Acts 15:5

“But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees, etc.] Which was the strictest sect of religion among the Jews: which believed; that Jesus was the Messiah, and professed their faith in him, and were members of the church, though they still retained many of their pharisaical tenets, and are therefore said to be of that sect: these rose up in opposition to Paul and Barnabas, as they were relating their success among the Gentiles, and giving an account of the difference that had happened at Antioch, and their own sense of that matter: saying, that it was needful to circumcise them: the Gentiles that believed: and to command them to keep the law of Moses; both moral and ceremonial; the…”

“But there rose up ... - It has been doubted whether these are the words of Paul and Barnabas, relating what occurred at Antioch, or whether they are the words of Luke recording what took place at Jerusalem. The correct exposition is probably what refers it to the latter. For: (1) This seems to be the most obvious interpretation. (2) The use of the words “rose up” implies that. Those who disturbed the church at Antioch are said to have come down from Judea Acts 15:1, and if this place referred to that occurrence, the same words would have been retained. (3) The particular specification here of “the sect of the Pharisees” looks as if this was an occurrence taking place at Jerusalem. No such…”

“But certain Pharisees - For even believers are apt to retain their former turn of mind, and prejudices derived therefrom. The law of Moses - The whole law, both moral and ritual. Acts 15:7”

“15:5 These Pharisees were believers, yet they retained their strong adherence to the law of Moses. Paul argued against their message most strenuously (see Gal 1:6-9; 2:14–3:14).”

“rose up certain: or, rose up, said they certain: the sect, Act 21:20, Act 26:5, Act 26:6; Phi 3:5-8 That it: Act 15:1, Act 15:24; Gal 5:1-3 Acts 15:6”