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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 15:23

And wrote letters by them after this manner ,.... Not that they made use of them as their amanuenses, to write their letters for them; but being written they put them into their hands, and sent them by them, and they were written in the following form: the apostles, and elders, and brethren ; which belonged to, or were members of the church at Jerusalem; they are severally set in their proper place and order: the apostles, Peter, and James, and John, and it may be some others first; for... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:24

Forasmuch as we have heard ,.... By the report of Paul and Barnabas, who were sent by the church at Antioch to Jerusalem, to acquaint them with the state of their case: that certain which went out from us ; Acts 15:1 have troubled you with words , or doctrines: subverting your souls ; removing them from the doctrine of grace to another Gospel, and which deserved not the name of a Gospel; and was very destructive to their souls, at least to the peace and com fort of them: this... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:25

It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord ,.... Or together; in one place, as the Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions render it; see Acts 2:1 though certain it is, that as they were in one place, so they were in one mind; and their unanimity was proper to be mentioned, in order to engage a regard to their advice: to send men chosen unto you ; men chosen for this purpose; namely, Judas and Silas: with our beloved Barnabas and Paul ; who are commended thus, partly to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:26

Men that have hazarded their lives ,.... As at Antioch, in Pisidia, where a persecution was raised against them, and they were expelled out of the coasts of that place; and at Lystra, where Paul was stoned, and left for dead, Acts 13:50 and this they did, not for any sinister and selfish ends, for any worldly gain, or vain glory, and popular applause, but for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ ; for the sake of his Gospel, and the enlargement of his interest, and kingdom in the world;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:27

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas ,.... The chosen men before mentioned, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth ; as are written in these letters; which would both confirm and explain things unto them. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:28

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us ,.... By various things they had reason doubtless to conclude, that they were under the influence and direction of the Holy Ghost in this affair; as by the spirit of prayer that was among them; by that power and energy with which many of them spoke on this occasion, and that so agreeable to the word of God; and by that unanimity with which they came into the advice given. With respect to the form here used, compare 1 Chronicles 13:2 and the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:29

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols ,.... Which explains what is meant by pollutions of idols, Acts 15:20 and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. See Gill on Acts 15:20 . In Beza's most ancient copy, and in three other manuscripts, and in the Complutensian edition, it follows, "and whatsoever ye would not have done to yourselves, that do ye not to another"; in like manner the Ethiopic version also reads, as in Acts 15:20 "from which if ye keep... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:23

Send greeting unto the brethren - of the Gentiles - There was no occasion to send such a letter to the brethren which were of the Jews, because that law which had been so long read in their synagogues taught them all those things; and therefore the epistle is sent exclusively to the Gentiles. The word greeting is in the original χαιρειν , to be well, to be safe; a very usual form in Greek epistles, the word ευχομαι being understood, I wish thee to be well. read more

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