahamic Covenant (<a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-14</a>) and a critical identity marker for Jews. The demand for Gentiles to be circumcised reflects the struggle within the early church to define the requirements for salvation and inclusion in the community of believers. This issue was not merely about physical circumcision but about adherence to Jewish identity and law. The insistence on circumcision for Gentiles was a point of contention, as it implied that faith in Christ alone was insufficient for salvation.and required to obey the law of Moses.” The "law of Moses" refers to the Torah, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil laws given to Israel. The Pharisees' demand that Gentiles obey these laws underscores the tension between Jewish traditions and the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. This requirement would have included dietary laws, Sabbath observance, and other cultural practices. The debate over this issue is central to understanding the early church's struggle to define the role of the Mosaic Law in the life of believers, especially in light of passages like <a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Galatians 3:24-25</a>, which discuss the law as a tutor leading to Christ. The resolution of this debate was crucial for the church's mission to the Gentiles and the understanding of salvation by grace through faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/believers_from_the_party_of_the_pharisees.htm">Believers from the Party of the Pharisees</a> These were Jewish Christians who had previously been Pharisees. They were zealous for the Law and believed that Gentile converts should adhere to Jewish customs, including circumcision. 2. <a href="/topical/g/gentiles.htm">Gentiles</a> Non-Jewish individuals who were coming to faith in Jesus Christ. The early church was grappling with how to integrate these believers into a community that had been predominantly Jewish. 3. <a href="/topical/c/circumcision.htm">Circumcision</a> A physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, as outlined in the Old Testament. It was a significant cultural and religious practice for Jews. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_law_of_moses.htm">The Law of Moses</a> Refers to the commandments and regulations given to the Israelites in the first five books of the Old Testament. It was central to Jewish identity and religious practice. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem_council.htm">Jerusalem Council</a> The meeting of apostles and elders in Jerusalem to discuss and resolve the issue of whether Gentile converts should be required to follow Jewish law, including circumcision.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_role_of_the_law.htm">Understanding the Role of the Law</a> The Law of Moses was given to guide the Israelites and set them apart as God's people. However, with the coming of Christ, the focus shifted from the Law to faith in Jesus as the means of salvation. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The early church faced challenges in integrating diverse groups. Today, we are called to embrace diversity within the body of Christ, recognizing that our unity is found in Him, not in cultural or traditional practices. <a href="/topical/t/the_sufficiency_of_faith_in_christ.htm">The Sufficiency of Faith in Christ</a> Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not through adherence to the Law or any other works. This truth should guide our understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_sensitivity_and_the_gospel.htm">Cultural Sensitivity and the Gospel</a> While the gospel transcends culture, we must be sensitive to cultural backgrounds and practices, ensuring that we do not impose unnecessary burdens on others in their journey of faith. <a href="/topical/r/resolving_doctrinal_disputes.htm">Resolving Doctrinal Disputes</a> The Jerusalem Council serves as a model for addressing doctrinal issues within the church. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the collective wisdom of church leaders.<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/purpose_of_the_jerusalem_council.htm">What was the purpose of the Jerusalem Council?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_sects_differ_from_cults.htm">How do sects differ from cults?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_early_christians_divide.htm">(1 Corinthians 1:10) If Paul’s call for unity was divinely inspired, why did early Christian communities continue to divide and form various sects? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_james_cite_amos_in_acts_15.htm">Acts 15:13-21 - Why does James cite Amos if the context of Amos 9 doesn't clearly align with the Gentiles' situation in this account?</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>(5) Certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed.--This is the first distinct mention of the conversion of any of the Pharisaic party, but there had been a drift in that direction going on for some time, beginning during our Lord's ministry (<a href="/john/12-42.htm" title="Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:">John 12:42</a>), and showing itself in the moderate counsels of Gamaliel (<a href="/context/acts/5-38.htm" title="And now I say to you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nothing:">Acts 5:38-39</a>). The position which they occupied was that of accepting Jesus as a teacher sent from God, proved by the Resurrection to be the Christ, and as such the Head of a kingdom which was to present to mankind a restored and glorified Judaism, the Law kept in its completeness, the Temple ritual still maintained, Gentiles admitted only on their confessing their inferiority and accepting the sign of incorporation with the superior race. It appears, from <a href="/galatians/2-1.htm" title="Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.">Galatians 2:1</a>, that here, as in so many later controversies, the general issue was debated on an individual case. Was Titus--a Greek, i.e., a Gentile, whom St. Paul had brought up with him--to be circumcised, or not? Was he to be admitted to communion with the Church, or treated as a heathen? Here, probably, there was no official rank as in the case of Cornelius, no previous transition stage in passing through the synagogue as a proselyte of the gate. He was a Gentile pure and simple, and as such his case was a crucial one. Circumcision, however, did not stand alone. It carried with it every jot and tittle of the Law, the Sabbaths and the feasts, the distinction between clean and unclean meats. It may be noted that the position which Titus occupied in this controversy gave him a special fitness for the work afterwards assigned to him, of contending against the party of the circumcision, with their "Jewish fables" and false standards of purity (<a href="/titus/1-10.htm" title="For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:">Titus 1:10</a>; <a href="/context/titus/1-14.htm" title="Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.">Titus 1:14-15</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Who for which, A.V.; it is for that it was, A.V.; charge for command, A.V. There rose up, etc. As soon as Paul and Barnabas had finished their recital of the conversion of the heathen to whom they had preached the gospel, certain Christian Pharisees who were at the meeting disturbed the joy of the brethren and the unanimity of the assembly by getting up and saying that all the Gentile converts must be circumcised and keep the Law. This, of course, would have included Titus, who was present with St. Paul (<a href="/galatians/2-1.htm">Galatians 2:1, 3</a>). The Epistle to the Galatians deals directly and forcibly with this question. <a href="/commentaries/acts/15-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δέ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. some 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. believers πεπιστευκότες (pepisteukotes) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. 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. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine 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. party αἱρέσεως (haireseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_139.htm">Strong's 139: </a> From haireomai; properly, a choice, i.e. a party or disunion. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive 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. Pharisees Φαρισαίων (Pharisaiōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. stood up Ἐξανέστησαν (Exanestēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1817.htm">Strong's 1817: </a> From ek and anistemi; objectively, to produce, i.e. beget; subjectively, to arise, i.e. object. [and] declared, λέγοντες (legontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “[The Gentiles] αὐτοὺς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. must Δεῖ (Dei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1163.htm">Strong's 1163: </a> Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary. be circumcised περιτέμνειν (peritemnein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <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. and τε (te) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_5037.htm">Strong's 5037: </a> And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also. required παραγγέλλειν (parangellein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3853.htm">Strong's 3853: </a> To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin. to obey τηρεῖν (tērein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_5083.htm">Strong's 5083: </a> From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine 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. Law νόμον (nomon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. 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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/15-5.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 15:5 But some of the sect (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/15-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 15:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 15:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/15-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 15:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 15:6" /></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>