In the early days of the church, a major theological dispute arose concerning the critical question of what is necessary for salvation. The apostles asserted that only faith in Jesus is required for salvation. It seems that those who support circumcision are followers of Jesus. Despite this, the discussions are intense and cause disagreements, which Luke acknowledges in 15:2. Even after speaking with Paul and Barnabas, a resolution is not reached, but everyone acknowledges the need to address the issue, leading to the inaugural conference of the entire church.

The apostles were wholly united in their understanding of the new covenant and how it applies to all believers, and their ability to come to a solution as a group is admirable. They also showed pastoral sensitivity by giving directives to promote unity among believers. Most importantly, they insisted that Gentiles be accepted as full members of God's people without first becoming Jews. God makes no differentiation between Jewish believers and those who are not (verse 9). Peter's statement emphasizes how serious the matter is. Testing God is a demonstration of disbelief toward God. Peter concludes his argument by stating that the law cannot save anyone. The only thing that can save is the grace of the Lord Jesus. Salvation comes from grace through faith in Jesus, from beginning to end.

After Peter finishes speaking, Paul and Barnabas take their turn to speak. Although Luke does not provide the exact words they spoke, they most likely shared their experiences in Antioch, Pisidian Antioch, Lystra, Derbe, and other places. Luke may have emphasized the words of Peter and James because of their connection to Jerusalem. James, the brother of Jesus, who was once skeptical, now holds a prominent leadership role in the Jerusalem church. He is considered one of the "pillars" of the apostolic church. James asks the Gentiles to avoid four things: food that has been offered to idols, acts of sexual immorality, meat from strangled animals, and blood. These guidelines are aimed at helping newly converted Gentiles and are not laws that must be followed to attain salvation. Gentiles and Jewish believers are saved by faith, and God confirms this by giving them the Spirit. Gentiles should remember that they live among Jews and strive to live in a way that doesn't create unnecessary obstacles. They must also break ties with their idolatrous past.

The council acknowledges that the circumcision party has been causing trouble and unsettling the minds of some, even though they were not instructed to do so. However, they have no authority and do not have the support of the apostles. There is unity among most early Christians, but this may be challenged by those who insist on Gentiles following the law, leading to a potential breakdown of unity. The fact that Judas and Silas were sent along with the apostles to Antioch confirms that the decisions made at the council have the full support of the "brothers" in Jerusalem. The letter sent from the "brothers" in Jerusalem to the Gentile churches recounts James' proposal, which the church accepted. The use of "brother" clearly indicates the unity of the church.

The believers in Antioch were glad and encouraged by the letter they received. They had been curious about the opinion of the church leaders in Jerusalem regarding the inclusion of Gentiles. In Acts 15:32-33, Judas and Silas spent some time serving the church in Antioch. This is another indication of the unity among the believers. After the Jerusalem council, Paul was in Antioch and suggested a return trip to visit the people who had converted during their previous journey to check on them. In Acts 15, the church celebrated unity in theology and mission, but it also documents a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. The two were close associates since Barnabas introduced Paul to the apostles in Jerusalem (9:27), but they could not agree on what to do with John Mark. This led to a serious argument, which ended in a decision to part ways. Barnabas and Paul continue the mission despite their disagreement. Both apostles uphold the church's theological and missional unity.