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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 15:14 Simon has told us how God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people to be His own.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/15-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/44_Act_15_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 15:14 - The Council at Jerusalem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Simon has told us how God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people to be His own." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/15-13.htm" title="Acts 15:13">◄</a> Acts 15:14 <a href="/acts/15-15.htm" title="Acts 15:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/15.htm">New International Version</a> Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. <a href="/nlt/acts/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> Peter has told you about the time God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people for himself. <a href="/esv/acts/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. <a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Simon has told us how God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people to be His own. <a href="/blb/acts/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Simeon has related how God first visited to take out of the Gentiles a people for His name. <a href="/kjv/acts/15.htm">King James Bible</a> Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. <a href="/nkjv/acts/15.htm">New King James Version</a> Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. <a href="/nasb_/acts/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Simeon has described how God first concerned Himself about taking a people for His name from among the Gentiles. <a href="/nasb/acts/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name. <a href="/nasb77/acts/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name. <a href="/lsb/acts/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name. <a href="/amp/acts/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Simeon (Simon Peter) has described how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name [to honor Him and be identified with Him]. <a href="/csb/acts/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Simeon has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. <a href="/hcsb/acts/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Simeon has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for His name. <a href="/asv/acts/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> Symeon hath rehearsed how first God visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. <a href="/cev/acts/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Simon Peter has told how God first came to the Gentiles and made some of them his own people. <a href="/erv/acts/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> Symeon hath rehearsed how first God did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. <a href="/gwt/acts/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Simon has explained how God first showed his concern by taking from non-Jewish people those who would honor his name. <a href="/gnt/acts/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> Simon has just explained how God first showed his care for the Gentiles by taking from among them a people to belong to him. <a href="/isv/acts/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> Simeon has explained how God first showed his concern for the gentiles by taking from among them a people for his name. <a href="/msb/acts/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Simon has told us how God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people to be His own. <a href="/net/acts/15.htm">NET Bible</a> Simeon has explained how God first concerned himself to select from among the Gentiles a people for his name. <a href="/nheb/acts/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations, to take out of them a people for his name. <a href="/wbt/acts/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Simeon hath declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take from among them a people for his name. <a href="/wey/acts/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Symeon has related how God first looked graciously on the Gentiles to take from among them a People to be called by His name. <a href="/web/acts/15.htm">World English Bible</a> Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Simeon expounded how at first God looked on [us] to take a people out of [the] nations for His Name, <a href="/blb/acts/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Simeon has related how God first visited to take out of the Gentiles a people for His name. <a href="/ylt/acts/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Simeon did declare how at first God did look after to take out of the nations a people for His name, <a href="/slt/acts/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Simeon related how God first reviewed to take from the nations a people for his name.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Simon hath related how God first visited to take of the Gentiles a people to his name. <a href="/cpdv/acts/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Simon has explained in what manner God first visited, so as to take from the Gentiles a people to his name. <a href="/nabre/acts/15.htm">New American Bible</a> Symeon has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Simeon has related how God first looked favorably on the Gentiles, to take from among them a people for his name.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Simon Peter has told you how God from the beginning chose a people from the Gentiles for his name. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Shimeon has related to you how God began to choose from the Gentiles a people for his name.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Simeon has declared how God, at the first, did visit the Gentiles, in order to take out from among them a people for his name. <a href="/godbey/acts/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Symeon hath related how God in the first place interposed to take a people from the Gentiles, in His name. <a href="/haweis/acts/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Simon hath fully related, how at first God graciously looked upon the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. <a href="/mace/acts/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Simon has related how God began to visit the Gentiles, to chuse from among them a people consecrated to his name. <a href="/wey/acts/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Symeon has related how God first looked graciously on the Gentiles to take from among them a People to be called by His name. <a href="/worrell/acts/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Simeon declared how God first visited the gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name. <a href="/worsley/acts/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> #NAME? <a href="/parallel/acts/15-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=4956" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm">The Council at Jerusalem</a> …13When they had finished speaking, James declared, “Brothers, listen to me! 14<a href="/greek/4826.htm" title="4826: Symeōn (N-NMS) -- Simeon or Simon. From the same as Simon; Symeon, the name of five Israelites.">Simon</a> <a href="/greek/1834.htm" title="1834: exēgēsato (V-AIM-3S) -- To lead, show the way; met: I unfold, narrate, declare. From ek and hegeomai; to consider out, i.e. Rehearse, unfold.">has told us</a> <a href="/greek/2531.htm" title="2531: kathōs (Adv) -- According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.">how</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/4412.htm" title="4412: prōton (Adv-S) -- First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.">first</a> <a href="/greek/1980.htm" title="1980: epeskepsato (V-AIM-3S) -- To look upon, visit, look out, select. ">visited the Gentiles</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: labein (V-ANA) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">to take</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/1484.htm" title="1484: ethnōn (N-GNP) -- Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.">them</a> <a href="/greek/2992.htm" title="2992: laon (N-AMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a people.">a people</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to be</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onomati (N-DNS) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name.">own.</a> 15The words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/amos/9-11.htm">Amos 9:11-12</a> “In that day I will restore the fallen tent of David. I will repair its gaps, restore its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old, / that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear My name,” declares the LORD, who will do this. <a href="/isaiah/45-21.htm">Isaiah 45:21</a> Speak up and present your case—yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me. <a href="/isaiah/43-5.htm">Isaiah 43:5-7</a> Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west. / I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth— / everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made.” <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a> He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” <a href="/romans/9-24.htm">Romans 9:24-26</a> including us, whom He has called not only from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles? / As He says in Hosea: “I will call them ‘My People’ who are not My people, and I will call her ‘My Beloved’ who is not My beloved,” / and, “It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” <a href="/romans/15-8.htm">Romans 15:8-12</a> For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs, / so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name.” / Again, it says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” ... <a href="/ephesians/3-6.htm">Ephesians 3:6</a> This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. <a href="/james/1-1.htm">James 1:1</a> James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings. <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9-10</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. / Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. <a href="/john/10-16.htm">John 10:16</a> I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd. <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19</a> Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, <a href="/luke/2-32.htm">Luke 2:32</a> a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.” <a href="/galatians/3-14.htm">Galatians 3:14</a> He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a> There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. <a href="/revelation/5-9.htm">Revelation 5:9</a> And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Simeon has declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.Simeon.<a href="/2_peter/1-1.htm">2 Peter 1:1</a> Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:declared.<a href="/acts/15-7.htm">Acts 15:7-9</a> 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… <a href="/luke/1-68.htm">Luke 1:68,78</a> Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, … <a href="/luke/2-31.htm">Luke 2:31,32</a> Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; … to take.<a href="/isaiah/43-21.htm">Isaiah 43:21</a> This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.<a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11-13</a> So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it… <a href="/romans/1-5.htm">Romans 1:5</a> By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/15-4.htm">Account</a> <a href="/john/21-22.htm">Concern</a> <a href="/acts/1-1.htm">Concerned</a> <a href="/acts/13-41.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/acts/15-4.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/acts/12-17.htm">Described</a> <a href="/acts/13-50.htm">First</a> <a href="/acts/15-12.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/luke/7-42.htm">Graciously</a> <a href="/acts/15-12.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/acts/15-12.htm">Related</a> <a href="/acts/15-4.htm">Reported</a> <a href="/acts/15-8.htm">Showed</a> <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Simeon</a> <a href="/acts/11-13.htm">Simon</a> <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Symeon</a> <a href="/acts/11-25.htm">Visit</a> <a href="/acts/8-27.htm">Visited</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/16-3.htm">Account</a> <a href="/acts/24-10.htm">Concern</a> <a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Concerned</a> <a href="/acts/16-17.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/acts/20-21.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/galatians/3-1.htm">Described</a> <a href="/acts/16-12.htm">First</a> <a href="/acts/15-17.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/acts/27-24.htm">Graciously</a> <a href="/acts/15-17.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/acts/19-25.htm">Related</a> <a href="/acts/16-2.htm">Reported</a> <a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Showed</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-1.htm">Simeon</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-1.htm">Simon</a> <a href="/revelation/7-7.htm">Symeon</a> <a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Visit</a> <a href="/acts/16-40.htm">Visited</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 15</div>1. <a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision.</a> 5. <a href="/acts/15-5.htm">The apostles consult about it,</a> 22. <a href="/acts/15-22.htm">and send their determination by letters to the churches.</a> 36. <a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together, </a> 39. <a href="/acts/15-39.htm">disagree, and travel different ways.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Peter's role in the early church is significant, as he was instrumental in spreading the Gospel beyond Jewish communities. His testimony carries weight due to his direct experiences with Jesus and his leadership among the apostles. This phrase highlights the importance of eyewitness accounts in the early church's decision-making processes.how God first visited the Gentiles This phrase refers to the pivotal moment when God extended His covenant to the Gentiles, marking a significant shift in the early Christian mission. The "visitation" of God to the Gentiles is exemplified in Peter's encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, as recorded in <a href="/acts/10.htm">Acts 10</a>. This event is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a>, which speaks of salvation reaching the ends of the earth. It underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel and God's plan for all nations.to take from them a people This indicates God's sovereign choice in selecting individuals from among the Gentiles to be part of His covenant community. The language echoes Old Testament themes where God chose Israel as His people (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm">Deuteronomy 7:6</a>). The concept of God "taking" a people suggests divine initiative and grace, emphasizing that salvation is not based on human merit but on God's purpose and calling.to be His own This phrase signifies the establishment of a new identity and relationship with God. Being "His own" implies belonging, protection, and a special status as God's people. This mirrors the covenant relationship God had with Israel, now extended to include Gentiles. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (<a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>), ultimately realized in Jesus Christ, who unites Jews and Gentiles into one body (<a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Ephesians 2:14-16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/simon.htm">Simon (Peter)</a> One of Jesus' apostles, who played a crucial role in the early church. He shared the vision of God's plan for the Gentiles, emphasizing that salvation through Jesus Christ was available to all, not just the Jews. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god's_visitation.htm">God's Visitation</a> Refers to God's initiative in reaching out to the Gentiles, demonstrating His desire to include them in His redemptive plan. This visitation is a pivotal moment in the history of the early church, marking the expansion of the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries. 3. <a href="/topical/g/gentiles.htm">Gentiles</a> Non-Jewish people who were traditionally seen as outside the covenant community of Israel. The inclusion of the Gentiles signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem_council.htm">Jerusalem Council</a> The meeting of early church leaders in Jerusalem to discuss and resolve the issue of whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law. <a href="/acts/15-14.htm">Acts 15:14</a> is part of the discussion led by James, affirming Peter's testimony. 5. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> The leader of the Jerusalem church, who supports Peter's account by referencing the prophets, showing that the inclusion of the Gentiles was in line with God's plan as revealed in Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_plan.htm">God's Sovereign Plan</a> God's plan for salvation is inclusive and sovereign, extending beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries. Believers are called to embrace and participate in this divine mission. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The early church's acceptance of Gentiles highlights the importance of unity amidst diversity. Christians today should strive for unity in the body of Christ, celebrating diverse backgrounds and cultures. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_leading.htm">Obedience to God's Leading</a> Peter's willingness to follow God's leading, even when it challenged traditional norms, serves as a model for believers to be open to God's direction, even when it requires stepping out of comfort zones. <a href="/topical/s/scriptural_confirmation.htm">Scriptural Confirmation</a> James' use of Scripture to confirm God's work among the Gentiles underscores the importance of grounding our understanding and actions in the Word of God. <a href="/topical/m/mission_to_all_nations.htm">Mission to All Nations</a> The inclusion of the Gentiles reminds believers of the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, encouraging active participation in global evangelism.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 15</a> <a href="/q/christian_sects.htm">What are the different Christian sects?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_acts_10_contradict_leviticus_11.htm">If Leviticus 11 is God's eternal command, why does Acts 10:9-16 appear to contradict these dietary laws?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_acts_14_27_mention_gentile_faith.htm">Why would Acts 14:27 assert God 'opened a door of faith to the Gentiles' when earlier passages (e.g., Acts 10) already describe Gentile inclusion?</a> <a href="/q/what_makes_christianity_unique.htm">What makes Christianity unique compared to other religions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) Simeon hath declared . . .--The Greek form is Symeon, as in <a href="/2_peter/1-1.htm" title="Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ:">2Peter 1:1</a>. The use of the old Hebrew form of the Apostle's name, instead of the more familiar Simon, was natural in the Galilean speaker, and is presumptive evidence in favour of our having a report from notes made at the time.Did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people.--The two words present an emphatic contrast. The Jews claimed for themselves the exclusive right to the latter term. They alone were the "people," the rest of mankind were the "nations"--the "heathen." St. James proclaims that out of those heathen nations a people had been taken who were as truly God's people as Israel had ever been. He, too, recognises the change as fully as St. Paul does, when in <a href="/romans/9-26.htm" title="And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said to them, You are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.">Romans 9:26</a> he quotes the memorable prophecy of <a href="/hosea/1-10.htm" title="Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said to them, You are not my people, there it shall be said to them, You are the sons of the living God.">Hosea 1:10</a>. St. James as well as St. Peter had, it is clear, profited by the private teaching referred to in <a href="/galatians/2-2.htm" title="And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.">Galatians 2:2</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - Symeon for Simeon, A.V.; rehearsed for declared, A.V.; first God for God at the first, A.V. Symeon. This is the only place (unless Symeon is the right reading in <a href="/2_peter/1-1.htm">2 Peter 1:1</a>) in which Simon Peter's name is given in this Hebrew form, which is most proper in the month of James speaking to Palestine Jews. Singularly enough, Chrysostom was misled by it, and thought the prophecy of Simeon in <a href="/luke/1-31.htm">Luke 1:31</a> was meant, How first; corresponding to the" good while ago" of ver. 7. Did visit, etc. The construction ἐπεσκέψατο λαβεῖν is very unusual, and indeed stands alone. The verb always has an accusative case after it (<a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Acts 6:3</a>; <a href="/acts/7-23.htm">Acts 7:23</a>; <a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Acts 15:36</a>), unless <a href="/luke/1-68.htm">Luke 1:68</a> is an exception, which, however, it hardly is. There are two ways of construing the phrase. One is to consider it as elliptical, and to supply, as the A.V. and R.V. do, τὰ ἐθνή. So Alford, who compares the construction in <a href="/luke/1-25.htm">Luke 1:25</a>, where ἐπ ἐμέ must be supplied. But this is a harsh construction. The other and better way is to take ἐπεσκεψατο, not in the sense of" visiting," but of" looking out," or "endeavoring to find something." The sense of the infinitive after the verb is nearly equivalent to" look out for and took," literally, looked out how he might take. With a slight modification of meaning, Irenaeus (in 'Speaker's Commentary') renders it" Excogitavit accipere," "planned" or "contrived to take." A people for his Name; 1.e. to be called by his Name. Λαός was the peculiar designation of "the people" of God, answering to the Hebrew עַם (comp. <a href="/1_peter/2-10.htm">1 Peter 2:10</a>, Οἱ ποτὲ οὐ λαὸς νῦν δὲ λαὸς Θεοῦ). <a href="/commentaries/acts/15-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Simon Συμεὼν (Symeōn) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4826.htm">Strong's 4826: </a> Simeon or Simon. From the same as Simon; Symeon, the name of five Israelites. has told us ἐξηγήσατο (exēgēsato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1834.htm">Strong's 1834: </a> To lead, show the way; met: I unfold, narrate, declare. From ek and hegeomai; to consider out, i.e. Rehearse, unfold. how καθὼς (kathōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2531.htm">Strong's 2531: </a> According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. first πρῶτον (prōton) Adverb - Superlative <a href="/greek/strongs_4412.htm">Strong's 4412: </a> First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly. visited [the Gentiles] ἐπεσκέψατο (epeskepsato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To look upon, visit, look out, select. to take λαβεῖν (labein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. from ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. [them] ἐθνῶν (ethnōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1484.htm">Strong's 1484: </a> Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one. a people λαὸν (laon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> Apparently a primary word; a people. [to be] τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. [own]. ὀνόματι (onomati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3686.htm">Strong's 3686: </a> Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/15-14.htm">Acts 15:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/15-14.htm">Acts 15:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/15-14.htm">Acts 15:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/15-14.htm">Acts 15:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/15-14.htm">Acts 15:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/15-14.htm">Acts 15:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/15-14.htm">Acts 15:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/15-14.htm">Acts 15:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/15-14.htm">Acts 15:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/15-14.htm">Acts 15:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/15-14.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 15:14 Simeon has reported how God first visited (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/15-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 15:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 15:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/15-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 15:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 15:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>