So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem
to see the apostles and elders about this question. Acts 15:2b
Summary: There came about, a great indecision on the question of whether or not the
Gentiles, who now believed, needed to be circumcised. Paul and Barnabas were
appointed as Delegates to go to Jerusalem to speak with the Apostles on this
issue. Three arguments are offered as to why the Gentiles should not have to be
circumcised.
The Apostle Peter relied on the soveriegn actions of the spirit as his
reasoning. Assuming that God himself led them to the Gentiles and that the Holy
Spirit led the Gentiles to faith, why should an extra yoke be put upon them.
They are saved by grace, just as the Jews are.
Paul and Barnabas took the floor and begin to speak about the many signs and
wonders that God had done through the Gentiles. These things couldn't have been
done without the presence of God.
The final decision was made by James, who refered both to Peter and the Old
Testament Prophets before speaking. It was his judgement that it shouldn't be
made more difficult for the Gentiles who were turning to God. It is decided that
they should be instructed to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual
immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.
Judas and Silas, two leaders among them, were sent with a letter to Gentile
believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia informing them of the results of the
council, and encouraging them in the faith.