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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=1.0;"/><title>Acts 15 Matthew Poole's Commentary</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/commentaries/poole/acts/151.htm" /><link href='//fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Cardo&subset=greek-ext' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'><link rel="stylesheet" href="/5001com.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="../spec.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link media="handheld, only screen and (max-width: 4800px), only screen and (max-device-width: 4800px)" href="/4801.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" /><link media="handheld, only screen and (max-width: 1550px), only screen and (max-device-width: 1550px)" href="/1551.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" /><link media="handheld, only screen and (max-width: 1250px), only screen and (max-device-width: 1250px)" href="/1251.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" /><link media="handheld, only screen and (max-width: 1050px), only screen and (max-device-width: 1050px)" href="/1051.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" /><link media="handheld, only screen and (max-width: 900px), only screen and (max-device-width: 900px)" href="/901.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" /><link media="handheld, only screen and (max-width: 800px), only screen and (max-device-width: 800px)" href="/801.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" /><link media="handheld, only screen and (max-width: 575px), only screen and (max-device-width: 575px)" href="/501.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" /><link media="handheld, only screen and (max-height: 450px), only screen and (max-device-height: 450px)" href="/h451.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brothers:...">Acts 15:22-35</a></span> Letters are sent with the determination by messengers<span class="p"><br /><br /></span>to the churches, which are received with joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld"><a href="/context/acts/15-36.htm" title="And some days after Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brothers in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do....">Acts 15:36-41</a></span> Paul and Barnabas propose to visit together the<span class="p"><br /><br /></span>churches they had planted, but disagree, and travel<span class="p"><br /><br /></span>different ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Certain men; </span> these were such as did pretend to believe, but were false brethren; some think Cerinthus to have been of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">The brethren; </span> the Gentiles who were converted unto the faith of Christ, or Proselytes of the gate (as they were called) who were not circumcised, and now professing the true faith. These the pharisaical professors would have excluded from any hopes of salvation, although circumcision was not commanded but unto the posterity of Abraham, <span class="bld"><a href="/context/genesis/17-10.htm" title="This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your seed after you; Every man child among you shall be circumcised....">Genesis 17:10-13</a></span>, and Abraham himself was justified before he was circumcised, <span class="bld"><a href="/romans/4-10.htm" title="How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.">Romans 4:10</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">After the manner of Moses; </span> according unto the law of Moses: for God by him did renew and establish that ordinance unto that people, although it was long before his time both commanded and practised, <span class="bld"><a href="/john/7-22.htm" title="Moses therefore gave to you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and you on the sabbath day circumcise a man.">John 7:22</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="2"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-2.htm">Acts 15:2</a></div><div class="verse">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.</div> <span class="bld">Paul, </span> that meek apostle, who was willing to become all things unto all men, yet he enters into a holy war with them that would introduce circumcision into the Christian church; because, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span>1. He would have no works of the law to be an ingredient into our salvation; but the free grace of God in Christ to be all in all. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span>2. That our freedom from all the ceremonial law, acquired by the death of Christ, might not be diminished. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span>3. That the spreading of the gospel might not be hindered, but that Christ might be accepted and honoured amongst all. Now if circumcision had been retained, it would have kept possession for all the other ceremonies to have continued, or re-entered, there being the same reason for the one as for the other, and the circumcised person was obliged by his circumcision to observe them all, <span class="bld"><a href="/galatians/5-3.htm" title="For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.">Galatians 5:3</a>,4</span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">They determined; </span> the church at Antioch, where this controversy was moved. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Unto the apostles; </span> James, Peter, and John who are thought to have been then at Jerusalem, the rest being probably gone to preach Christ in other parts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="3"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-3.htm">Acts 15:3</a></div><div class="verse">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.</div> <span class="bld">Brought on their way by the church; </span> the brethren or believers of Antioch, out of respect, went part of the way with them; as also thereby showing, that Paul and Barnabas did not go upon their own business or mind only, and that there was no dissension betwixt them and the church there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">The conversion of the Gentiles; </span> it is a conversion or turning indeed from error to truth, from impurity to holiness; that is, <span class="ital">from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto</span> the ever living <span class="ital">God, </span><span class="bldvs"> <a href="/acts/26-18.htm" title="To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.">Acts 26:18</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">They caused great joy unto all the brethren; </span> nothing more rejoices a good man, than the bringing of souls unto God, and the enlarging of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="4"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-4.htm">Acts 15:4</a></div><div class="verse">And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and <i>of</i> the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.</div> <span class="bld">They were received of the church; </span> they were owned with respect and thankfulness, for their great work and labour in the Lord’s vineyard. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">All things that God had done with them:</span> see <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/14-27.htm" title="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 to the Gentiles.">Acts 14:27</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="5"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5</a></div><div class="verse">But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command <i>them</i> to keep the law of Moses.</div> If these words be taken for St. Luke’s, the penman of this book, then they declare, that in the church of Jerusalem there were some that did abet the opinion of the necessity of circumcision; but if, (as most probably we may), we take them for the words of St. Paul, they then are part of his narrative to the church there, of what had happened at Antioch. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">The sect of the Pharisees; </span> these Pharisees were a sect amongst the Jews, (so called from vrp <span class="ital">separavit, </span> and may be Englished, separatists), separating from converse with others, by reason of an opinion they had of their own holiness, <span class="bld"><a href="/luke/18-11.htm" title="The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank you, that I am not as other men are, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.">Luke 18:11</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="6"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-6.htm">Acts 15:6</a></div><div class="verse">And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.</div> <span class="bld">The apostles and elders, </span> unto whom Paul and Barnabas were sent about the decision of this question, <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/15-2.htm" title="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 to the apostles and elders about this question.">Acts 15:2</a></span>, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">came together for to consider of this matter; </span> they had been informed of it, and now they met to deliberate about it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="7"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-7.htm">Acts 15:7</a></div><div class="verse">And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men <i>and</i> 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.</div> <span class="bld">Much disputing; </span> they argued on both sides, and considered what might be said for either opinion: some of them that met here seem at first to have been for the retaining of circumcision; for we <span class="ital">know but in part, </span> and from the collision of adverse parties such sparks fly out, that many a man hath lighted his candle at them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">A good while ago; </span> from the beginning of our having received our commission to preach, as <span class="bld"><a href="/matthew/28-19.htm" title="Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:">Matthew 28:19</a></span>; or more particularly, from the time of Cornelius’s conversion, <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/10-22.htm" title="And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that fears God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for you into his house, and to hear words of you.">Acts 10:22</a> 11:12</span>, which is thought to have been about fourteen or fifteen years before, that Peter preached Christ, by the command of God, unto the Gentiles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="8"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-8.htm">Acts 15:8</a></div><div class="verse">And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as <i>he did</i> unto us;</div> <span class="bld">Which knoweth the hearts; </span> God knew the desires of the Gentiles, that they did sincerely desire to please God, and to see this salvation. This great attribute David improved, <span class="bld"><a href="/1_chronicles/29-17.htm" title="I know also, my God, that you try the heart, and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy your people, which are present here, to offer willingly to you.">1 Chronicles 29:17</a></span>, and highly recommended his son Solomon to consider of, <span class="bld"><a href="/1_chronicles/28-9.htm" title="And you, Solomon my son, know you the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts: if you seek him, he will be found of you; but if you forsake him, he will cast you off for ever.">1 Chronicles 28:9</a></span>; which, if believed, would make us also to serve God <span class="ital">with a perfect heart and a willing mind. Giving them the Holy Ghost; </span> God himself was a witness for these Gentiles beyond all exception, when he gave them the ordinary and extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost; by which he testified, that they belonged to Christ, whose Spirit this was. Thus <span class="ital">the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, </span><span class="bldvs"> <a href="/revelation/19-10.htm" title="And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said to me, See you do it not: I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.">Revelation 19:10</a></span>; and the Spirit, according to our Saviour’s promise, <span class="bld"><a href="/john/15-26.htm" title="But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me:">John 15:26</a></span>, doth testify of him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="9"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-9.htm">Acts 15:9</a></div><div class="verse">And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.</div> God had now broken down the middle wall of partition betwixt Jew and Gentile, <span class="bld"><a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm" title="For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us;">Ephesians 2:14</a></span>, and distributed his graces to these also, which was signified by the rending of the veil from the top to the bottom, <span class="bld"><a href="/matthew/27-51.htm" title="And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;">Matthew 27:51</a></span>, whereby such as were formerly without, might see and enjoy the benefit of those great things which had been hidden under those shadows and types. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Purifying their hearts, from idolatry, and other impieties in which they had lived; </span> which is the inward circumcision of the heart; and, whosoever is thus cleansed, ought not to be reputed amongst the unclean. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">By faith; </span> faith is the instrument, God is the efficient cause, of our justification and renovation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="10"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-10.htm">Acts 15:10</a></div><div class="verse">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?</div> <span class="bld">Why tempt ye God?</span> Why would you make a doubt of, and put it to a trial, whether God did in good earnest admit the Gentiles to his favour, and whether he remains firm and constant in such his kindness towards them? They did tempt God also, by disliking the calling of the Gentiles, and would have brought God’s will, were it possible, unto theirs; not submitting their wills, as they ought, unto God’s: for he that sins in any kind, does tempt God; that is, he tries God’s patience, power, and righteousness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">A yoke; </span> so the law of ceremonies is called. <span class="bld"><a href="/galatians/5-1.htm" title="Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.">Galatians 5:1</a></span>, and was a yoke indeed, if we consider: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span>1. Their variety;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span>2. Their difficulty;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span>3. Their chargeableness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span>4. Their inefficacy, being only shadows<span class="p"><br /><br /></span>of good things to come, <span class="bld"><a href="/colossians/2-17.htm" title=" Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.">Colossians 2:17</a></span>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="11"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-11.htm">Acts 15:11</a></div><div class="verse">But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.</div> <span class="bld">The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ; </span> all saving grace may be well so called, it being purchased only by Christ, and bestowed upon us from the Father through Christ. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Even as they; </span> the Jews their fathers; these were saved through the grace of the Messiah which was to come; and the apostle urges this (against the imposing of the law) to the Jews, because neither their ancestors nor themselves could be justified by the law, but only by grace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="12"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-12.htm">Acts 15:12</a></div><div class="verse">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.</div> <span class="bld">All the multitude; </span> the apostles and elders themselves gave attention to what Barnabas and Paul declared, and by their silence did tacitly approve of what they had said. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Miracles and wonders; </span> the conversion of the Gentiles in itself, and not only the signs which did attend it, is truly wonderful: the saving of any one soul is a miraculous work. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="13"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-13.htm">Acts 15:13</a></div><div class="verse">And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men <i>and</i> brethren, hearken unto me:</div> <span class="bld">After they had held their peace; </span> Barnabas and Paul had finished their narrative. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">James, </span> who was surnamed the Just, and was the son of Alpheus, and a kinsman to our Saviour, now being president of this council. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Answered; </span> that is, began to speak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="14"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-14.htm">Acts 15:14</a></div><div class="verse">Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.</div> <span class="bld">Simeon, </span> or Simon, the name of Peter; but St. Luke, being himself a Hebrew, writes it according as they pronounced it, and not so contracted as the Greeks wrote it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">A people; </span> there were some at all times probably amongst the Gentiles who did fear God, as Job and his three friends; but they did not make a people, or such a number as is here spoken of. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">For his name:</span> God takes out of the world <span class="ital">a people for his name, </span> that is, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span>1. For himself; as, <span class="bld"><a href="/proverbs/18-10.htm" title="The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe.">Proverbs 18:10</a></span>, <span class="ital">the name of the Lord is put for the Lord himself.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span>2. For to call upon his name, as also for to be called by his name. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span>3. For his glory and honour, and to magnify his name. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="15"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-15.htm">Acts 15:15</a></div><div class="verse">And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,</div> <span class="bld">The prophets; </span> in the plural number, though only one cited: it is an ordinary enallage; but it also shows the harmony amongst the prophets, they all speaking by one Spirit; what one said is as if all had said it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="16"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-16.htm">Acts 15:16</a></div><div class="verse">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:</div> <span class="bld">After this; </span> in the days of the Messiah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">I will return:</span> the word may be taken in both voices. If actively, it signifies God’s returning uuto the Gentiles, from whom he had departed. If passively, it foreshows their returning unto God, whom they had forsaken. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">The tabernacle; </span> the house, expressed by a tabernacle, (as frequently in Scripture), because that anciently they dwelt only in tabernacles; and here for the throne of David, who was a type of Christ, whose kingdom is over all. God does promise less than he does perform, for he did not only restore the tabernacle of David, in Christ, but raised it to a far greater splendour and glory in its spiritual state. And though St. James here does not exactly keep unto the words of the prophet, he speaks their sense and meaning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="17"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-17.htm">Acts 15:17</a></div><div class="verse">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.</div> In the prophet it is <span class="ital">the remnant of Edom, </span><span class="bldvs"> <a href="/amos/9-12.htm" title="That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, said the LORD that does this.">Amos 9:12</a></span>, which is here called <span class="ital">the residue of men; </span> for as Jacob, or Israel, shadowed out the church, so Edom, or Esau, (the other son of Isaac), represented those who were rejected, <span class="bld"><a href="/romans/9-13.htm" title="As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.">Romans 9:13</a></span>. The prophet also adds, by way of explication, <span class="ital">all the heathen; </span> as the apostle does here, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">all the Gentiles. Upon whom my name is called; </span> who shall be mine, or appropriated unto me; also called by his name, they being called Christians from Christ, whom they believed in. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Saith the Lord, who doeth all these things; </span> the calling of the Gentiles was God’s work, and therefore so far from being excepted against, that it ought to be marvellous in our eyes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="18"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-18.htm">Acts 15:18</a></div><div class="verse">Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.</div> This the apostle adds, that they might not be offended with the seeming novelty and surprise of the calling of the Gentiles, and abrogation of the ceremonies; for it was no other than what God had before determined to do, and therefore they ought to rest satisfied in the wise and holy appointments of God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="19"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-19.htm">Acts 15:19</a></div><div class="verse">Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:</div> St. James here gives his opinion, confirming and approving what Peter had done in conversing with and baptizing of the Gentiles; whom he would not have afflicted or disturbed with such things as were not necessary, lest that it should hinder the conversion of the Gentiles, and the church should lose the substance for a shadow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="20"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Acts 15:20</a></div><div class="verse">But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and <i>from</i> fornication, and <i>from</i> things strangled, and <i>from</i> blood.</div> <span class="bld">That they abstain from pollutions of idols; eating of meat that was offered to idols, </span> as <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/15-29.htm" title="That you abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if you keep yourselves, you shall do well. Fare you well.">Acts 15:29</a></span> in a case of scandal, and for the present state of the church, was forbid, though afterwards in other cases indulged, <span class="bld"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-27.htm" title="If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and you be disposed to go; whatever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.">1 Corinthians 10:27</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Fornication</span> is here mentioned amongst indiferent things; not that it ever was so, but because it was amongst the Gentiles reputed to be so, even by them who punished adultery severely. By these two, some think all sins against both the tables of the law to be forbidden, because by one sin against each table all the sins against any command may synecdochically be understood. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">From things strangled; </span> such creatures as had not their blood let out, and therefore were not to be fed upon, by the law of God, <span class="bld"><a href="/genesis/9-4.htm" title="But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall you not eat.">Genesis 9:4</a></span>, given as soon as the use of flesh was allowed for food. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">And from blood; </span> they were also much more to abstain from blood, when shed out of the body of any slain creature, <span class="bld"><a href="/leviticus/3-17.htm" title="It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that you eat neither fat nor blood.">Leviticus 3:17</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-23.htm" title="Only be sure that you eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and you may not eat the life with the flesh.">Deu 12:23</a></span>. That blood was forbidden might be to teach them meekness, and to abstain from revenge. It is certain, that such nations as feed on blood are most barbarous and cruel. It is also probable, that these being included in the precepts which they called, The precepts of Adam, or Noah, and to which all the proselytes of the gate were obliged to yield obedience, the apostle would have the observance of them to be continued upon them that came from amongst them over unto Christianity. For though all these ceremonies were dead, (with Christ), yet they were not then deadly, and did wait a time for their more decent burial. If any wonder that the council did not treat of and write about greater matters; as of worshipping God the Father, through the Son; of denying of ourselves, and taking up the cross; he ought to consider, that the question they met upon was about other matters, and that those great things were never in question amongst such as feared God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="21"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-21.htm">Acts 15:21</a></div><div class="verse">For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.</div> The reason why St. James would not have the ceremonies buried as soon as they were dead, was because the Jews had been so long confirmed in them, and bare such a love unto them; and he would purchase concord between them and the Gentile converts; though the Gentiles should bear with some inconvenience into the bargain, as not presently using all the liberty which through Christ they had a right unto. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="22"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-22.htm">Acts 15:22</a></div><div class="verse">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; <i>namely</i>, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:</div> <span class="bld">The apostles and elders, with the whole church; </span> a happy concord, all agreeing as one man, by one Spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">To send chosen men of their own company; </span> that Paul and Barnabas might be the better credited, and that by such as had been of a contrary judgment: so hard it is to remove suspicions, and to root out preconceived opinions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Judas surnamed Barsabas; </span> the brother of that Joseph mentioned <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/1-23.htm" title="And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.">Acts 1:23</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Silas, </span> called Silvanus also. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Chief men among the brethren; </span> noted for their holy living, or great knowledge, or office in the church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="23"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-23.htm">Acts 15:23</a></div><div class="verse">And they wrote <i>letters</i> by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren <i>send</i> greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:</div> <span class="bld">The apostles and elders and brethren; </span> the letter was wrote in the name of them all, that it might have the greater force, and better acceptance; that so strong a cord might not be broken by the false apostles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Of the Gentiles; </span> such as out of Gentilism, or paganism, were converted unto Christ; to whom the determination of this case was of the greatest concern; their right of belonging unto Christ, and having any hopes of salvation, being questioned, unless they would be circumcised. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="24"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-24.htm">Acts 15:24</a></div><div class="verse">Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, <i>Ye must</i> be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no <i>such</i> commandment:</div> <span class="bld">Certain which went out from us; </span> for these false apostles were such as came from Judea, <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/15-1.htm" title="And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brothers, and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.">Acts 15:1</a></span>, that is, from the church there. It is Satan’s great policy to divide, that he may rule; he will have at least one share where there is more than one. No such sad divisions as church divisions, when that some of ourselves preach perverse things, as <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/20-30.htm" title="Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.">Acts 20:30</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Have troubled you with words; </span> as if in the professing of Christianity there would be no salvation unless Judaism be embraced, and circumcision admitted. No greater trouble to a considerate mind, than about the concern of salvation, when they say, Where is thy God? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law; </span> these they did well put together; for by circumcision they engaged to the observance of the whole law of Moses; and by the decreeing the omission, that whole law of ceremonies is declared void, and of no effect. What truth and unity build up, discord and error pull down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="25"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-25.htm">Acts 15:25</a></div><div class="verse">It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,</div> <span class="bld">With one accord; </span> with one mind, as if they had all but one soul, (they had but one Spirit, the Spirit of truth), as <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/2-1.htm" title="And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.">Acts 2:1</a> <a href="/acts/5-12.htm" title="And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders worked among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.">Acts 5:12</a></span>; their unanimity adding great strength to the decree they sent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="26"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-26.htm">Acts 15:26</a></div><div class="verse">Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.</div> Because that the false apostles at Antioch had vilified Paul and Barnabas, and opposed their doctrine and practice in admitting of the Gentiles by baptism into the church, the council here at Jerusalem take occasion to vindicate and to commend them, especially for their suffering so much for Christ, of which we read, <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/13-50.htm" title="But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.">Acts 13:50</a> 14:19</span>: it being most reasonable to believe, that they had not done or said any thing for their own sakes, who had done and suffered so much for Christ and his truth’s sake. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">For the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; </span> for Christ’s honour, and the truth of his gospel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="27"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-27.htm">Acts 15:27</a></div><div class="verse">We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell <i>you</i> the same things by mouth.</div> They shall inform you of the truth of what is contained in this epistle, that you may be more assured it is not forged or counterfeited. Of these men, see <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/15-22.htm" title="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 brothers:">Acts 15:22</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="28"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28</a></div><div class="verse">For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;</div> <span class="bld">To the Holy Ghost, and to us; </span> that is, unto us, assisted by the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is deservedly first mentioned, that the apostles might testify that they desired to say, write, or do nothing in which they had not the Spirit of God directing of them: and they mention the Spirit, that the Antiochians, unto whom they wrote, might be assured they were not human inventions which they recommended, but that they had the authority of God for them. Unto us; as ministers, or God’s stewards, who acquainted them with these things, in discharge of their duty, and that they might appear themselves to be faithful. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Burden; </span> the yoke spoken of, <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/15-10.htm" title="Now therefore why tempt you God, to put a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?">Acts 15:10</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="ital">Necessary things:</span> to be sure, several of the things here spoken of are not absolutely necessary unto salvation, or simply, and in their own nature, necessary, as to abstain from blood, &c.; but though they are not necessary always and at all times, yet in this place, and at this time, they were necessary for the peace of the church, and to avoid giving of offence to the converted Jews, and to nourish brotherly love between them and the Gentiles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="29"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-29.htm">Acts 15:29</a></div><div class="verse">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.</div> Of these see more largely, <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/15-20.htm" title="But that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.">Acts 15:20</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">From meats offered to idols; </span> they were wont to carry home and feast upon part of the sacrifices they had offered unto their false gods; nay, they did not, without reproach, eat of any greater beasts, (as oxen and sheep), but they always first offered some of them unto their idols. And it was accounted no small impiety to eat ayuta iera, part of any beasts which they had not first offered up to some or other of their gods. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="ital">From blood; </span> for this reason they might not eat of any thing that died of itself, as <span class="bld"><a href="/deuteronomy/14-21.htm" title="You shall not eat of anything that dies of itself: you shall give it to the stranger that is in your gates, that he may eat it; or you may sell it to an alien: for you are an holy people to the LORD your God. You shall not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.">Deu 14:21</a></span>, because the blood was not gone out of it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="ital">From fornication; </span> mentioned here, because so commonly practised amongst the Gentiles, and yet not esteemed a sin. Hence also, <span class="bld"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm" title="For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:">1 Thessalonians 4:3</a></span>, the apostle lays a very great charge against it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="ital">Fare ye well; </span> the ordinary apprecation wherewith their letters were concluded, in which they wished health and strength to the party they wrote unto: instead of which word, some ancient copies read, feromenoi en pneumati Agiw; which is rendered, Walk in the Holy Ghost; or, the Holy Ghost carrying, or enabling of you: a wish or prayer becoming these holy men that made it. They who have found the necessity of the Spirit’s assistance, desire it above all things for such as they wish well unto. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="30"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-30.htm">Acts 15:30</a></div><div class="verse">So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:</div> <span class="bld">When they were dismissed; </span> Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas; which two last, were sent with the former. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Gathered the multitude together; </span> from whom they were sent, <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/15-1.htm" title="And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brothers, and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.">Acts 15:1</a>,2</span>, and that this determination of the council might be more publicly known, as all things concerning our common salvation ought to be. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="31"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-31.htm">Acts 15:31</a></div><div class="verse"><i>Which</i> when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.</div> It could not but much rejoice the Gentile believers, that they were exempted from circumcision, and the ceremonial law. And it gladdened the believing Jews also, that the controversy was determined, and concord established amongst them. But much more might they all rejoice to understand the grace of the gospel; and that we are not justified by the deeds of the law, but by faith in Christ, <span class="bld"><a href="/romans/5-1.htm" title="Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:">Romans 5:1</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Consolation; </span> this word also signifies exhortation, and it was matter of joy to be put upon such excellent duties as our most holy religion recommends, and to be deterred from such erroneous evils as it forbids. All that God requires of us being only to <span class="ital">eschew evil, and do good, </span><span class="bldvs"> <a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm" title="Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil;">Isaiah 1:16</a>,17 <a href="/1_peter/3-11.htm" title="Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.">1 Peter 3:11</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="32"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32</a></div><div class="verse">And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed <i>them</i>.</div> <span class="bld">Prophets; </span> not properly so called, from any gift of foretelling things to come, but as doctors and teachers in the church, <span class="bld"><a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm" title="And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;">Ephesians 4:11</a></span>, expounding Moses and the prophets, and showing how and what they speak concerning Christ; proving out of them, that he was the Messiah, as Philip had done, <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/8-35.htm" title="Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached to him Jesus.">Acts 8:35</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Confirmed them:</span> see <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/14-22.htm" title="Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.">Acts 14:22</a> 18:23</span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="33"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-33.htm">Acts 15:33</a></div><div class="verse">And after they had tarried <i>there</i> a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.</div> <span class="bld">A space; </span> a competent time; some make this space to be a year. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">They were let go in peace; </span> they were dismissed with earnest prayers for them; for by <span class="ital">peace</span> is meant all kind of good, which they desired for them, as <span class="bld"><a href="/matthew/10-13.htm" title="And if the house be worthy, let your peace come on it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.">Matthew 10:13</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Unto the apostles; </span> such of them as were at Jerusalem, who also had sent them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="34"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-34.htm">Acts 15:34</a></div><div class="verse">Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.</div> Though, having performed his message, he was discharged, and might have returned; yet, for the further benefit of that church, he continued at Antioch. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="35"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-35.htm">Acts 15:35</a></div><div class="verse">Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.</div> Judas only returned to Jerusalem, to acquaint the apostles with the reception their letter had met with, and what obedience was readily given to their decrees; so that when these went away the church at Antioch was not left destitute of faithful pastors. When God gives the word, great is the multitude of preachers, <span class="bld"><a href="/psalms/68-11.htm" title="The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.">Psalm 68:11</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="36"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Acts 15:36</a></div><div class="verse">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, <i>and see</i> how they do.</div> It is not enough that they had sown good seed, but they must take care lest it be plucked up, and tares sown in the stead of it, by the wicked one, <span class="bld"><a href="/matthew/13-19.htm" title="When any one hears the word of the kingdom, and understands it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.">Matthew 13:19</a></span>. A husbandman’s work is never at an end, neither is the labourer’s in God’s vineyard. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">See how they do; </span> not so much looking after their bodily welfare, as how their souls fared, whether they continued in the faith, and integrity of life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="37"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-37.htm">Acts 15:37</a></div><div class="verse">And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.</div> This <span class="bld">John, </span> or <span class="ital">Mark, </span> was <span class="ital">sister’s son to Barnabas, </span> as <span class="bld"><a href="/colossians/4-10.htm" title=" Aristarchus my fellow prisoner salutes you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom you received commandments: if he come to you, receive him;)">Colossians 4:10</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="38"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-38.htm">Acts 15:38</a></div><div class="verse">But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.</div> This deserting of Paul and Barnabas by John, is mentioned <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/13-13.htm" title="Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.">Acts 13:13</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">To the work; </span> the work unto which the Spirit had called them, <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/13-2.htm" title="As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.">Acts 13:2</a></span>, which was to offer life and salvation unto the Gentiles, and to gather them into the fold of Jesus Christ. This objection was very considerable, and ought to have weighed more than this John’s propinquity, or nearness in blood, unto Barnabas. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="39"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-39.htm">Acts 15:39</a></div><div class="verse">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;</div> <span class="bld">They departed asunder; </span> as Abraham and Lot parted, <span class="bld"><a href="/genesis/13-9.htm" title="Is not the whole land before you? separate yourself, I pray you, from me: if you will take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.">Genesis 13:9</a></span>, yet keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; loving of and praying for one another, as we may judge, being both good men. But they verified here what they had said at Lystra, <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/14-15.htm" title="And saying, Sirs, why do you these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach to you that you should turn from these vanities to the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:">Acts 14:15</a></span>, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">We are men of like passions with you; </span> yet God overruled these very divisions between Paul and Barnabas for his own glory, and the enlargement of the kingdom of Jesus Christ, several places being by this means blessed with the gospel. And this reflection upon this John Mark, is thought, to have made him for the future more diligent and valiant in the cause of the gospel, which occasioned that kind salutation from St. Paul unto him, <span class="bld"><a href="/colossians/4-10.htm" title=" Aristarchus my fellow prisoner salutes you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom you received commandments: if he come to you, receive him;)">Colossians 4:10</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Cyprus; </span> an island in the Mediterranean Sea. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="40"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-40.htm">Acts 15:40</a></div><div class="verse">And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.</div> The favour of God, as <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/14-26.htm" title="And there sailed to Antioch, from where they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.">Acts 14:26</a></span>, which the wisest and holiest men stand in need of in all their undertakings; as also his gracious conduct and assistance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><A name="41"></a> <div class="versenum"><a href="/acts/15-41.htm">Acts 15:41</a></div><div class="verse">And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.</div> <span class="bld">Syria and Cilicia; </span> where there were several brethren by reason of the dispersion that was upon Stephen’s death, <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/11-19.htm" title="Now they which were scattered abroad on the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but to the Jews only.">Acts 11:19</a></span>; and unto whom also the before recited letter was written, <span class="bld"><a href="/acts/15-23.htm" title="And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.">Acts 15:23</a></span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">Confirming the churches; </span> puting them in mind of the gospel of Christ, which they had heard and believed; and encouraging of them to persevere in the profession of it, and being ready to answer any objection that could be brought against it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div id="botbox"><div class="padbot"><div align="center">Matthew Poole's Commentary<br /><br />Text Courtesy of <a href="//biblesupport.com" target="_top">BibleSupport.com</a>. 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