They determined that Paul and Barnabas, &c.— It is generally allowed, that this is the journey to which St. Paul refers, Galatians 2:1-2 when he says, that he went up by revelation; which is very consistent with this; for the church in sending them might be directed by a revelation, made either immediately to St. Paul, or to some other person, relating to this important affair. Important indeed it was, and necessary thatthese Jewish impositions should be solemnly opposed in time; because great numbers of converts, who were zealous for the law, would eagerly fall in with such a notion, and be ready to contend for the observance of it. Many of the Christians at Antioch, undoubtedly knew that St. Paul was under an extraordinary divine direction, and therefore would readily have acquiesced in his determination alone: but as others might have prejudices against him, on account of his having been so much concerned with the Gentiles, it was highly expedient to take the concurrent sense and judgment of the apostles to the circumcision upon this occasion.
Related Commentaries of Acts 15:2
Acts 15:2
2 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.