Introduction:

1. In Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas faced a new enemy of the cross.

2. Their success among the Gentiles brought questions of Moses’ Law, prompting an apostolic meeting to resolve the issue.

Discussion:

I. The Conflict (15:1-5)

A. Some men from Judea came to bind circumcision on the Gentile brethren at Antioch (15:1).

B. Paul and Barnabas had a spirited debate with them, and the brethren sent them with certain others to Jerusalem to settle the issue (15:2-4).

II. The Conference (15:5-21)

A. After recounting their missionary works to the Jerusalem church (15:4), some believing Pharisees tried to bind Moses’ Law again (15:5).

B. After much dispute, three key figures argued the gospel’s case:

1. Peter showed God accepted Cornelius without circumcision (15:7-11).

2. Barnabas and Paul shared God’s confirmation in their works (15:12).

3. James showed God planned such long ago (15:13-21; Amos 9:11-12).

III. The Conclusion (15:19-29)

A. The determination was to put an end to troubling the Gentile converts with OT demands, save the most fundamental elements.

B. They chose two leading men from Jerusalem with Barnabas and Paul, removing any doubts that Judaizing was not part of the true gospel.

IV. The Consolation (15:30-35)

A. Upon returning to Antioch, the letter was read to the congregation, and its encouragement produced great joy (15:30-31).

B. Judas and Silas further encouraged them before departing, and Barnabas and Paul remained their ministering to the church (15:32-35).

1. The time of transition from the Old Covenant to the New was difficult.

2. Many would never accept the gospel, but there is no disputing that the apostolic gospel gave one set of terms for entering the kingdom.

3. As Paul told the Galatians, there is no other gospel (Galatians 1:6-9).