Definition: But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 15:5. It’s a really important part of understanding how early Christians started to disagree about what they should teach. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses.” Let’s unpack it: “But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees…” – This refers to a group of Jewish people who were very influential in the early church. They were known for their strict adherence to religious laws, particularly those related to ritual purity and obedience. Think of them as the traditional defenders of Jewish law. “…which believed…” – These Pharisees weren’t just following rules; they believed these rules were absolutely essential. “saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses.” – This is the core of the problem. They were arguing that Jesus, as the Messiah, needed to be circumcised (a small surgical marking on the penis and foreskin) and required to follow all the laws given by Moses. They wanted to make this a mandatory requirement for everyone in the church. So, what’s the big deal? This is a disagreement about how Christians should live their faith. It's a conflict between those who believe Jesus is the Messiah and those who don't, and it started to create tension within the early church. Why is this important? It highlights that early Christians weren’t just focused on what they believed, but also how they should live their lives. This disagreement led to a struggle about whether Jesus’ teachings were enough for everyone, including those who didn't follow Jewish law. It was a critical moment in the development of Christian belief and practice. In short: These Pharisees were arguing that Jesus needed a specific religious sign (circumcision) and to follow all the laws given by Moses, which caused conflict within the early church community. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this passage in the book of Acts? Talk about why this disagreement was significant at the time?