Acts 15:2,3

PAUL AND BARNABAS SENT TO JERUSALEM. Acts 15:2-3.

Acts 15:2

And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and questioning with them, the brethren appointed that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

Acts 15:3

They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Acts 15:2-3 Paul's mind was greatly troubled over this difficulty and well it might be for it was even as he said, a matter upon which rested the decision as whether he was running or had run in vain. Either he was right in accepting the Gentiles in the way he had or these of the circumcision were right; there was no middle ground. There was only one thing to do and that was to go to the source of the trouble. this thought was strengthened, or possibly formed, by a vision which Paul had respecting such a visit (Galatians 2:1-2).

It was decided that certain others should go along. Titus is the only one named. The Antioch church furnished the means whereby the journey could be made. The hearts of the travelers were made glad by the warm hospitality of the churches in Phoenicia and Samaria as well as the way in which they rejoiced over the conversion of the Gentiles.

3.

THEIR RECEPTION IN JERUSALEM. Acts 15:4-5.

Acts 15:4

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church and the apostles and the elders, and they rehearsed all things that God had done with them.

Acts 15:5

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.

Acts 15:4-5 Notice carefully the actions of the party upon their arrival in Jerusalem. First, the entire church assembled with the apostles and eldersthe matter was laid before them all; doubtless Paul and Barnabas rehearsed to the congregation what they had told the church in Antioch upon their return from the journeys. But it was not received in the same attitude. The fact that a good work had been done was admitted by all but the one cloud on the horizon that blotted out everything else to one group present was that all these Christians were admitted to the fellowship without circumcision. Those who were of the sect of the Pharisees arose and said as much. In the statement here the dissenters went to the full extent of their position and said not only to circumcise such but to command them to keep the Law of Moses. The case had been fully stated and both sides had been heard; the assembly was dismissed and the matter was then taken up by those who had the authority to decide.

505.

Did Paul originate the idea of going to Jerusalem? If not, who did?

506.

Why was this an extremely important visit? Who went with Paul? Who paid the transportation expenses?

507.

What encouragement did they receive on the way?