Acts 15:4

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

Acts 15:4 is part of the account of the Jerusalem Council, which took place in the early Christian community. This council was convened to address a significant question that arose among the believers at the time: whether Gentile converts to Christianity should be circumcised and adhere to certain aspects of the Jewish law.

In the preceding verses, we learn that Paul and Barnabas had been on a missionary journey, during which they witnessed the conversion of Gentiles to Christianity. Some Jewish believers, however, argued that these Gentiles should be circumcised according to the Law of Moses. This dispute led to the decision to bring the matter before the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.

In Acts 15:4, it is stated that when Paul and Barnabas arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church, as well as the apostles and elders. Here, the "church" refers to the community of believers, while the "apostles" refers to the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus, and the "elders" refers to the leaders or representatives of the early Christian community.

Paul and Barnabas "declared all things that God had done with them." This phrase emphasizes the importance of sharing their testimonies and the miraculous work of God in the lives of the Gentiles who had received the Gospel. They recounted the signs, wonders, and conversions they had witnessed, highlighting how God had been at work among the Gentiles, just as He had been among the Jewish believers.

This declaration aimed to affirm that God was actively accepting and embracing the Gentiles into the faith without requiring them to adhere to the Jewish laws and customs, including circumcision. The testimony served as evidence that the Holy Spirit was at work in the lives of these Gentile believers, confirming their place in the body of Christ.

The account of Acts 15:4 sets the stage for the subsequent discussions and deliberations that took place during the Jerusalem Council. Through this council, the leaders sought to discern God’s will and determine the requirements for Gentile believers. Ultimately, it was decided that Gentiles should not be burdened with the full weight of the Jewish law but should be encouraged to abstain from certain practices that would cause offence to Jewish believers.

Acts 15:4 demonstrates the importance of seeking unity and understanding within the early Christian community. The leaders, apostles, and elders listened to the experiences and testimonies of Paul and Barnabas, recognising the work of God among the Gentiles. This collaborative effort helped shape the decision-making process within the early Church and promoted the inclusive nature of the Gospel message.