King James Version

What Does Acts 15:2 Mean?

Acts 15:2 in the King James Version says “When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnab... — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

Acts 15:2 · KJV


Context

1

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

2

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

3

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

4

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul and Barnabas engage in 'no small dissension' (Greek 'stasis' - conflict, uprising) because the gospel itself was at stake. They refused to compromise on justification by faith alone. The decision to appeal to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem demonstrates biblical church government and the importance of doctrinal unity. This establishes precedent for resolving theological disputes through godly counsel.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This delegation to Jerusalem (Paul's second visit per Galatians 2) occurred around AD 49. The journey from Syrian Antioch to Jerusalem was approximately 300 miles, showing the seriousness with which they treated this doctrinal matter.

Reflection Questions

  1. When should Christians contend vigorously for doctrinal truth versus seek peace?
  2. How does church leadership properly adjudicate theological disputes today?
  3. What gospel truths are worth defending even at the cost of conflict?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 35 words
γενομένης1 of 35

had

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

οὖν2 of 35

When therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

στάσεως3 of 35

dissension

G4714

a standing (properly, the act), i.e., (by analogy) position (existence); by implication, a popular uprising; figuratively, controversy

καὶ4 of 35

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

συζητήσεως5 of 35

disputation

G4803

mutual questioning, i.e., discussion

οὐκ6 of 35

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὀλίγης7 of 35

small

G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

τῷ8 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλον9 of 35

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

καὶ10 of 35

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῷ11 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Βαρναβᾶν12 of 35

Barnabas

G921

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

πρὸς13 of 35

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτῶν14 of 35

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἔταξαν15 of 35

they determined

G5021

to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e., assign or dispose (to a certain position or lot)

ἀναβαίνειν16 of 35

should go up

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

Παῦλον17 of 35

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

καὶ18 of 35

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Βαρναβᾶν19 of 35

Barnabas

G921

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

καὶ20 of 35

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τινας21 of 35

certain

G5100

some or any person or object

ἄλλους22 of 35

other

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἐξ23 of 35

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτῶν24 of 35

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πρὸς25 of 35

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς26 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀποστόλους27 of 35

the apostles

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

καὶ28 of 35

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πρεσβυτέρους29 of 35

elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

εἰς30 of 35

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰερουσαλὴμ31 of 35

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

περὶ32 of 35

about

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τοῦ33 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζητήματος34 of 35

question

G2213

a search (properly concretely), i.e., (in words) a debate

τούτου35 of 35

this

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 15:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 15:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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