Acts 15:1-41 NIV

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:1

And certain men which came down from Judea ,.... To Antioch; they were not sent by the apostles, they came down of "themselves"; who they were, is not certain; that they were "judaizing" Christians, and teachers among them, is plain from the following account: according to Epiphanius F7 Contra Haeres. l. 1. Haeres. 28. they were Cerinthus, and some of his followers: these taught the brethren ; the Gentile converts at Antioch, who are styled "brethren", though they were Gentiles,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:2

When therefore Paul and Barnabas ,.... Who were the ministers of the uncircumcision, and were just returned from preaching the Gospel among the Gentiles, with success, and were advocates for them, being witnesses of the grace that was bestowed on them, and therefore opposed the sentiments of these men: and had no small dissension and disputation with them ; which was attended with much heat and sharpness, and continued some time, and occasioned much disturbance and uneasiness; nor could... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:3

And being brought on their way by the church ,.... That is, either being accompanied by some of the brethren of the church some part of the way, out of respect unto them, or being provided by them with things necessary for their journey; see Titus 3:13 they passed through Phenice and Samaria ; which both lay between Syria and Judea; in the former of which places those that were scattered upon the death of Stephen had preached, and a great number were converted and believed in Christ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:4

And when they were come to Jerusalem ,.... Paul and Barnabas, and the rest that came from Antioch with them: they were received of the church ; that is, that was at Jerusalem, in a very kind and respectful manner; they were received into their houses, and accommodated with everything convenient for them: and of the apostles ; particularly James, and Cephas, and John, who gave to Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, in token of their approbation of them, affection for them,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:5

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees ,.... Which was the strictest sect of religion among the Jews: which believed ; that Jesus was the Messiah, and professed their faith in him, and were members of the church, though they still retained many of their pharisaical tenets, and are therefore said to be of that sect: these rose up in opposition to Paul and Barnabas, as they were relating their success among the Gentiles, and giving an account of the difference that had... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:6

And the apostles and elders came together ,.... And also the brethren, or private members of the church, even the whole church, as appears from Acts 15:22 . Whether all the apostles were here present, is not certain; Peter, James, and John were; but who else, cannot be said: these met together for to consider of this matter ; to hear what was to be said on both sides of the question, and then to judge what advice was proper to be given to the Gentiles. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:7

And when there had been much disputing ,.... Pro and con upon this subject; many had spoken; and much had been said, and a great deal of time had been taken up about the thing in controversy: Peter rose up ; not only out of respect to this venerable assembly, but to signify that he had something to say; and he stood up that he might be the better heard. Beza's ancient copy reads, "rose up in spirit"; and said unto them, men and brethren : an usual form of address with the Jews; Acts... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:8

And God which knoweth the hearts ,.... Of all men; he being omniscient, the searcher of the hearts, and the trier of the reins of the children of men, knew with what sincerity Cornelius sent for Peter; and with what vehement desire and longing expectation he and his family and friends waited for his coming; and with what earnestness, diligence, and affection they attended to what he said: bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us ; God bore a testimony, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:9

And put no difference between us and them ,.... Neither in the extraordinary gifts, nor special grace, of the Spirit; giving them the same graces of faith, hope, and love, admitting to the same privileges and immunities of the house of God, and giving them a right and title to the same inheritance of the saints in light, though the one were circumcised, and the other were not. God puts no difference as to matters of religion under the Gospel dispensation between Jews and Gentiles, neither on... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:10

Now therefore why tempt ye God ,.... By hesitating about this matter, by disputing upon this point, and by seeking for further proof and evidence of the will of God in this affair; when it is so plain a case, that it has been his will that the Gospel should be preached to Gentiles, without obliging them to circumcision; that he has given his Spirit both in his extraordinary gifts, and special grace, to uncircumcised persons; particularly he has bestowed faith in Christ upon them, whereby... read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:1

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:6

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:7

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:9

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:10

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