1.
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
certain men . Greek. tis. App-123 . These men are disavowed by the Apostles (Acts 15:24 ). Compare Galatians 1:2 , Galatians 1:12 .
Judaea . As though from head-quarters. Perhaps some of the priests of Acts 6:7 . Compare Galatians 1:2 , Galatians 1:4 .
taught = were teaching.
the brethren . See note on Acts 11:26 .
Except = If not. Greek. ean ( App-118 ) me ( App-105 ).
after = in.
manner = custom. See note on Acts 6:14 .
Moses . See notes on Acts 3:24 .Matthew 8:4 , and compare John 7:22 .
cannot. Literally are not able to.
saved . Compare Acts 15:11 , and Acts 16:30 .
2.
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.
When therefore, &c . Literally Now no small dissension and disputation having taken place by Paul, &c.
dissension = disagreement. Greek. stasis, a standing up. The word for sedition. Occurs: Acts 19:40 ; Acts 23:7 , Acts 23:10 ; Acts 24:5 .Mark 15:7 . Luke 23:19 , Luke 23:25 .Hebrews 9:8 .
disputation . Greek. suzetesis. Only here, Acts 15:7 ; Acts 28:29 . Texts read zetesis, questioning. Compare Acts 25:20 .
with = towards. Greek. pros. App-104 .
determined = appointed. Greek. tasso. Same as "ordained" (Acts 13:48 ).
other = others. Greek. allos. App-124 .
apostles and elders . App-189 .
question . Greek. zetema. Here, Acts 18:15 ; Acts 23:29 ; Acts 25:19 ; Acts 26:3 . Compare "disputation" above.
3.
And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
And = They indeed therefore.
being brought on their way . Greek. propempo. Compare App-174 . Here, Acts 20:38 ; Acts 21:5 .Romans 15:24 . 1 Corinthians 16:6 , 1Co 16:6 ; 2 Corinthians 1:16 . Titus 3:13 . 3 John 1:6 . Compare Genesis 18:16 .
church . App-186 .
passed = were passing.
Phenice: i.e. Phenicia. This shows they went by the coast road.
declaring . See note on Acts 13:41 .
conversion. Greek. epistrophe. Only here. For the verb, which occurs thirty-nine times, see Acts 15:19 with Acts 3:19 .
Gentiles . Greek. ethnos.
unto = to.
4.
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.
come . This was Paul's third visit. Not by revelation. No Divine action.
received . Greek. apodechomai. See note on Acts 2:41 .
of = by. Greek. hupo. App-104 .
declared = - related. Greek. anangello, Same as "rehearsed" (Acts 14:27 ).
God . App-98 .
with . Greek. meta. App-104 . as His instrument (Acts 15:12 ).
5.
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.
rose up . Greek. exanistemi. App-178 .
of = of those from (Greek. apo. App-104 .) sect. Greek. hairesis. See note on Acts 5:17 .
Pharisees . App-120 .
believed . App-150 . in Jerusalem.
was = is.
keep = observe. Greek. tereo.
6.
And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
came together = were gathered together
for. Omit.
consider = see. Greek. eidon. App-133 .
of = concerning. Greek. peri. App-104 .
matter . Greek. logos. App-121 .
7.
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.
disputing . Same as disputation, Acts 15:2 . Much feeling would be exhibited.
rose up . Greek. anistimi. App-178 .
Men and brethren . See note on Acts 1:16 .
know . Greek. epistamai. App-132 .
a good while ago . Literally from early (Greek. archaios) days, i.e. about thirteen years before. App-181 .
made choice = chose out. Greek. eklegomai, as in Acts 1:2 .
by = through. Greek. dia. App-104 .Acts 15:1 . Compare Acts 10:44-48 .
word . Greek. logos. App-121 .
8.
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9.
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
put no difference = discriminated in nothing. Greek. diakrino.
purifying = having cleansed. Greek. katharizo. Compare Acts 10:15 ; Acts 11:9 . The Heartsearcher is the Heart-cleanser.
faith = the faith. Greek. pistis. App-150 .
10.
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?
tempt . Greek. peira, try, put to the test. Always transl "tempt" up to this verse, except John 6:6 (prove). Compare Acts 5:9 .
put = lay.
yoke . Not circumcision only, but obligation to keep the whole law.
neither . . . nor. Greek. oute . . . oute.
were able = had strength. Greek. ischuo. Compare App-172 .
bear = carry. Greek. bastazo. Compare Matthew 3:11 .
11.
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
believe . App-150 .
grace . App-184 .
Jesus Christ . App-98 . but texts omit "Christ".
even as they = according to (Greek. kata. App-104 .) the manner in which they also (will be). These are the last words of Peter recorded in the Acts. See his own argument turned against himself in Galatians 1:2 , Galatians 1:14-21 .
12.
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.
13.
And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
held their peace . Same as kept silence in Acts 15:12 .
James . See note on Acts 12:17 .
answered . App-122 .
hearken unto = hear. Same word as "gave audience" in Acts 15:12 , and "hear", verses: Acts 15:7 , Acts 15:24 .
14.
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
Simeon = Simon. Greek. Sumeon. Compare 2 Peter 1:1 .
at the first, &c . = first visited. Greek. episkeptomai. App-133 . Compare Luke 1:68 , Luk 78:7 , Luk 78:16 .
the Gentiles, &c . Read, to receive out from among the Gentiles.
people . Greek. laos.
for . Greek. epi, but texts omit the preposition.
15.
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16.
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:
will return, &c . A Hebraism for "I will build again". Compare Genesis 26:18 . Numbers 11:4 (margin)
return . Greek. anastrepho. Compare Acts 5:22 . But elsewhere refers to passing one's life, except John 2:15 (overthrow). Compare the noun anastrope. Always translated "conversation", i.e. manner of life, or behaviour.
build again = build up. Greek. anoikodomeo. Only here.
tabernacle = tent. Greek. skene, as in Acts 7:43 , Acts 7:44 . Not the house or throne. Significant of the lowliness of its condition when He comes to raise it up.
ruins . Literally things dug down. Greek. kataskapto. Only here and Romans 11:3 . The texts read "things overturned". Greek. katastrepho.
sat it up = make upright or straight. Greek. anorthoo. Here, Luke 13:13 .Hebrews 12:12 .
17.
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.
the residue . Greek. kataloipos. Only here. It is the faithful remnant.
men . Greek. anthropos. App-123 . The Hebrew would be adam, while the Authorized Version text of Amos 9:12 is Edom (Hebr. edom), but the consonants are the same, and the only difference is in the pointing. That adam, not Edom, is right can hardly be questioned, or James would not have used it.
seek after = earnestly seek. Greek. ekzeteo. Only here, Luke 11:50 , Luke 11:51 .Romans 3:11 .Hebrews 11:6 ; Heb 12:17 . 1 Peter 1:10 . Compare Jeremiah 29:13 .
all the Gentiles . The Gentiles take the second place. Zechariah 8:23 .
My name . Compare James 2:7 . Deuteronomy 28:10 . Jeremiah 14:9
Who doeth, &c . Most of the texts read, "Who maketh these things known from the beginning of the world", and omit "unto God are all His works". See Revised Version and margin.
18.
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
Known . Greek. gnostos. See note on Acts 1:19 .
from the . . . world = from the age. Greek. ap' aionos. App-151 .
19.
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
my sentence is = I judge, or decide. Greek. krino. App-122 .
that we trouble not = not (Greek. me . App-105 ) to trouble or harass. Greek. parenochleo. Only here. Compare kindred verbs in Acts 5:16 . Hebrews 12:15 .
from among . Greek. apo. App-104 .
are turned = are turning. Greek. epistrepho. See Acts 15:3 , and Acts 9:35 .
20.
But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
write . Greek. epistello. Only here, Acts 21:25 .Hebrews 13:22 .
abstain . Greek. mid. of apecho. This form occurs here, Act 15:29 . 1 Thessalonians 4:3 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:22 . 1 Timothy 4:3 . 1 Peter 2:11 .
pollutions . Greek. alisgema. Only here. Pollution would be caused by eating unclean (forbidden) food. Compare Acts 15:29 . 1 Corinthians 8 . The verb alisgeo occurs in the Septuagint of Daniel 1:8 and Malachi 1:7 , Malachi 1:12 .
fornication . In many cases the rites of heathenism involved uncleanness as an act of worship. Compare Numbers 25:1-15 . Probably the worship of the golden calf was of that character (Exodus 32:6 , Exodus 32:25 ).
strangled . Greek. pniktot. Only here, Acts 15:29 ; Acts 21:25 . The verb pnigo occurs Matthew 18:28 . Mark 5:13 . In this case the blood remained in the carcase, contrary to Leviticus 17:10-14 .
21.
For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
old time . Literally ancient (Greek. archaios, as in Acts 15:7 ) generations.
in every city . Greek. kata ( App-104 .) polin, i.e. city by city. A similar idiom occurs below, "every Sabbath day".
preach . Greek. kerusso. App-121 . The question was whether Gentile converts, entering by the door of faith (Acts 14:27 ), could be saved by faith alone without the seal of faith (Romans 4:11 ). In other words, whether they could belong to the family of believers (up to this time and later held as a strictly Jewish polity) without formal admission as "strangers" in accordance with Ex. Act 12:43 , Act 12:44 . The Epistle to the Hebrews was probably written to make the position clear to Hebrews and converts alike.
synagogues . App-120 .
every, &c . See above.
22.
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
pleased it = it seemed (good) to. Greek. dokeo.
send . Greek. pempo. App-174 .
chosen men = men chosen out.
their own company = themselves.
Barsabas = Barsabbas. Perhaps a brother of Joseph of Acts 1:23 . See Acts 15:32 .
Silas . So called in Acts. In the Epistles Silvanus. This was a Latin name, and he was a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37 ).
chief = leading. Greek. hegeomai.
23.
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
And they wrote = Having written. In Acts 15:30 it is called "a letter".
after this manner . The texts omit.
greeting . Greek. chairein. Literally to rejoice. Figure of speech Ellipsis ( App-6 ). I bid you to rejoice. Compare Fr. adieu, (I commend you) to God. Compare Acts 23:26 . James 1:1 .
in = throughout. Greek. kata, as in Acts 15:21 .
24.
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
have . Omit.
subverting = unsettling. Greek. anaskeuazo. Only here, and not in Septuagint
your souls = you (emph.) Greek. psuche. App-110 .
saying . . . law . The texts omit.
gave no such commandment = commanded it not.
25.
It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
It seemed good . Same word as "it pleased", Acts 15:22 .
being assembled = having come to be.
with one accord . Greek. homothumadon. See note on Acts 1:14 .
26.
Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
that have hazarded . Literally having given up. Greek. paradidomi. Often translated "deliver up", or "betray". In Acts 15:40 with Acts 14:26 "recommend".
lives . Greek. psuche. App-110 .
for = in behalf of. Greek. huper. App-104 .
27.
We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
have sent . Greek. apostello. App-174 .
who shall also tell . Literally themselves also telling. See note on Acts 12:14 .
mouth = word (of mouth). Gr . logos. App-121 .
28.
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
the Holy Ghost . App-101 .
us: i.e. the whole church (Acts 15:22 ).
burden . Greek. baros. Occurs here, Mat 20:12 . 2 Corinthians 4:17 . Galatians 1:6 , Galatians 1:2 . 1 Thessalonians 2:6 . Revelation 2:24 .
than = except.
necessary = compulsory. Greek. epanankes. Only here. Circumcision therefore was not compulsory.
29.
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.
meats offered to idols . Greek. eidolothutos. Occurs here, Acts 21:25 . 1Co 8:1 , 1 Corinthians 8:4 , 1Co 8:7 , 1 Corinthians 8:10 ; 1 Corinthians 10:19 , 1 Corinthians 10:28 . Revelation 2:14 , Revelation 2:20 . This explains what the pollutions (Acts 15:20 ) were.
if ye keep = keeping carefully. Greek. diatereo. Only here and Luke 2:51 .
Fare ye well . Literally be strong. Greek. ronnumi. Only here and Acts 23:30 . The usual way of ending a letter.
30.
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
when they, &c . = having then been dismissed, i.e. let go. Greek. apoluo, as in Acts 15:33 . App-174 .
when they had = having.
31.
Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
Which, &c . = And having read it.
consolation . See Acts 4:36 ; Acts 13:15 .
32.
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
being prophets also themselves = being themselves also prophets. See App-189 .
exhorted . Greek. parakaleo. App-134 .
with = by means of. Greek. dia. App-104 .Acts 15:1 .
confirmed = strengthened. Greek. episterizo. See note on Acts 14:22 .
33.
And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
after, &c . = having continued some time. Literally made time.
were let go . Same as "dismissed" in Acts 15:30 .
in = with. Greek. meta. App-104 .
34.
Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
This verse is omitted by all the texts. The Revised Version puts it in the margin.
35.
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Paul also = But Paul.
continued . Greek. diatribo. See note on Acts 12:19 .
preaching . Greek. euangelizo. App-121 .
others . Greek. heteros. App-124 .
36.
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.
some days after = after certain (Greek. tis. App-123 .) days.
where = in (Greek. en) which.
have preached . = preached. Greek. katangello. App-121 .
do = fare.
37.
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
determined = purposed. Greek. louleuo. See Acts 5:33 ; Acts 27:39 . But the texts read boulomai. App-102 .
take with them . Greek. sumparalambano. See Acts 12:25 .
John . See note on Acts 12:12 .
whose surname was = who was called.
38.
But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
thought . . . good . Greek. axioo, to reckon worthy, or right. Here, Acts 28:22 .Luke 7:7 . 2 Thessalonians 1:11 . 1 Timothy 5:17 . Hebrews 3:3 ; Hebrews 10:29 .
departed = fell away. Greek. aphistemi. Compare Luke 8:13 .
39.
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
And the contention, &c . But there arose a sharp contention. Greek. paroxusmos. Only here and Hebrews 10:24 . A medical word. The verb occurs in Acts 17:16 .
that = so that.
departed asunder = separated. Greek. apochorizomai. Only here and Revelation 6:14 .
one from the other = from one another
Barnabas . He here disappears from the history.
took and = having taken.
sailed = sailed away. Greek. ekpleo. Only here, Acts 18:18 ; Acts 20:6 .
40.
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
chose . . . and = having chosen. Greek. epilegomai. Only here and John 5:2 (called).
recommended . See Acts 15:26 .
God . The texts read "the Lord".
41.
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.