Acts 15 6

Acts 15:6 kjv

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

Acts 15:6 nkjv

Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.

Acts 15:6 niv

The apostles and elders met to consider this question.

Acts 15:6 esv

The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.

Acts 15:6 nlt

So the apostles and elders met together to resolve this issue.

Acts 15 verses

Acts 15 6 Meaning

Acts 15:6 states that "the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter." This verse signifies the formal assembly of the primary leadership of the early Christian church in Jerusalem – both the unique, foundational apostles and the respected, local elders. Their collective purpose was to engage in a deliberate, thorough examination and discussion of the urgent theological controversy concerning the conditions for Gentile salvation, specifically the requirement of circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law. This gathering marked the official beginning of the Jerusalem Council's deliberations.

Acts 15 6 Context

Acts chapter 15 records the momentous Jerusalem Council, a pivotal event that addressed a critical doctrinal challenge in the nascent Christian church. The verses preceding Acts 15:6 detail the genesis of this crisis: certain individuals, identified as "some men from Judea," travelled to Antioch and began teaching Gentile believers that "unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved" (Acts 15:1). This directly contradicted the gospel message preached by Paul and Barnabas, causing significant "dissension and debate" (Acts 15:2). Recognizing the fundamental nature of this dispute and its implications for evangelism and church unity, the church in Antioch decided to send Paul, Barnabas, and others to Jerusalem to seek a definitive ruling from the apostles and elders. Verse 6 thus describes the formal initiation of the deliberative process by these recognized leaders, underscoring the severity of the "matter" and the corporate responsibility assumed in addressing it.

Acts 15 6 Word analysis

• And (Καί - Kai): A connecting particle, serving to logically link this crucial action (the convening of the council) with the previous description of the delegation arriving in Jerusalem (Acts 15:4-5) and stating their purpose.
• the (οἱ - hoi): The definite article, specifically indicating those well-known individuals who held recognized positions of leadership and authority within the Jerusalem church.
• apostles (ἀπόστολοι - apostoloi): These were the hand-picked messengers and eyewitnesses of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection, commissioned directly by Him to spread the gospel and establish the church (cf. Acts 1:8, Matt 28:18-20). They held foundational, divinely ordained authority in matters of doctrine and practice for the early church.
• and (καὶ - kai): This conjunction signals the combined presence and shared participation of two distinct but complementary groups of leaders, emphasizing unity and comprehensive representation.
• elders (πρεσβύτεροι - presbyteroi): Meaning "older ones" or "representatives." These were experienced, mature leaders entrusted with pastoral oversight, teaching, and governance within the local Christian community in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 14:23, 1 Tim 5:17). Their inclusion indicated a broad consultation and validation of the decisions reached beyond just the original apostolic circle.
• came together (συνήχθησαν - synēchthēsan): A verbal form indicating a purposeful and formal assembling. It implies a deliberate convocation for a serious purpose, not a casual meeting. This term signifies a formal gathering to address weighty matters, characteristic of authoritative decision-making.
• to consider (ἰδεῖν - idein): An infinitive from the verb 'to see', but in this context, it carries the sense of 'to examine thoroughly', 'to deliberate carefully', 'to investigate deeply', or 'to look into'. It signifies the intellectual and spiritual process of careful discernment and discussion rather than a superficial glance.
• of this (περὶ τοῦ - peri tou): A Greek prepositional phrase meaning "concerning this" or "about this," directing the focus to the specific subject under discussion.
• matter (λόγου - logou): From logos, meaning 'word', 'account', 'reason', or 'message'. Here, it specifically refers to the theological question or dispute regarding the necessity of circumcision for Gentile salvation. This "matter" was the pressing point of doctrine causing division and controversy.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the apostles and elders": This grouping emphasizes the dual leadership structure participating in this pivotal council. The apostles, as primary founders and doctrinal authorities, collaborated with the elders, who provided local representation and seasoned wisdom. This collective authority was essential to lend universal weight and acceptance to the council's decisions across the burgeoning Christian movement, uniting divine revelation with pastoral experience.
• "came together to consider": This phrase underlines the serious, intentional, and deliberative nature of the meeting. It wasn't an ad hoc discussion but a formal gathering for in-depth examination. The inclusion of to consider (ἰδεῖν) highlights that the leaders were committed to thorough discussion, listening to arguments, testimonies, and scripture (as later verses show) to arrive at a divinely guided understanding and resolution. This methodical approach established a model for future church leadership in addressing challenges.
• "of this matter": This concise phrase precisely defines the singular, urgent focus of the council. The "matter" (λόγος) encapsulates the core theological debate: whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law to be truly saved. This was not a peripheral issue but central to the definition of the Gospel, the scope of salvation, and the future identity of the Christian community, emphasizing the weight of their upcoming deliberations.

Acts 15 6 Bonus section

• The Power of Corporate Deliberation: This verse highlights that foundational truths and difficult questions affecting the universal Church are best settled not by individual pronouncements, but through prayerful, Spirit-guided corporate deliberation among recognized, qualified leaders.
• Organizational Maturity: The convening of this council shows a significant stage of organizational maturity in the early church. They had established leadership structures (apostles and elders) and a recognized process for addressing complex, potentially divisive, issues systematically.
• Avoiding Legalism's Trap: The "matter" being considered was fundamental to whether salvation would remain purely by grace through faith or be burdened by legalistic requirements. The fact that leaders prioritized an official gathering indicates the extreme importance of preserving the gospel's simplicity and freedom for Gentile believers.
• Historical Impact: The decision reached after this meeting, formally initiated in this verse, was critical for shaping Christianity as a distinct faith open to all ethnic groups, rather than a mere sect within Judaism, profoundly influencing the spread of the gospel to the entire world.

Acts 15 6 Commentary

Acts 15:6 marks the formal convocation of the Jerusalem Council, a foundational event illustrating how the early church addressed significant theological conflicts. This verse highlights the crucial collaboration between the apostles, who possessed unique authoritative insights as eyewitnesses and direct recipients of Christ's commission, and the elders, who represented the practical leadership and pastoral oversight within the growing church in Jerusalem. Their unified "coming together to consider" demonstrates a commitment to corporate discernment and problem-solving. The phrase "this matter" encapsulates the critical dispute over Gentile circumcision, which threatened to divide the early Christian movement. By convening this council, the church exemplified a pattern of addressing challenges through collective prayer, Spirit-guided deliberation, scriptural examination, and a reliance on authoritative leadership, rather than succumbing to internal fragmentation. This moment was vital for safeguarding the true Gospel message of salvation by grace through faith for all, Jew and Gentile alike, establishing a lasting precedent for maintaining unity and doctrinal integrity.