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(Galatians 2:1). Because Paul is so strong, scriptural, and anointed, he cannot be challenged by
the legalistic leaders at Jerusalem. Instead of directly confronting Paul, they retreated and
decided on a new tactic. After Paul has taught and is no longer present, they have come in and
persuaded the people to follow the law. They discredit Paul after he leaves so he would not be
there to defend himself.

PAUL AND BARNABAS SENT TO JERUSALEM BY THE CHURCH

Act 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and
Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the
brethren.

And being brought (propempo: sent, accompany, bring on a journey) on their way by the
church (at Antioch), they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the
Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Phenice and Samaria are mainly Gentile areas. They are rejoicing as Paul and Barnabas come
through telling of their many meetings and conversions in the cities of the Gentile countries.
The Gentiles in the cities rejoice when they hear of revivals.

Act 15:4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the
apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received (apodecheomai: received gladly)
of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done
with them.

The congregation and church leadership receive Paul and Barnabas gladly. They have not yet
been affected by the legalistic group within the church. The lump of leaven in the church at
Jerusalem has not yet infected the whole loaf. This will not occur until later chapters when the
Holy Spirit will warn Paul to no longer preach in Jerusalem.

The stories that were told to the church at Jerusalem were the missionary trips of chapters 13
and 14: the Gentiles receiving the new birth, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, divine healing,
miracles, and the establishment of churches and pastors. These types of results cannot be
disputed by people who love the grace of God.

PHARISEES REQUIRE CIRCUMCISION

Act 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it
was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.