The requirements

Judaizers had gained traction in Jerusalem, which gave them the audacity to travel all the way to Antioch to spread their falseness. We’re talking first century here, the early believers some 15-20 years after Jesus’ resurrection.

Whether tradition still held a death grip or whether power beckoned, some early Jewish believers were already adding onto the teaching of the apostles. They proclaimed, “Unless you are circumcised, you cannot be saved.” (Acts 15:1)

Peter, in his first speech at Pentecost, hadn’t mentioned the Jewish rituals. Stephen, in his final speech, hadn’t brought up Jewish rituals. But these new believers were Pharisee-izing the gospel: there’s more, folks. You have to be a Jew before you become a believer. We’ll add a few helpful clauses to make it clearer.

The issue was now huge because Paul and Barnabas had been planting churches among non-Jews. Did these new believers have to first go through Jewish rites before they could be saved? Was there really a pre-salvation preparation that was required? Did they need a pre-salvation class or ritual?

Peter stood before the council in Jerusalem to proclaim loud and clear: “No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." (Acts 15:11)

Ah, but don’t they need to be washed and smell good before they enter the church doors? Don’t they need to quit smoking? Quit swearing? Quit gambling?

What if they spill/stain/shout/tear something in our building? Do they respect our holy of holies? Do they know about offering envelopes and silent prayer requests?

“No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

Acts 15:11