Why did the Gentile believers in Antioch rejoice when they received the Jerusalem Council's letter?
The Gentile believers at Antioch rejoiced because the Jerusalem Council’s letter brought consolation: they did not have to keep the Judaic Law or submit to circumcision. The council affirmed that the Gospel of Grace was sufficient for Gentiles, freeing them from being proselytized into Judaism.
Les explains that Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch after being dismissed from the Jerusalem Council and gathered the multitude. When the epistle was read, the believers rejoiced for the consolation that they did not have to keep the Judaic Law, did not have to keep circumcision, and were free from all that. The council had given full permission to preach the Gospel of Grace to the Gentiles and not to proselytize them into Judaism. Les also notes that Judas and Silas, being prophets, exhorted the brethren, and Silas remained there.
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
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