Acts 15:24

Which went out. Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 10) between retaining or omitting these words. From v. 1 it is clear that they were from Judea. Their lack of authority contrasts with the authority given Judas and Silas by the council (v. 27).

Subverting. Gr. anaskeuazo, “to unsettle.” The Judaizers had unsettled the faith of Gentile converts, for their contentions had struck at the very basis of Christian experience and belief—the fact that salvation is not gained by outward observances or by being identified with a certain group of people.

Saying. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of the words, “saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law.”

Gave no such commandment. Rather, “gave no orders.” This is a complete disavowal that any authority had been given to the Judaizers. The passage is also important in evaluating the claims set up by the same group later (Gal. 2:12).