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Jeremiah 23:16
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart,and not out of the mouth of the LORD.

Galatians 2:4
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

Galatians 5:4,12
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace…

Ye must.

Acts 15:1,9,10
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren,and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved…

Galatians 2:3,4
But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: …

Galatians 6:12,13
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ…

that some went out from us
The individuals mentioned here were originally part of the Jerusalem church, indicating that they had some level of authority or influence. This reflects the early church's struggle with maintaining doctrinal purity as it expanded. The phrase suggests a breach of trust, as these individuals acted independently of the church's leadership.

without our authorization
This highlights the importance of apostolic authority in the early church. The apostles were seen as the primary leaders and guardians of the faith, and their endorsement was crucial for any teaching or mission. This unauthorized action underscores the need for discernment and accountability within the church, as seen in other New Testament passages likeGalatians 1:6-9, where Paul warns against false gospels.

and unsettled you
The term "unsettled" indicates that the actions of these individuals caused confusion and disturbance among the believers. This reflects the vulnerability of the early church to false teachings and the importance of sound doctrine. The church in Antioch, where this issue arose, was a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers, making it particularly susceptible to doctrinal disputes.

troubling your minds
The phrase "troubling your minds" suggests a deep level of distress and confusion. This is not merely a theological disagreement but something that affects the believers' peace and assurance. The early church faced many such challenges, as seen in Paul's letters, where he often addresses issues of false teaching and its impact on believers' faith and unity.

by what they said
The content of the false teaching is implied here, likely related to the necessity of following Jewish law for salvation, as seen earlier inActs 15. This reflects the broader conflict in the early church regarding the role of the Mosaic Law for Gentile converts. The Jerusalem Council, which this letter addresses, was convened to resolve such issues, emphasizing the need for clear and authoritative teaching in the church.

The apostles and elders in Jerusalem were not distant administrators; they listened for reports of anything that threatened the flock.Acts 15:6 shows them already gathered to seek the Lord’s guidance. Paul practiced the same vigilance: “For Chloe’s people have informed me concerning you” (1 Corinthians 1:11). Shepherds who know their sheep (John 10:14) stay alert to danger and act quickly.

Certain men had traveled from Jerusalem, implying apostolic backing, yet the council makes clear they did not truly represent it.1 John 2:19 echoes the dynamic: “They went out from us, but they did not belong to us.” Paul faced “false brothers infiltrated our ranks” (Galatians 2:4). True missions look likeActs 13:3—prayerful commissioning—never self-appointed agendas.

Authority matters because Christ invested it in His apostles (Matthew 28:18-20).Hebrews 13:17 urges believers to obey recognized leaders.Titus 1:5 shows orderly appointment in Crete. When people bypass God-given channels they mimic Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16) and invite confusion, not freedom.

False teaching shakes confidence.Galatians 1:6 records the same dismay: believers “quickly deserting” grace.Colossians 2:4 warns against persuasive speech that robs stability. Sound doctrine, by contrast, keeps us from being “tossed here and there” (Ephesians 4:14). Indicators of being unsettled include:

• Doubt about salvation

• Fear of divine rejection

• Fractured fellowship

The disturbance reached the heart.2 Thessalonians 2:2 cautions against being “easily unsettled or alarmed” by a message claiming apostolic origin.Romans 16:17 identifies those who stir up “divisions and obstacles.” God’s truth produces “great peace” (Psalm 119:165); error steals it.

Words forged the problem. The visitors insisted Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved (Acts 15:1-2), twisting the gospel. Paul declares, “If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!” (Galatians 1:9). Jesus reminds us, “By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). Guarding doctrine therefore means guarding speech.

Acts 15:24 addresses believers shaken by unauthorized teachers. The verse affirms apostolic vigilance, proper commissioning, and the need to confront error that disturbs peace. The council letter—“it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (Acts 15:28)—reassures Gentile converts that salvation rests not on ritual but on God’s grace through faith. Holding fast to that gospel steadies every troubled mind.

Subverting your souls.--The Greek verb, literally,turning upside down,implies throwing into a state of excitement and agitation. The Gentiles had been "unsettled" by the teaching of the Judaisers.

And keep the law.--Assuming the Epistle of St. James to have been already written, there is something almost like a touch of irony in his repeating the phrase ofJames 2:10. The teachers who bade the Gentiles keep the Law were reminded in that Epistle that they, in their servile respect of persons, were breaking the Law deliberately in one point, and were therefore guilty of all. Putting the two passages together, they bring St. James before us as speaking in the very accents of St. Paul, "Thou, therefore, which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?" (Romans 2:21.) . . .