How does Acts 15:1 address the necessity of circumcision for salvation? Setting the Scene “Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ ” (Acts 15:1) What the Verse Reports • Jewish believers from Judea arrive in Antioch. • They assert a salvation requirement—circumcision “according to the custom of Moses.” • Their statement is absolute: “you cannot be saved” without it. • Luke presents the claim straightforwardly, signaling its seriousness but not endorsing it. Why the Claim Is Problematic • It adds a human work to the finished work of Christ (cf. John 19:30). • It elevates a sign of the old covenant to a gatekeeper of the new covenant, contradicting Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:13. • It ignores prior revelation that Gentiles received the Holy Spirit apart from circumcision (Acts 10:44-48; 11:15-18). How Acts 15 Refutes the Requirement • Peter’s testimony: “We believe it is through the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are” (Acts 15:11). • Barnabas and Paul recount signs and wonders among uncircumcised Gentiles (15:12). • James anchors the decision in prophecy (Amos 9:11-12; Acts 15:15-18). • The council issues a letter omitting circumcision as a salvation condition (15:23-29). Broader New-Testament Confirmation • Galatians 2:3-5—Titus, an uncircumcised Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised. • Galatians 5:2—“If you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you.” • Romans 2:28-29—True circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit. • Ephesians 2:8-9—Salvation is “by grace…through faith…not by works.” Key Takeaways • Acts 15:1 records a false gospel that adds ritual to grace. • The rest of the chapter decisively rejects that addition. • Scripture consistently teaches salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone, apart from circumcision or any other work. |
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