Acts 15
Jesus Alone: What We Learned from Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council
When we opened up Acts 15 this week, we knew we were stepping into one of the most pivotal moments in early church history. The Jerusalem Council wasn’t just a meeting—it was a moment where theology, community, and spiritual discernment collided in a way that still impacts us today. As we reflected on the text and wrestled with its implications, we realized how timely its message still is for our own church life, our cultural moment, and our spiritual discernment.
Let’s break it down together.
The Core Question: Is Jesus Enough?
At the heart of Acts 15 is a dispute that may sound ancient but is surprisingly modern. Certain Jewish believers were insisting that Gentiles must be circumcised according to the law of Moses to be saved. In other words, they were saying it was Jesus plus something else. Circumcision, the law, Jewish customs—these things became spiritual gatekeepers.
But Paul and Barnabas didn’t let this slide. They pushed back hard, entering into what Luke calls a “sharp dispute.” Why? Because this wasn’t just about customs—it was about the core of the gospel. If salvation depends on anything other than the finished work of Jesus, then we’re not preaching good news anymore.
And the church realized that. As leaders gathered to discuss and pray, Peter reminded everyone that God had already given His Spirit to the Gentiles. There was no difference between Jew and Gentile—salvation came by grace, through faith.
So they answered the big question: Is Jesus enough? Yes. Absolutely. Unequivocally. It’s Jesus alone.
How We Discern Truth in a World Full of Noise
One of the most beautiful parts of Acts 15 is how the early church handled disagreement. They didn’t rush to Twitter or their favorite podcast for takes—they came together. They prayed. They reasoned through Scripture. They remembered stories of what God had done. And then they came to a unified decision led by the Holy Spirit.
We live in a world full of information, emotion, and conflicting voices. Discernment today can feel more confusing than ever. But what the Jerusalem Council reminds us is that truth isn’t just a feeling or a trend—it’s rooted in the Word of God and confirmed by the Spirit of God.
We can’t let emotional storytelling or cultural pressure override the gospel. Experiences are real, yes—but they must always be interpreted through Scripture, not the other way around.
And this takes work. We need to know the Word. We need trusted community. We need to listen to the Holy Spirit. We need to approach decisions, especially spiritual ones, with humility and discernment.
Unity Without Compromise
The council could have ended in division. But instead, we see the Spirit leading them to a beautiful middle ground: unity without compromise. They didn’t require Gentiles to adopt all Jewish customs, but they did ask them to abstain from things that could cause confusion or division—like eating food sacrificed to idols or engaging in practices rooted in pagan worship.
It wasn’t about earning salvation; it was about living in such a way that honored God and helped the whole community flourish. There was freedom, but also responsibility.
That’s a word for us today too. We don’t add to the gospel, but we do live in a way that reflects its power. Grace changes everything—our hearts, our choices, and our relationships.
Key Takeaways for Us Today
As we closed our time in Acts 15, here’s what we carried with us:
Scripture is a gift. It’s how we know truth and grow in it. Let’s treasure it and study it deeply, together.
False teaching still exists. We need to be able to recognize it—and that comes by knowing the real thing well.
The gospel is Jesus alone. No add-ons. No performance. Just grace, received through faith.
Seek unity, but not at the expense of truth. We walk together in love, but we don’t compromise the core of the gospel.
Let the Holy Spirit lead. Like the early church, let’s make decisions with the Spirit and the Scriptures at the center—not just our preferences or popular opinion.
We’re so grateful to journey through Scripture with you, and we hope Acts 15 has stirred your heart and sharpened your faith as much as it has ours. Let’s keep walking together—grounded in grace, committed to truth, and led by the Spirit. Jesus alone is enough. Always has been. Always will be.
