King James Version

What Does Acts 15:5 Mean?

Acts 15:5 in the King James Version says “But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, a... — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. rose: or, rose up, said they, certain

Acts 15:5 · KJV


Context

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.

5

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. rose: or, rose up, said they, certain

6

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

7

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Pharisee believers represent a significant faction within the early church who hadn't fully grasped grace. Though they believed in Christ, they maintained that Gentiles must keep 'the law of Moses' and be circumcised. This shows that theological error can persist even among genuine believers. The issue wasn't salvation by works per se, but adding requirements to Christ's finished work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These 'Pharisees which believed' had converted from the strictest Jewish sect. Their theological background made it difficult to accept that God would save uncircumcised Gentiles apart from Jewish law-keeping.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers hold to Christ yet still import legalistic thinking into their faith?
  2. What does this teach about the difference between justification and sanctification?
  3. In what ways might we unconsciously impose our cultural preferences as spiritual requirements?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἐξανέστησαν1 of 21

there rose up

G1817

objectively, to produce, i.e., (figuratively) beget; subjectively, to arise, i.e., (figuratively) object

δέ2 of 21

But

G1161

but, and, etc

τινες3 of 21

certain

G5100

some or any person or object

τῶν4 of 21
G3588

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

ἀπὸ5 of 21

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς6 of 21
G3588

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

αἱρέσεως7 of 21

the sect

G139

properly, a choice, i.e., (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion

τῶν8 of 21
G3588

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

Φαρισαίων9 of 21

of the Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

πεπιστευκότες10 of 21

which believed

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

λέγοντες11 of 21

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι12 of 21

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δεῖ13 of 21

it was needful

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

περιτέμνειν14 of 21

to circumcise

G4059

to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise

αὐτοὺς15 of 21

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

παραγγέλλειν16 of 21

to command

G3853

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

τε17 of 21

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

τηρεῖν18 of 21

them to keep

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

τὸν19 of 21
G3588

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

νόμον20 of 21

the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

Μωϋσέως21 of 21

of Moses

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver


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 15:5 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 15:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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