What does Acts 15:11 mean?
Paul and Barnabas returned from their first missionary voyage filled with stories of God's saving grace falling on the Gentiles. Their church in Syrian Antioch celebrated with them. Before long, however, Jewish Christians from the sect of the Pharisees arrived from Judea, insisting that Gentiles had to convert to Judaism—become circumcised and follow the Mosaic law—before they could follow the Jewish Messiah (Acts 14:26—15:1).To settle the question and provide assurance for the Gentile Jesus-followers, Paul, Barnabas, and others from the Antiochene church travel to Jerusalem. They pose the question to the apostles and the elders of the first church. More Pharisees rise against them, and the leaders engage in an intense debate. Peter gives his testimony, reminding them that God had given him the privilege of bringing the first group of non-proselyte, non-circumcised, not-yet-baptized Gentiles to a saving relationship with Christ (Acts 15:2–9). That was affirmed when the Holy Spirit fell on them and gave them the sign of speaking in tongues (Acts 10:44–46).
In conclusion, Peter uses the imagery Jesus taught him. The Pharisees are known for placing a heavy burden of responsibility on the necks of the Jews: adding to the Mosaic law a form of legalistic performance which is impossible to fulfill (Matthew 23:4; Acts 15:10). In contrast, Jesus promises to lift the burden of the law and replace it with a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light (Matthew 11:28–30).
No one—Jew, Gentile, or Pharisee—can earn salvation through works. These are Peter's last words in the book of Acts. Paul is listening, however, and carries that message on. He tells the Ephesians we are saved by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8–9). He tells the Galatians "in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love" (Galatians 5:6). To the church in Philippi, Paul points out his expertise on such matters: how he is of the tribe of Benjamin, circumcised on the eighth day, a law-keeper as devout as any Pharisee—and how none of that means anything without the grace of Christ (Philippians 3:3–11).
The council in Jerusalem agrees with Paul, Barnabas, and Peter. They officially reject the claim that the Mosaic law is required for salvation in Christ. Gentiles do not have to be circumcised. They do make a request, however. To maintain unity in fellowship, they tell the Gentiles to refrain from sexual sin, as they should, anyway, and adjust their diet so the Jews will feel comfortable sharing a meal. If the church today could follow in the footsteps of the early leaders in Jerusalem by considering Jesus' words and emphasizing both unity and righteousness, we would better reflect the family of God (Acts 15:23–29).
