Acts 15:5
What does Acts 15:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 15:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 15:5 means
Some believers from the party of the Pharisees insisted that Gentiles must be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses. Their concern sought continuity with God’s past revelation but misapplied it to the new covenant inaugurated by Christ. They wanted Gentile converts to enter through the doorway of the law rather than directly through faith in Jesus. Luke calls them believers, showing the debate is inside the church, not merely outside opposition. Their demand, however, would bind Gentiles to the entire Mosaic yoke and effectively make Jewish identity a prerequisite for salvation and fellowship, undermining Christ’s sufficiency and the Spirit’s work among uncircumcised believers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But some of the Pharisees, who were of the faith, got up and said, It is necessary for these to have circumcision and to keep the law of Moses.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and there rose up certain of those of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying--`It behoveth to circumcise them, to command them also to keep the law of Moses.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But there arose of the sect of the Pharisees some that believed, saying: They must be circumcised and be commanded to observe the law of Moses.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And some of those who were of the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, rose up from among [them], saying that they ought to circumcise them and enjoin them to keep the law of Moses.
Context
After the initial reports of God’s work, the central objection is stated plainly. This crystallizes the issue the council must address: not whether Gentiles can be saved, but on what terms. Must they become Jews to be Christians? What follows is the formal gathering of apostles and elders to consider the matter. Peter’s speech will recall God’s prior decision in the case of Cornelius and emphasize the Spirit’s testimony and salvation by grace.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 26:5
having knowledge of me from the first, if they be willing to testify, that after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
- Galatians 5:1
For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.
- Acts 15:24
Forasmuch as we have heard that certain who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls; to whom we gave no commandment;
- Acts 24:5
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
- Acts 21:20
And they, when they heard it, glorified God; and they said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of them that have believed; and they are all zealous for the law:
- Acts 15:1
And certain men came down from Judæa and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 15
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 15.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About the Grace of God
Understanding God's grace helps us grasp His unconditional love and our salvation through faith in Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About God's Omniscience
God's omniscience means He knows all things in the past, present, and future, including every detail of our lives
Topic
Bible Verses About Doctrinal Reconciliation
Our Heavenly Father is a God of reconciliation, desiring to bring all things back into alignment with His perfect will and purpose.
What the Bible says about…