The Apostolic Decree | An Introduction to Torah (Acts 15:20)

This study of the Jerusalem Council explains the circumcision controversy, the four prohibitions, and the meaning of the Apostolic Decree for Gentile believers. It shows how Peter, James, and Paul upheld salvation by grace while expecting ongoing obedience to God's law, including Moses being read every Sabbath.

Acts 15:10 is often used to suggest that the apostles viewed the Law of Moses as too burdensome to follow. This teaching examines the Jerusalem Council in context, showing that Peter was addressing salvation by grace through faith while the apostles still expected believers to grow in obedience to YHWH's instructions.

What happened at the Jerusalem council? This teaching explores Acts 15, explaining that the apostles upheld the Law of Moses. The four decrees given to Gentile converts were a starting point; new believers would learn the rest in the synagogue every Sabbath. Obedience is not legalism.

In this episode, we explore Acts 15:21 and its often-overlooked role in defining the apostles’ expectations for Gentile believers. Far from replacing Torah observance, the Jerusalem Council outlined a process by which Gentiles would begin their discipleship in the synagogue—learning Moses week by week. Show Notes: How were Gentile believers expected to grow in their faith after being welcomed into the community without circumcision? Acts 15:21 provides the key. James assumed regular synagogue attendance, where Moses was read every Sabbath. This teaching challenges the idea that the four rules in Acts 15:20 are the totality of Gentile responsibility. Instead, it shows how Torah learning was foundational to early discipleship. Scripture, scholarship, and first-century practice come together in this powerful teaching. Takeaway: Torah observance for Gentiles was never off the table—it was always on the calendar: every Sabbath.