Legalism vs. Grace

Acts 15:1-5
Our text today deals with a conflict, a disagreement of theological matters concerning the Gentile converts. The conflict centered on whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses in order to be saved – In essence – legalism was being required for salvation. Certain men from Judea – known as Judaizers, held strongly to tradition and the law. In their eyes the legalistic adherence to the law superseded grace. In order for Gentiles to become Christians, they must comply with Jewish customs. This inevitably led to a conflict with Paul and Barnabas, who strongly disagreed.

In order to resolve the conflict, the church in Antioch sent Paul, Barnabas, and others to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders about this matter.