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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 15:22-35

We have here the result of the consultation that was held at Jerusalem about the imposing of the ceremonial law upon the Gentiles. Much more, it is likely, was said about it than is here recorded; but at length it was brought to a head, and the advice which James gave was universally approved and agreed to nemine contradicente?unanimously; and letters were accordingly sent by messengers of their own to the Gentile converts, acquainting them with their sentiments in this matter, which would be... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 15:22-35

15:22-35 Then the apostles and the elders together with the whole Church took a decision to choose men from their number and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas who is called Barsabas and Silas, men who were leaders among the brethren, and they sent a written message by their hand. "The apostles and the elders, brethren, to the brethren from the Gentiles who are throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia--greetings. We have heard that some who came from us have... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:22

Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church ,.... The opinion, judgment, and advice of James, being approved of by the whole body of the apostles, ministers, and brethren of the church assembled together on this occasion; they unanimously agreed, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas ; that is, they thought fit to choose some persons from among themselves, out of that assembly, or who were members of the church at Jerusalem; and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:22

Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole Church - James determined what ought to be done; and the whole assembly resolved how that should be done. Chosen men of their own company - Paul and Barnabas were to return: they could have witnessed to the Church at Antioch what was done at the council at Jerusalem; but as it was possible that their testimony might be suspected, from the part they had already taken in this question at Antioch, it was necessary that a deputation... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:22

Verse 22− 22.It pleased the apostles. That tempest was made calm not without the singular grace of God, so that after the matter was thoroughly discussed, they did all agree together in sound doctrine. Also the modesty of the common people is gathered by this, because, after that they had referred the matter to the judgment of the apostles and the rest of teachers, they do now also subscribe to their decree; and, on the other side, the apostles did show some token of their equity, in that they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:1-35

The controversy. The apprehension of truth, full, pure, and unmixed with error, should be the desire of all good men. And it is a great help towards attaining truth when we are able to love it and to seek it absolutely for its own sake, without reference to its consequences, without regard to the wishes of others or undue submission to their opinions. It is also necessary for a man in pursuit of truth to divest himself of prejudices, and the influence of false opinions which he has adopted... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:1-35

A great dissension or, the threshold of the Gentile Church, and the apostolic management of it. One subject knits together very firmly the contents of this paragraph. And the subject is one of the greatest importance. Its interest is all of the practical kind; and well had it been for the unconverted world had the Church through all these centuries abided by the suggested lessons that we have here. The one subject is the beginning of ecclesiastical dissension within the Church catholic... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:12-35

A grave crisis in the kingdom of God: more lessons. After Peter's speech ( Acts 15:7-10 ) came the narration of facts by Barnabas and Paul, in which they laid stress on the Divine tokens of favor and support which they had received in the execution of their work ( Acts 15:12 ); and then James summed up the matter, evidently giving voice to the decision of the Church. We learn— I. THAT MEN OF DIVERGENT THOUGHT SHOULD STRIVE TO MEET ONE ANOTHER 'S VIEWS IN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:22

It seemed good to for pleased it, A.V. ; the elders for elders, A.V. ; to choose men out of their company and send them, etc., for to send chosen men of their own company, A.V.; Barsabbas for Barsabas, A.V. and T.R., as Acts 1:23 . To choose men , etc. This is a necessary, change, because the middle aorist ( ἐκκεξαμένους ) cannot have a passive meaning (chosen); see verse 40. Chief men ( ἡγουμένους ) ; literally, leaders. So in Luke 22:26 ὁ ἡγούμενος... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:22-29

Decision of the council at Jerusalem. This, the first council of the Church, is generally considered an example for all times. I. AN EXAMPLE OF CHRISTIAN PRUDENCE . 1. In the selection of emissaries. It had reference partly to the Churches, partly to Paul and Barnabas. The Churches were assured that the emissaries were not delivering their own private opinion, but the deliberate judgment of the Church. And the apostles had the legitimacy and purity of their office sealed... read more

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