Bible Commentary

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. 17. might seek after the Lord ] The Hebrew of Amos differs widely here; and in the LXX. “the Lord” is not expressed. But the Spirit enabled … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:17”

After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 16. After this ] Lit. after these things, (so R. V.) It will be seen on reference to the words of Amos that the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:16”

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 15. And to this agree ] i.e. with this action on God’s part the statements of His prophets are in harmony. They had foretold that it should be so. Only one prophet is here quoted, viz. Amos (Act 9:11-12), but the audience … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:15”

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 14. Simeon ( Symeon)] This more Jewish form of the name of the Apostle Peter is found also at the commencement of St Peter’s second Epistle. The Jews after they came to have … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:14”

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men [and] brethren, hearken unto me: 13 21. James sums up the discussion, and pronounces the decision of the Church on this Controversy 13. James ] i.e. the brother of the Lord, and bishop of Jerusalem, see above on Act 12:17. Men and brethren ] … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:13”

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. 12. Then all the multitude ] Though the apostles and elders are alone mentioned ( Act 15:6) as coming together, it now appears that the assembly was a large … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:12”

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. 11. But ] Translation fails to give the force of this conjunction. It implies an exhortation for which the remainder of the verse states the reason. But cease now from such a course, for we believe, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:11”

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 10. Now therefore ] When you have this evidence of how God has already accepted the Gentiles. why tempt ye God ] Men are said “to tempt God” when … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:10”

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 9. And put no difference ] i.e. made no distinction. The Apostle looks on God’s testimony to the Gentiles in two lights. What was given to the new converts was the same which had been given at the first outpouring of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:9”

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as [he] did unto us; 8. which knoweth the hearts ] The word is only here and in Act 1:24, and on both occasions it is St Peter who uses it. Such witness could admit of no appeal; and God … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:8”