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 15:2KJV
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Acts 15:2 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:2 mean?

Acts 15:2 describes how Paul and Barnabas strongly disagreed and argued with certain people about a question, leading the church to decide that Paul, Barnabas, and some others should travel to Jerusalem to consult the apostles and elders about the issue. The verse shows an important moment where a serious disagreement required guidance from the wider church leadership.

Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch, facing a dispute with others—likely about whether non-Jewish believers needed to follow Jewish customs. The church in Antioch decided the matter was significant enough to send a group to Jerusalem, where the apostles (the original followers of Jesus) and elders (respected leaders) could help resolve the question. This sets up the context for the Jerusalem Council, a key meeting in early church history.

The Greek behind Acts 15:2

  • The word "dissension" (στάσις, stasis) often means a strong disagreement or even a heated conflict, showing that this was not a minor debate but a serious clash.
  • The word "disputation" (ζήτησις, zētēsis) refers to questioning or debate, emphasizing that the disagreement involved deep discussion and argument.
  • The phrase "no small" (οὐκ ὀλίγος, ouk oligos) is a Greek way of saying the disagreement was actually quite large or intense, not minor at all.
  • The term "determined" (τάσσω, tassō) carries the sense of appointing or arranging by decision, showing the church took deliberate action to send representatives.

Why Acts 15:2 matters

  • Acts 15:2 clarifies that early church leaders did not avoid conflict but addressed disagreements openly and with input from the broader community.
  • The verse highlights the importance of seeking guidance from trusted leaders when facing difficult or divisive questions, especially those affecting the whole community.
  • This moment sets the stage for the Jerusalem Council, a turning point in how the early church understood the inclusion of non-Jewish believers and the role of tradition.

Where else these words appear

“disputation” Greek G4803 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 15:7 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.
  • Acts 28:29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

“question” Greek G2213 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 18:15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
  • Acts 23:29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
  • Acts 25:19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

“determined” Greek G5021 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
  • Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
  • Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

“dissension” Greek G4714 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 15:7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
  • Luke 23:25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
  • Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.