Acts 15:1-11 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 15:1-5

Even when things go on very smoothly and pleasantly in a state or in a church, it is folly to be secure, and to think the mountain stands strong and cannot be moved; some uneasiness or other will arise, which is not foreseen, cannot be prevented, but must be prepared for. If ever there was a heaven upon earth, surely it was in the church at Antioch at this time, when there were so many excellent ministers there, and blessed Paul among them, building up that church in her most holy faith. But... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 15:6-21

We have here a council called, not by writ, but by consent, on this occasion (Acts 15:6): The apostles and presbyters came together, to consider this matter. They did not give their judgment separately, but came together to do it, that they might hear one another's sense in this matter; for in the multitude of counsellors there is safety and satisfaction. They did not give their judgment rashly, but considered of this matter. Though they were clear concerning it in their own minds, yet they... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 15:1-5

The influx of Gentiles into the Church produced a problem which had to be solved. The mental background of the Jew was founded on the fact that he belonged to the chosen people. In effect they believed that not only were the Jews the peculiar possession of God but also that God was the peculiar possession of the Jews. The problem was this. Before a Gentile became a member of the Christian Church was it necessary that he should be circumcised and take upon himself the Law of Moses? In other... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 15:1-5

15:1-5 Some men came down from Judaea and tried to teach the brethren, "If you are not circumcised according to the practice of Moses you cannot be saved." When Paul and Barnabas had a great dispute and argument with them, they arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders to get this question settled. So they were sent on their way by the Church, and they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling the story of the conversion of the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 15:6-12

15:6-12 The apostles and elders met together to investigate this question. After a great deal of discussion Peter stood up and said, "Brethren, you know that in the early days God made his choice among us, so that through my mouth the Gentiles should hear the good news and believe. And God, who knows men's hearts, bore his own witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he had done to us too. He made no distinction between us and them for he purified their hearts by faith. So why... read more

John Gill

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

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 15:1-5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 15:6-21

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 15:1-5

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 15:1-5

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 15:6-12

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

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