Bible Commentary

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 7. much disputing ] [ R. V. questioning ] For … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:7”

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 6 12. The Council at Jerusalem; the debate and the speech of Peter. Narration of the work of Barnabas and Paul 6. And the apostles and elders came ( were gathered) together ] These words refer to a formal summoning to discuss … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:6”

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses. 5. But there rose up, &c.] The margin of the A.V. takes this sentence as part of the narration of Paul and Barnabas, “there … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:5”

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and [of] the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. 4. they were received of the church ] “The church” is perhaps named first because there would on such a visit be an assembly of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:4”

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 3. brought on their way ] It was not an uncommon mark of affection or respect that a part of the church at any place … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:3”

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas ] These Apostles would at once repeat their testimony of what “God … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:2”

And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, [and said,] Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 1. which came down from Judea ] The words of the new comers would derive authority from this. They would be received as the latest ordinance of the heads … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 15:1”

And there they abode long time with the disciples. 28. And there they abode long time with the disciples ] The oldest MSS. omit “there.” Render literally, “And they abode no little time with the disciples.” St Paul was naturally more attached to Antioch than to Jerusalem, for here was the centre where Gentiles had … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 14:28”

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, [they] rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 27. and had gathered the church together ] i.e. the Christian congregation at Antioch who had been moved by the Spirit (Act 13:2) … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 14:27”

And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 26. from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God ] Better, “had been commended.” The verb is not the same as in Act 14:23, but the sense is. The old … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 14:26”