Acts 15:4

4 When they got to Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas were graciously received by the whole church, including the apostles and leaders. They reported on their recent journey and how God had used them to open things up to the outsiders.

Acts 15:4 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 15:4

And when they were come to Jerusalem
Paul and Barnabas, and the rest that came from Antioch with them:

they were received of the church;
that is, that was at Jerusalem, in a very kind and respectful manner; they were received into their houses, and accommodated with everything convenient for them:

and of the apostles;
particularly James, and Cephas, and John, who gave to Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, in token of their approbation of them, affection for them, and agreement with them:

and elders:
the other ministers of the Gospel who preached in that place:

and they declared all things that God had done with them:
just as they did to the church at Antioch, when they returned from their travels, (See Gill on Acts 14:27), the Arabic version here adds, as there, "and that God had opened to the Gentiles the door of faith."

Acts 15:4 In-Context

2 Paul and Barnabas were up on their feet at once in fierce protest. The church decided to resolve the matter by sending Paul, Barnabas, and a few others to put it before the apostles and leaders in Jerusalem.

3 After they were sent off and on their way, they told everyone they met as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria about the breakthrough to the Gentile outsiders. Everyone who heard the news cheered - it was terrific news!

4 When they got to Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas were graciously received by the whole church, including the apostles and leaders. They reported on their recent journey and how God had used them to open things up to the outsiders.

5 Some Pharisees stood up to say their piece. They had become believers, but continued to hold to the hard party line of the Pharisees. "You have to circumcise the pagan converts," they said. "You must make them keep the Law of Moses."

6 The apostles and leaders called a special meeting to consider the matter.