Acts 15:1

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."

Study Bible

Some men came down from Judea
This phrase introduces the context of the conflict. Judea, the region surrounding Jerusalem, was the heart of Jewish religious life. The men coming from Judea likely held strong convictions about the Jewish law. Historically, Judea was the center of early Christianity, and the church in Jerusalem was influential. The phrase "came down" is geographically accurate, as Jerusalem is at a higher elevation than Antioch, where this event takes place. This movement from Judea to Antioch signifies the spread of Jewish-Christian teachings beyond the traditional Jewish boundaries.

were teaching the brothers
The term "brothers" refers to fellow believers, indicating that the audience was a community of Christians, likely Gentile converts. The act of teaching implies authority and influence, suggesting these men were respected or at least persuasive. In the early church, teaching was a critical function, as it shaped the understanding and practice of the faith. The Greek word for "teaching" (διδάσκοντες, didaskontes) implies ongoing instruction, not just a one-time statement, indicating a persistent effort to influence the community.

Unless you are circumcised
Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, deeply rooted in Jewish identity and religious practice. The Greek word for "circumcised" (περιτέμνησθε, peritemnēsthe) is in the present passive subjunctive, suggesting a condition that must be met. This requirement reflects the tension between Jewish traditions and the new covenant in Christ. For Jewish Christians, circumcision was not just a physical act but a spiritual and cultural identity marker. The insistence on circumcision for salvation highlights the struggle to understand the role of the Mosaic Law in the life of Gentile believers.

according to the custom of Moses
This phrase ties the practice of circumcision to the Mosaic Law, which was central to Jewish life and worship. The "custom of Moses" refers to the laws given to the Israelites, which included circumcision as a covenantal sign. The Greek word for "custom" (ἔθος, ethos) indicates a long-standing tradition or practice. This appeal to Mosaic authority underscores the perceived necessity of adhering to Jewish customs for salvation, reflecting the early church's struggle to define the relationship between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant in Christ.

you cannot be saved
The assertion "you cannot be saved" presents a theological crisis. Salvation, in Christian doctrine, is through faith in Jesus Christ, not adherence to the law. The Greek word for "saved" (σωθῆναι, sōthēnai) is in the aorist passive infinitive, indicating a completed action received by the subject. This statement challenges the core message of the Gospel, which is salvation by grace through faith. The insistence on circumcision as a prerequisite for salvation reveals the early church's struggle to fully embrace the inclusivity of the Gospel, which transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. This verse sets the stage for the Jerusalem Council, where the apostles and elders would address this critical issue, affirming that salvation is through grace alone, not by works of the law.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Men from Judea
These were Jewish Christians who believed that adherence to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, was necessary for salvation.

2. The Brothers
Refers to the Gentile believers in Antioch who were being taught by the men from Judea.

3. Judea
A region in ancient Israel, significant as the center of Jewish religious life and the origin of the men who brought the teaching.

4. Antioch
A major center of early Christianity where Paul and Barnabas were based, and where this teaching was being spread.

5. Circumcision
A physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, central to Jewish identity and religious practice.

Teaching Points

The Challenge of Legalism
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.

The Role of Tradition
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.

Unity in Diversity
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.

The Importance of Sound Doctrine
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.

The Sufficiency of Christ
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.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the implications of the teaching brought by the men from Judea for the early church, and how does this relate to challenges we face today?

2. How can we discern when traditions are helpful or when they become a hindrance to the gospel message?

3. In what ways can we promote unity within the church while respecting cultural and doctrinal differences?

4. How can we ensure that our understanding of salvation remains rooted in the sufficiency of Christ and not in additional requirements?

5. Reflect on a time when you encountered a teaching that seemed to add to the gospel. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 17
Discusses the covenant of circumcision given to Abraham, which is the basis for the teaching brought by the men from Judea.

Galatians 5
Paul addresses the issue of circumcision and the law, emphasizing faith in Christ over legalistic adherence.

Romans 2
Paul explains that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not merely a physical act.

Ephesians 2
Highlights the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility.

Philippians 3
Paul warns against placing confidence in the flesh, including circumcision, and stresses knowing Christ.