Paul and the observance of the Law

Paul was convinced that salvation came not through observance of the Law, but through Jesus Christ. He strongly resisted the efforts of “Judaizers” to impose Jewish religious customs on gentile converts to Christianity. According to Acts 15, church leaders, including Peter and James, met with Paul, Barnabas and Titus in council to consider the matter, and rendered a verdict favorable to Paul’s contention. Peter himself argued against requiring circumcision for gentile converts. His explanation (Acts 15:11) sounds very Pauline: “We believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.” Paul could now substantiate his conviction that circumcision was not required of non-Jews who wanted to become Christians. He received official sanction from the Christian leadership in Jerusalem.