Acts 15

1 In the Church of Antioch difference ariseth concerning the observation of circumcision and the Law of Moses. 2 About which Paul and Barnabas are sent to Jerusalem, 3 where they relate the conversion of the Gentiles, and the state of the business. 6 The Apostles and Elders come together to treat hereof. 7 Peter declareth in the same assembly, that the Gentiles ought not to be burdened with the yoak of the Law. 13 James assenteth to the same and confirmeth it by the Holy Scripture. 19 and concludeth that no more ought to be laid upon them, then the observation of necessary things, 22 which being approved by the whole assembly, is written to the Churches, and by Barsabas and Silas, together with Paul and Barnabas is sent over and made known (to them,) 31 who received the same with joy. 36 Paul and Barnabas being fallen at variance because of John Mark, part one from another. 39 Barnabas and Mark towards Cyprus, 40 and Paul with Silas towards Syria and Cilicia.

1. And some [Namely of the Jews which had betaken them to the Christian Religion, v. 5.amongst whom the Ancient Doctors think that the Herestick Cerinthus also was. Epiphan.haeres. 28.] which were come down from Judea, [namely, unto Antioch] taught the brethren, saying (if ye) [namely, which of the Gentiles are converted to the Christian Religion] be not circumcised after the manner of Moseh, [i.e. if besides that, ye do not cause you selves to be circumcised and do not observe the ceremonial Law] ye cannot be saved.

2. When therefore no small resistance [Or when therefore an uproar was made, and no small contention to, &c.] and contention [Gr.interquestioning, i.edisputing v.7] hapned to Paul and Barnabas against them [who opposed this false doctrine] they ordered [namely the Governors of the Church at Antioch] that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to the Apostles, [namely Peter and James and John, Gal. 2.v. 9.] and Elders to Jerusalem about this demand. [or question, difference. See also Acts 18:15.]

3. They therefore being brought forth by the Church, [Which the Church did, to shew that this business concerned not only Paul and Barnabas, but the whole Church] travelled through Phoenica and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles, [Namely, to the Christian Religion] and caused [Gr.made] great joy unto all the brethren.

4. And being come to Jerusalem they were received of the Church, and the Apostles and Elders, and they declared what great things God had done with them. [That is, by them. See Acts 14.v. 27.]

5. But (said they) [These words are inserted that men may understand that theses words are not related by Luke but by Paul] there are some risen up, of those of thy sect [Gr.heresie. See of this word the exposition on Acts 5. V.17.] of the Pharisees, of whom see Matthew 3:7.] who are become believers, [that is, who had embraced the Christian Religion, yet as appears, had not wholly cast off the old leaven of the Pharisees] saying, that men must circumcise themselves, [namely, who from heathenism betake themselves to the Christian Religion, Acts 14.v.27.] and command to keep the Law of Moses. [namely, the ceremonial Law, v. 24.although it may also be understood of the moral Law, to be justified thereby.]

6. And the Apostles and the Elders assembled together [This is the first assembly, Council, or Synod which was held in the new Testament about questions of Religion] to take notice of this matter. [Gr.to see about this word. Hebr.]

7. And when great contention [Gr.interquestionning, i.e. disputing, namely, betwixt both parties, which must be heard both of them] hapned (thereabout) Peter stood up and said unto them, men, brethren, ye know that God for a long time agoe [Gr.from old daies, which time some understand of the beginning of the preaching of the Apostles after Christs ascension: others of the time of Cornelius conversion, Acts 10.] amongst us chose (me) that the Gentiles by the mouth should hear the word of the Gospel and believe.

8. And God the knower of hearts bare witness, [Namely, that they also were acceptable to him, Acts 10.v. 28.] giving them the Holy Ghost, [that is, the gifts of the Holy Ghost both ordinary and extraordinary]like as to us also.

9. And made no difference [Namely, concerning the benefits and gifts which are common to those which believe in Christ] between us and them having cleansed their hearts by faith.

10. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to lay a yoak [Namely, the ceremonial Law v. 5.] on the neck of the Disciples, which neither our Fathers nor we able to hear [that is perfectly to keep nor to be justified thereby. See the annot.on chapter 13.v. 39.]

11. But we believe by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ [That is, by the suffering and the righteousness of Jesus Christ, whereby he hath merited the grace of God for us, whereof the ceremonies of the Law were types, John 1:17.] to be saved in such manner as they also. [namely, our fathers were saved by the same grace.]

12. And all the multitude [Namely, not of the church, but of the Apostles and Elders, see v.4.] held their peace, [namely, thereby shewing their consent to that which was spoken by Peter] and beard Barnabas and Paul relate, what great signs and wonders God had done by them among the Gentiles.

13. And after that these held their peace, [Namely, Paul and Barnabas] James [namely, the son of Alpheus, or James the little. See of him, Acts 12:17.] answered [that is, began to speak. Heb.] saying, men, brethren, hear me.

14. Simeon, [Namely, Peter who also calls himself so, 2 Pet. 1. 1.otherwise also Simeon, Matthew 10:2.] hath related how God first [that is, long ago v.7.] visited the Gentiles [or respected] to receive out of (them) a people, for this name. [that is, for himself. Or in his name, i.e. that should be called his people v. 17.]

15. And herewith agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written.

16. After this I will return, and build up again the Tabernacle of David, [That is, the Church, in which Christ the Son of David dwells]which is fallen down, and build up again that which is broken down thereof, [Gr.undermined, namely, in the unbelieving Jews, in whose place the Gentiles are built as living stones] and I will raise the same up again.

17. That the remainder of men [That is, not only the Jews but also the other Nations, which Amos calleth Edom. See Amos 9.v.11, 12.] may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, on whom my name is called upon [Gr.invocated or named upon them. See Acts 11. 46.] saith the Lord who doth all this.

18. To God all his works are known from everlasting. [That is, all that God doth in time, that he determined from everlasting so to do.]

19. Therefore I judge [That is, this is my opinion and apprehension in this matter] that we trouble not [or disquiet, or that they ought not to be disquieted] those who turn to God of the Gentiles.

20. But shall write unto them that they abstain from the things which are polluted by Idols [Gr.pollutions of Idols, i.e. from meat or drink sacrificed to Idols to Idols, and which are polluted thereby, as is expounded v.29.] and from whoredome, [this some understand of corporal fornication, which indeed is not indifferent in it self, Exodus 20:14.but by the Gentiles was accounted no sin, and an indifferent thing, 1 Cor. 6. 13, 14, 15. Others of spiritual fornication, i.e. Idolatry, which is every where by the Prophets called fornication, Exodus 34:16. Leviticus 20:5. Judges 2:17. Psalms 106:39. Isaiah 23:17. Jeremiah 3:6, 8. Ezekiel 16:15, 16. And namely of that sort of Idolatry, which some being converted out of the Heathen committed, eating in the Temples of Idols that which was offered unto the same, whereof the Apostle speaketh, 1 Cor. 8.v.9, 10.and chap.10.v. 14.21.which they thought by Christian liberty to be lawfull for them, and they often did to the great offence of the weake] and from that which is choaked, [that is, from beasts which were dead without letting blood: which was an abomination to the Jews. See Gen.9.4. Leviticus 3:17. Deuteronomy 12:23.] and from blood. [namely, separated from the beast, whether being congealed it be eaten, or not congealed it be drunk, which God had forbidden to affright men from all cruelty and blood-shedding, Gen.9.4.]

21. For Moses of old times [Gr.generations] in each City hath them that preach him, and he is [that is, his writings, Nehemiah 8:1. Luke 16:29.] on every Sabbath read in the Synagogues.

22. Then it seemed good to the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church, [Namely, who had approved the decree of the Apostles and Elders] to chuse (certain) men out of themselves, and with Paul and Barnabas to send (them) to Antioch: (namely) Judas who was sirnamed Barsabas, and Silas, [this is the same who is called Silvanus, 1 Thes.chap. 1.v.1.and 2 Thes.1.1.] men who were leaders among the Brethren. [that is, who were of the principal for respect, knowledge and conduct amongst the Ministries there.]

23. And wrote by them [Gr.by their hand, i.e. ministry. Hebr. Acts 7:25.namely, to be carried by them to the Church of Antioch] this (that followes) the Apostles, and the Elders, and the Brethren, [namely, the other common brethren of the Church of Jerusalem, who also approved the same] (wish) the Brethren of the Gentiles, which are in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia salvation. [Gr.to be joyfull, which was a common manner of salutation in the beginning of Epistles, usual with the Greeks. See Acts 23:26.]

24. Forasmuch as we have heard, that some which are gone forth from us, [See above v.1.and 1 John 2:19.] have troubled you with words, and made your souls wavering, [that is, making the firmness of your faith and the quieteness of your minds as it were loose and unstedfast] saying that ye must be circumcised, and keep the Law, [namely of Ceremonies. See the annotation on v.5.] to whom we had not commanded (that.) [that is, gave no order to teach thus, howsoever they abuse our Name.]

25. It seemed good to us being unanimously together, to chuse some men, and to send them unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul.

26. Men who have given their souls [That is, who have preached the Gospel boldly with great peril of their lives] for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

27. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who also shall declare the same by mouth. [Gr.with, or by word.]

28. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, [That is, to us by inspiration of the Holy Ghost] to lay upon you no greater burden [see the exposition hereof v.10.] then these necessary things. [namely, for this time: which although they be not properly necessary to salvation (except the fleeing from fornication and Idolatry) yet nevertheless they are needful to be observed for necessary peace and edification of the Church, for the weak-believing Jews sake.]

29. (Namely) that ye withhold your selves from that which is offered to Idols, [See hereof 1 Cor. 8.through the whole chapter] and from blood, and from that which is choaked, and from whoredome: from which things if ye keep your selves, ye shall do well. [or fare well] Fare well. [or be or become strengthened. A phrase usual with the Greeks in the conclusion of Epistles. See Acts 23:30.]

30. These therefore having received their demission, came to Antioch, and having assembled the multitude [That is, the whole Church] they delivered over the Epistle.

31. And they having read (it) rejoiced at the consolation. [Or exhortation.]

32. Now Judas and Silas, who themselves also were Prophets, [That is, Teachers of the word endued with the gift fitly to interpret the Holy Scripture, who were sent to adde their exhortations thereto, v.27.] exhorted the Brethren [or comforted] with many words, and confirmed them. [namely, in the Christian faith.]

33. And when they had tarried (there) [Gr.had made, had remained, see James 4:13.] (for) a time, [that is, acertain and large time, Acts 18:23.] the brethren let them go (again) with peace [that is, with leave of the brethren and the wishing them all blessing and happiness. Hebr.] unto the Apostles. [namely, to Jerusalem where yet there were some Apostles.]

34. But Silas thought good to abide there.

35. And Paul and Barnabas tarried at Antioch, [Gr.wore off, namely, the time] teaching and publishing [Gr. Evangelizing] with yet many others, the word of the Lord.

36. And after some daies Paul said unto Barnabas, let us now return, and visit our brethren in every City in which we have published the word of the Lord, how they do. [That is, to see how it stands with them concerning the faith.]

37. And Barnabas advised [Or would] that they should take with them John, who is called Mark.

38. But Paul thought sitting [Or desired] that they should not take him with them,, who had departed from them [Gr.stood off. See Acts 13:13.] from Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to that work. [namely, to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, for which end the Holy Ghost had called them to accomplish it, Acts 13:2.]

39. There arose therefore an embittering, [Or grievance which came upon these Holy men through humane infirmity, thereby shewing that to be true which they say to themselves, Acts 14:15.but God turned this to the best, seeing that they being thus parted from one another, the Gospel was published by them in more places together] so that they parted from each other, and that Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away towards Cyprus.

40. But Paul chose Silas [Or took unto him] and went away, being commended [Gr.being given over] by the brethren to the grace of God.

41. And he travelled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the Churches. [Namely, which were gathered in those Countreys.]