Acts 15:4 describes the arrival of Paul and Barnabas in Jerusalem after their first missionary journey. Let's break down the meaning:
"When they had come to Jerusalem...": Paul and Barnabas are returning to the central church in Jerusalem, the headquarters of the Christian movement. This is significant because Jerusalem was considered the center of Jewish faith and the early church's roots were there.
"...they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders...": They received a formal welcome.
The assembly (or church): This refers to the general body of believers in Jerusalem. They represented the wider Christian community.
The apostles: These were the original twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. Their authority and leadership were highly respected.
The elders: These were respected leaders and teachers within the Jerusalem church. They likely oversaw the day-to-day operations and pastoral care of the community.
The verse highlights the importance of community and accountability in the early church. Paul and Barnabas aren't acting independently; they're submitting their work and experience to the collective wisdom and authority of the church leaders in Jerusalem.
"...and they reported all things that God had done with them.": This is the core of the verse. Paul and Barnabas gave an account of their missionary journey.
"Reported all things": They likely shared details of their travels, the people they encountered, the messages they preached, the miracles they witnessed, and the conversions they experienced.
"That God had done with them": This is crucial. Paul and Barnabas emphasize that their success was not due to their own abilities or efforts, but due to God's work through them. They are giving God the glory for the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church among the Gentiles (non-Jewish people).
In summary, Acts 15:4 shows:
The importance of the Jerusalem church as a central authority.
The value of community and accountability within the early church.
The focus on God's power and work in the spread of the gospel.
That they shared their experiences of God's work amongst the gentiles.
This verse sets the stage for the important council in Jerusalem (described in the rest of Acts 15), where the issue of whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law to be saved would be debated. The account by Paul and Barnabas was crucial in influencing the outcome of that council.
Acts 15:4 describes the arrival of Paul and Barnabas in Jerusalem after their first missionary journey. Let's break down the meaning:
"When they had come to Jerusalem...": Paul and Barnabas are returning to the central church in Jerusalem, the headquarters of the Christian movement. This is significant because Jerusalem was considered the center of Jewish faith and the early church's roots were there.
"...they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders...": They received a formal welcome.
The assembly (or church): This refers to the general body of believers in Jerusalem. They represented the wider Christian community.
The apostles: These were the original twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. Their authority and leadership were highly respected.
The elders: These were respected leaders and teachers within the Jerusalem church. They likely oversaw the day-to-day operations and pastoral care of the community.
The verse highlights the importance of community and accountability in the early church. Paul and Barnabas aren't acting independently; they're submitting their work and experience to the collective wisdom and authority of the church leaders in Jerusalem.
"...and they reported all things that God had done with them.": This is the core of the verse. Paul and Barnabas gave an account of their missionary journey.
"Reported all things": They likely shared details of their travels, the people they encountered, the messages they preached, the miracles they witnessed, and the conversions they experienced.
"That God had done with them": This is crucial. Paul and Barnabas emphasize that their success was not due to their own abilities or efforts, but due to God's work through them. They are giving God the glory for the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church among the Gentiles (non-Jewish people).
In summary, Acts 15:4 shows:
The importance of the Jerusalem church as a central authority.
The value of community and accountability within the early church.
The focus on God's power and work in the spread of the gospel.
That they shared their experiences of God's work amongst the gentiles.
This verse sets the stage for the important council in Jerusalem (described in the rest of Acts 15), where the issue of whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law to be saved would be debated. The account by Paul and Barnabas was crucial in influencing the outcome of that council.