Act 15:1 | MHM | STEP | Controversy Raised at Antioch; Bigotry of the Jewish Converts This section describes a major disagreement in the early church at Antioch. Even when things are going well in a church, problems can suddenly appear. Here, the peaceful church was disturbed by a debate about whether non-Jewish (Gentile) Christians needed to follow Jewish laws, especially the practice of circumcision. This situation shows how old habits and traditions can cause arguments, even among believers, and reminds us to be careful not to make our own opinions into rules for others. v. 1 : Some men came down from Judea and started teaching the believers in Antioch that unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved (Acts 15:1 ). These teachers were likely former Pharisees or priests who had become Christians. They pretended to have approval from the apostles in Jerusalem and came to Antioch because it was the center of Gentile believers. They tried to be friendly at first, but then insisted that the Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised to be fully saved. This teaches us to always be alert, because even well-taught believers can be misled if they are not careful.

‏ Acts 15:1

Controversy Raised at Antioch; Bigotry of the Jewish Converts

This section describes a major disagreement in the early church at Antioch. Even when things are going well in a church, problems can suddenly appear. Here, the peaceful church was disturbed by a debate about whether non-Jewish (Gentile) Christians needed to follow Jewish laws, especially the practice of circumcision. This situation shows how old habits and traditions can cause arguments, even among believers, and reminds us to be careful not to make our own opinions into rules for others.

v. 1: Some men came down from Judea and started teaching the believers in Antioch that unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved (Acts 15:1 ^a). These teachers were likely former Pharisees or priests who had become Christians. They pretended to have approval from the apostles in Jerusalem and came to Antioch because it was the center of Gentile believers. They tried to be friendly at first, but then insisted that the Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised to be fully saved. This teaches us to always be alert, because even well-taught believers can be misled if they are not careful.