Bible Commentary

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 37. And Barnabas determined ] The Greek of the best MSS. gives a weaker verb “wished.” The reason of Barnabas’ choice was probably because Mark was his nephew (Col 4:10). R. V. renders “was minded.” whose surname was ] The Greek is merely … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:37”

And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, [and see] how they do. 36. visit our brethren ] The oldest MSS. omit the pronoun, and read the brethren only. So R. V. Fuente: The Cambridge … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:36”

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. 35. teaching and preaching the word of the Lord ] In such a community there was need not only of setting forth Jesus as the Saviour, but of much instruction concerning the ways in which God … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:35”

Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. 34. This verse is omitted in many ancient MSS., and in others the Greek words vary. It may very well be a marginal note placed to explain Act 15:40, where Paul, who did not leave Antioch, is said to have chosen Silas for his companion in his … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:34”

And after they had tarried [there] a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. 33. they were let go in peace ] This is the translation of a Hebrew expression, and does not signify ‘they were allowed to go quietly away,’ but “in peace” means “with a blessing or … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:33”

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed [them.] 32. being prophets also themselves ] “Prophet” is here used in the earlier and less special sense; not as one who foretells the future, but who, being filled with the Spirit, speaks with His authority in explanation of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:32”

[Which] when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. 31. rejoiced for the consolation ] Barnabas “the son of consolation” (Act 4:36) was a fit member of such an embassy. The consolation would be felt both by Jews and Gentiles, by the former because they knew how much was to be asked of their … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:31”

So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 30 35. Reception of the letter and messengers at Antioch. Departure of Judas. Silas continues in Antioch 30. came to Antioch ] An early reading preferred by recent editors is came down, as in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:30”

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well, Fare ye well. 29. ye shall do well ] Not “ye shall be doing what is right,” but “it shall be well with you” ( R.V.), “you … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:29”

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 28. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us ] A third time in this clause of the narrative from 22 29 does this official word occur, from which is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:28”