ACTS 15:1–5
THE CONTROVERSY OVER CIRCUMCISION AND SALVATION
Text – Acts 15:1–5
1 Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.”
2 Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters about this question.
3 They were sent on their journey by the Church, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria they described the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.
4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Church, as well as by the apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them.
5 But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.”
Historical and Jewish Context
Circumcision was the defining sign of the covenant given to Abraham and later codified in the Mosaic Law. For devout Jews, it marked full belonging to God’s people. The rapid influx of Gentile converts raised an unprecedented question: must non-Jews fully adopt Jewish law to be saved? The presence of believing Pharisees shows that early Christianity emerged from within Judaism, carrying with it deep reverence for the Law. The journey to Jerusalem reflects Jewish custom of bringing major doctrinal disputes to recognized authorities for resolution.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage introduces the first major doctrinal crisis of the Church. Salvation is at stake, not mere custom. The Church responds not by fragmentation but by communion—sending representatives to the apostles and presbyters. This sets the foundation for conciliar decision-making in the Church. The issue highlights a central truth: salvation is God’s gift through grace, not the result of ritual observance. Yet the sincere concern of the Pharisee believers shows the need for patient discernment guided by the Holy Spirit.
Parallels in Scripture
Genesis 17:9–14 – Circumcision as covenant sign
Galatians 5:2–6 – Faith working through love, not circumcision
Romans 3:28 – Justification by faith
Ephesians 2:8–9 – Salvation by grace
Acts 11:18 – Repentance granted by God
Key Terms
Circumcised – Covenant sign under the Law
Saved – Participation in God’s life through Christ
Dissension and debate – Serious doctrinal conflict
Apostles and presbyters – Teaching and governing authority
Pharisees who believed – Continuity and tension within the Church
Conversion of the Gentiles – Evidence of God’s saving work
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 15:1–5 is proclaimed during the Easter Season, emphasizing the Church’s responsibility to safeguard the truth of the Gospel through unity and discernment.
Conclusion
Acts 15:1–5 reveals a Church facing a decisive question about salvation. Guided by faith and communion, the Church seeks clarity, trusting that God’s grace—not legal observance—brings salvation to all.
Reflection
Do I rely on God’s grace or on my own efforts for salvation?
How do I respond when the Church faces disagreement?
Am I open to the Holy Spirit guiding the Church into deeper truth?
Prayer
Lord God, You save by grace and call Your Church to unity in truth. Give me a humble heart to trust in Your mercy, patience to listen within the community of faith, and openness to the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.