Acts 15

Acts 15:1

ANd certain men which came down] Epiphanius haeres. 28. 2. saith Cerinthus and others: this policy of Satan whereby he assailed the Church by civill dissention, was concerning the office of Christ, whether we are justified by faith onely, apprehending Christs righteousnesse, or must therewith joyn the works of the law.

Except ye be circumcised] Galatians 5:2.

Acts 15:3

Phenice] Chap. 11. 19.

Acts 15:5

sect of the Pharisces] Gr. hereste.

to keep the law of Moses] The Ceremoniall law.

Acts 15:6

this matter] Gr. this speech.

Acts 15:7

Men and brothren] Chap. 10. 20. & 11. 13.

a good while ago] At our beginning to preach the Gospel.

Acts 15:9

put no difference] Touching adoption and eternall life.

purifying their hearts by faith] Chap. 10. 43. 1 Corinthians 1:2. He opposeth to legall purifications the substance, thereby figured purification of the heart and whole man, by the blood of Christ and the Spirit of regeneration, Hebrews 9:14.

Acts 15:10

to put a yoke upon the neck] Matthew 23:4. Galatians 5:1.

were able to bear] For every one that is circumcised is bound to keep the whole law, Galatians 5:3. under a severe curse, Galatians 3:10. if he fail in any thing he is guilty of all, James 2:10. This none of the Fathers could bear: and it were meer tempting of God to professe it, seeing Christ bare it for us, 1 Peter 2:2.

Acts 15:13

James] Sonne of Alphaeus. See Chap. 12. 17.

Acts 15:14

Simeon. That is, Peter, 2 Peter 1:1.

for his name] To bear his name, to acknowledg and worship him for their onely God.

Acts 15:16

After this I will return] Amos 9:11.

tabernacle of David] Meaning the Church of God to be restored by the Messias.

Acts 15:20

pollutions] 1 Corinthians 8:1. 1 Corinthians 10:2.

of idols] Because some thought it no offence to be present at the idols temples, and there to feast with idolaters, which Paul saith is to drink the cup of the Devils, 1 Corinthians 10:21.

from bloud] He sheweth that those ceremonies to which they were accustomed many yeers, could not without great distraction, be suddenly abolished, untill they could better learn their libertie in Christ. Therefore though they were dead in Christs passion, no more to be revived, as Galatians 5. yet they did not presently drag them out of doores, but gave them time, as it were, for a decent buriall of them.

Acts 15:28

necessary things] Necessary is not to be referred to the ceremonies themselves here prescribed; but to the present occasion and persons, whose unitie and salvation was necessarily to be advanced by all means.

Acts 15:31

consolation] Or, exhortation.

Acts 15:32

prophets] See 1 Cor 14. 29. 32. & 12. 28. Ephesians 4:11.

Acts 15:33

peace] With good love and blessing of the brethren.