Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
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 15:29

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 15:29

Ye shall do well - But, if they did not keep themselves from these things, they would do ill; that is, they would sin against God, whose Spirit had commanded them to keep from these things. And who can do any of these forbidden things, and keep either a guiltless or a tender conscience? Fare-well - An old English form of expressing good wishes and good will. It is compounded of to go , and much, well, very much . Go well, go prosperously! - tantamount with good speed! may you succeed... 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 15:22-29

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:28-29

Reasonable and unreasonable burdens. "To lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things." The precise nature of the things which the council thought essential to Christian standing and life are discussed in the Expository Portion of this Commentary, and materials for the introduction of our subject will be found in it. "The letter does not say why these things were necessary, and the term was probably chosen as covering alike the views of those who held, like the Pharisee... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:29

Things sacrificed for meats offered, A.V.; it shall be well with you for ye shall do well, A.V. The phrase εὗ πράσσειν means to" prosper," to "fare well" (comp. Ephesians 6:21 , "How I do"). read more

Group of Brands