Acts 15:23

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

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

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 15:23

Wrote thus by them for wrote letters by them after this manner, A.V.; the elder brethren for elders and brethren, A.V.; unto … greeting for send greeting unto, etc., A.V., as Acts 23:1-35 . 26. The elder brethren , etc. The grammar of the sentence is irregular, as there is nothing for γράψαντες to agree with. But "the elder brethren" is a phrase unknown to the Scriptures, and it is much more in accordance with the feeling of the times that "the brethren," i. e. the whole... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 15:23

And wrote letters - Greek: “Having written.” It does not mean that they wrote more than one epistle.By them - Greek: by their hand.”After this manner - Greek: these things.Send greeting - A word of salutation, expressing their desire of the happiness (χαίρειν chairein) of the persons addressed. Compare Matthew 26:49; Matthew 27:29; Luke 1:28; John 19:3.In Antioch - Where the difficulty first arose.And Syria - Antioch was the capital of Syria, and it is probable that the dispute was not... read more

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