Acts of the Holy Spirit #23 - Acts 15:1-18
During the period of a long but unspecified time that Paul and Barnabas remain in Antioch (which is their main base, not Jerusalem), Jerusalem has heard of the events in Galatia among the Gentiles and God-fearers. Antioch is visited by unidentified people from Jerusalem teaching a stricter Torah observance with the practice of circumcision for salvation for Gentiles. Who were these men? who authorized them to come? is not explained. Galatians 2 describes Pauls view of this event and its effect on the community in Antioch. Even Peter (who is there) and Barnabas are persuaded by their arguments. Though Acts says that both Paul and Barnabas argue vigorously against them together. In Galatians 2 Paul says they were men from James. Although his conjecture may be mistaken as James later denies this. Paul probably writes the Epistle to the Galatians during this time period and as a result of the influence from Jerusalem.
A decision on the matter is needed, Paul and Barnabas are sent to Jerusalem, with other unnamed disciples, though several are thought to be Peter and Titus from Galatians 2. Despite revelations and miracles from the Holy Spirit, it is Jerusalem and a council of men that will decided the issue. What does that say about the role of the Holy Spirit in the creation of dogma? The Council of Jerusalem includes unnamed elders and the apostles. Apostles who had been with Jesus as His disciples, witnesses of the resurrection and filled with the Spirit at Pentecost remain fallible on the issue of Gentile involvement in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The journey to Jerusalem travels via Gentile and Samaritan territory, where they meet and strengthen the believers. Acts 15 now uses the word Brethren (Brothers) to include both Jews and Gentiles. In Jerusalem the Council is convened. Members of the Pharisee party (believers) begin the debate by insisting on circumcision and Torah observance of Gentiles. Peter then returns a rebuttal, he is well suited to do so, one as an apostle himself and also as the lead in bringing the Gospel to Gentiles in Acts 10 having witnessed the Spirits activity among them. Not to mention the heavenly vision and angelic visitations he has personally experienced. Note that the Holy Spirit is a sign of acceptance, not Tongues a sign of the Spirit.
Barnabas and Paul (note in Jerusalem the word order changed again, Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem), then share their experiences and successes amongst the Jewish and Gentile communities in Asia Minor. Note that both sides of the debate are believers, both can quote scripture to defend their positions although Luke does not record the argument for Torah observance. James stands up to give the summation of the council using Peters Hebrew name, Shimon and quotes the prophet Amos and concludes the decision in favour of Peter and Paul. Note that David’s Tent is the article to be rebuilt, not the Temple or Tabernacle at Shiloh. David’s Tent was special in that it gave full access to God, accompanied by a prophetic call to the Gentiles to seek the Lord and not Torah observance.