Acts 15:1

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Certain men [i.e., believers, see verse 5] came down from Judea [to Antioch of Syria] and began teaching the brothers this: You cannot be saved unless you are circumcised according to the custom [required] by Moses.

Cross References

Galatians 5:6

For in [our relationship with] Christ neither the practice of circumcision nor refraining from its practice matters in any way; but [all that really matters is having a genuine] faith [in Christ] that causes us to work [for Him] out of a genuine love [for Him and others].

Acts 15:5

But certain believers, [who had been] members of the sect called Pharisees [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion], began saying, “It is necessary to circumcise people [see verse 1] and require them to keep [the ordinances of] the Law of Moses.”

Colossians 2:8

Pay attention so that no one takes you [spiritually] captive through his philosophy and empty deception based on human tradition, according to the principles of the world and not according to Christ.

Acts 15:24

We have heard that certain [men] who left here have been upsetting you people and [even] undermining [some people’s] spiritual lives by what they have been teaching. This was done without our authorization [or approval].

John 7:22

[Now] Moses gave you [the ordinance of] circumcision and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath day. (Although it was [first] required by [your] forefathers and not Moses).

Galatians 2:1

Then, fourteen years later I went up to Jerusalem again, [along] with Barnabas, and I took Titus also with me [this time].

Acts 15:3

So, they were sent on their way with the backing of the [Antioch] church and traveled through both Phoenicia and Samaria, telling them about the conversion of the Gentiles. This brought great rejoicing to all the brothers [who heard about it].

Acts 6:14

for we [ourselves] heard him saying that this Jesus from Nazareth would destroy the Temple and change the customs handed down to us by Moses.”

Colossians 2:16

So, do not allow anyone to judge [i.e., condemn] you for what you eat, or what you drink, or regarding [your non­observance of] a [yearly] festival, or a [monthly] “new moon” observance, or a [weekly] Sabbath day.

Acts 21:20

And when they heard [all] this, they gave honor to God, then said to Paul, “Brother, you can see how many thousands of Jewish believers [in Christ] there are [everywhere] and all of them are eager to observe the [requirements of the] Law of Moses.

Acts 15:22

Then it seemed wise to the apostles and the elders, [along] with the entire church, to select men from their number and send them with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. So, they chose Judas, who was [also] called Barsabbas, and Silas, [who were] principal men among the brothers.

Acts 1:15

And during this time Peter stood up to speak to a gathering of about one hundred twenty persons.

Acts 15:23

This is what they wrote [in the letter]: “[This is] from your brothers, the apostles and elders [of the Jerusalem church]: Greetings to [our] Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia.

Acts 15:32

And Judas and Silas, who also were prophets, exhorted and strengthened the brothers with many [other] words.

Galatians 6:12

Those who attempt to make a good impression by trying to force you to be circumcised really want only to avoid being persecuted for their commitment to Christ.