A Doctrinal Error, Acts 15:1-35

This post concerns a doctrinal error taught in Antioch.

A Doctrinal Error discusses erroneous teaching about salvation, Acts 15:1. “…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.”

Paul and Barnabus disagreed so sharply that a group of appointed brethren went to Jerusalem to ask the apostles and elders about this matter.

After much discussion, Peter spoke and reminded them that God had poured out the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles without distinction, Acts 15:9. “… he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.” God did not mention keeping Moses Law.

Next, Peter said that the imposition of Moses’ Law on the Gentiles would put God to the test, because no one could keep the law.

IThen Paul and Barnabus related to the assembly their preaching and miracles among the Gentiles. They emphasized that God blessed their work with miracles. This showed that Gentiles need not keep Moses’ Law for salvation.

Finally, James spoke and reminded everyone that the prophets had foretold the salvation of the Gentiles in Amos 9:11-12.

Then, he gave a summary of needed actions, Acts 15:19-21. “Therefore… we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.”

These four sins came before the advent of Moses’ Law.

Then, they sent a letter to the church at Antioch along with Paul and Barnabus and several other brethren to let them know of their decision about this erroneous doctrine.

So, what did we learn?

1.Some taught a fallacy that for salvation, one had to keep Moses’ Law.

2.The apostles and elders refuted this mistaken teaching.

3.Gentiles should refrain from blood, things offered to idols, sexual immorality, and things strangled.

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