What was the dispute at the Jerusalem council in Acts 15?
The dispute at the Jerusalem council was whether Gentile converts had to keep the Jewish law. After much disputing, Peter rose up and reminded them that God had used him to speak to Gentiles at the house of Cornelius, where they were saved without Judaism. This showed Gentiles were not required to submit to Jewish legal requirements.
Les explains that the council was raging in Jerusalem with arguing over whether these Gentiles had to keep the Jewish law. After there had been much disputing, Peter rose up. He reminded them that a long time ago—12 years earlier—God had used him to speak to Gentiles at the house of Cornelius. Although it was just a household, the evidence was there that those pagan Romans had been saved without any attending ramifications of Judaism. Les points out that Peter did not immediately go back and tell the others to move on; instead he was called on the carpet for going to a Gentile. God had not yet permitted them to move beyond their ministry to the apostleship of the nation of Israel. James was the moderator, and Peter was now in second place.
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
More Questions
What did Peter say when he stood up at the Jerusalem council in Acts 15?
At the Jerusalem council in Acts 15, when the arguing over whether Gentiles had to keep the Jewish law was raging, Peter rose up and reminded them that God had long ago used him to speak to Gentiles — a reference to the house of Cornelius.
What made Peter finally speak up in Acts 15?
Peter remained silent through the first part of the Acts 15 controversy until God sovereignly reminded him of what had happened at Cornelius's house.
What caused Peter to rise up and speak at the Jerusalem council?
Peter rose up and spoke only after the Spirit of God woke him up, not at the start of the debate.
Why did the assembly in Acts 15 listen to Peter instead of the others?
Peter remained the chief apostle, and when Peter spoke in the Jerusalem council, the assembly listened to him.