“And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.”
My Notes
What Does Acts 15:6 Mean?
"The apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter." The Jerusalem Council — the first church-wide deliberative body — gathers to resolve the most divisive question in early Christianity: must Gentile converts become Jews? The apostles and elders don't ignore the controversy or suppress dissent. They come together to consider.
The word "consider" (idein — to see, to examine, to look into) describes a genuine inquiry. The outcome isn't predetermined. The apostles bring apostolic authority. The elders bring congregational representation. Together, they examine the evidence, hear testimony, and reach a conclusion. The process is communal, deliberative, and Spirit-led.
The phrase "this matter" (logou toutou — this word, this issue) treats the question with appropriate weight. It's not a minor administrative detail. It's the question that will determine whether Christianity remains a Jewish sect or becomes a universal faith.
Reflection Questions
- 1.How does your community handle divisive issues — with deliberation or division?
- 2.What makes the Jerusalem Council's process a model for decision-making?
- 3.What 'matter' in your community needs apostles and elders to 'come together for to consider'?
- 4.How do you involve the Spirit in group decisions rather than just human debate?
Devotional
They came together to consider. Not to rubber-stamp a decision already made. Not to fight. To consider. The apostles and elders gathered around the most explosive question in the early church and treated it with the seriousness it deserved.
The Jerusalem Council is the model for how the church should handle divisive issues: by gathering, considering, hearing testimony, and reaching Spirit-led conclusions together. Not by one person deciding for everyone. Not by splitting into factions that refuse to talk. By coming together.
The question they're considering would determine the entire future of Christianity: must Gentiles become Jews to follow Jesus? If the answer is yes, Christianity stays small, ethnic, and culturally restricted. If the answer is no, Christianity becomes the most inclusive movement in human history. The stakes couldn't be higher.
The process included debate (verse 7 — "much disputing"), testimony (Peter, Barnabas, and Paul share experiences), Scripture (James quotes Amos), and the Spirit's guidance (verse 28 — "it seemed good to the Holy Ghost"). Every dimension was engaged: experience, word, Spirit, and community.
How does your community handle divisive questions? With deliberation or with division? With consideration or with conflict? The Jerusalem Council shows that the hardest questions can be addressed without splitting — if the leaders are willing to come together, listen, and let the Spirit guide.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
And the apostles and elders came together,.... And also the brethren, or private members of the church, even the whole…
And the apostles and elders ... - They came together in accordance with the authority in Mat 18:19-20. It would seem,…
The apostles and elders came together - This was the first council ever held in the Christian Church; and we find that…
We have here a council called, not by writ, but by consent, on this occasion (Act 15:6): The apostles and presbyters…
The Council at Jerusalem; the debate and the speech of Peter. Narration of the work of Barnabas and Paul
6. And the…
Cross References
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