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| 1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. |
Certain men – Hebrews by birth. R4374:1
Certain Jews who attempted to Judaize the erstwhile Gentiles who chiefly constituted the Antioch church. R2158:2
From Judea – Jerusalem, the headquarters of the Church. R4374:1
Taught the brethren – That Gentiles, upon accepting Christ, should accept Judaism and the Mosaic Law. R3018:2
Except ye – Gentile Christians. R4374:1
Be circumcised – This Church at Antioch regarded this as contrary to the teachings of Barnabas and Paul, and as an infringement upon their Christian liberty. R1087:3*
Given to Abraham and his posterity as a sign by which they attested faith in the divine promises; obligatory upon every Jew who would maintain his relationship to the promises, and still obligatory upon that nation. R2158:1
A mark in the flesh observed for over eighteen centuries. R2158:1
Cannot be saved – Claiming that circumcision would not save without Christ, neither would Christ's salvation be operative without circumcision. R4374:1
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| 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. |
When therefore – This was the same visit mentioned in Gal. 2:1. R1472:3
No small dissension – Respecting the propriety of circumcision and the general observance of the Mosiac law on the part of those who were not Israelites by birth. R2158:2,3,6, 3018:2
A split in the Church seemed probable. R4374:1
Go up to Jerusalem – A distance of about 300 miles. R1472:3
It was nearly twenty years after the day of Pentecost that the conference took place. R3018:1
Using "the spirit of a sound mind," (2 Tim. 1:17) they sent Paul and Barnab R4374:1
The Antioch brethren sent their two leading representatives to present before the Jerusalem Council the views which seemed to be the correct ones. R3018:2
To lay the matter before them and to bring back a report. R1728:1, 972:2
Apostles – "Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matt. 16:19) R2374:1, 2158:5
Today, as we cannot refer questions to the living apostles, we must refer them to the recorded teaching of our Lord, and the apostles, seeking assistance in this amongst brethren who have the best knowledge and insight. R3018:3
About this question – The question was a vital one; the error struck right at the foundation doctrine--the efficacy of the precious blood of Christ for salvation to all them that believe, whether Jews or Gentiles. R1472:2
That the church was in good spiritual health is evidenced by the fact that they were anxious to have the truth, whatever it might be. R2158:2
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| 3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. |
By the church – Probably at the expense of the Church at Antioch. R1472:3, 1957:4
The congregation at Antioch sent forth two as their representatives. Paul and Barnabas returned and gave them a report of the work. R1957:4
Great joy – They had the true Christian spirit, having largely lost the Jewish prejudice. R3018:4
The contention for the Mosaic Law and ceremonies implied no opposition to the Gentiles themselves. R3018:4
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| 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. |
Were received – Greek, "heartily welcomed." R3018:4, 2158:2
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| 5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. |
Sect – Greek, airesis; Heresy. R1130:6
To circumcise – This opened up the question at once, and led to the announcement that the settlement of this question was the very object of their visit. R2158:3
Law of Moses – Our Lord gave no instructions regarding any of the commands of the Mosaic Law. R2158:3
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| 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. |
Elders – See comments under Acts 14:23
For to consider – Greek, eidon; know or understand. A278; R837:3
The truth has nothing to lose by fairness, openness, and a reasonable moderation and the turning on of all light obtainable. R3018:3
The apostles and elders heard all that was to be said on the subject. R3018:6
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| 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. |
Much disputing – Among the Apostles there were differences. We should contend earnestly, at the same time striving to maintain unity of spirit in the bonds of peace, yet never sacrificing truth for either unity or peace. R937:2
When the question is an important one, as in this case, dispute, with force and yet with kindness, love and gentleness of word and manner, is most appropriate. R3018:6, 3019:1
A great examination of the question on all sides followed. R972:2
There was fullest liberty granted for as much dispute or debate, in a proper manner, as was necessary. R3018:6
Let us accord others differing from us the same reasonable liberty that we would like to have them accord to us. R3019:2
Peter – One of the oldest of the disciples, and a man of strong character. R2158:3
A good while ago – At the time the Lord promised me he would give me "The keys of the Kingdom of Heaven". (Matt. 16:19) R2657:4,6
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| 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us; |
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| 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. |
Put no difference – Peter called to their attention how God had taught him through the vision of clean and unclean beasts that he was not henceforth to call the Gentiles common or unclean. ( Acts 10:28) R1472:6
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| 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? |
To put a yoke – Moses' Law R1728:2, 4373:3, 2158:3, 972:2
The Law condemned all who sought justification under it. R1872:2
Some insisted that all Gentile converts must be circumcised and thus become Jewish proselytes before becoming Christians. R1472:2
Why should they put it upon brethren to whom the Lord had never given it? R4374:3
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| 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. |
We – Jews R1472:6[R1472:11], 4374:3
Even as they – The Gentiles R1472:6[R1472:11]
Faith in Christ the Redeemer was all that was necessary for justification, either for Jew or Gentile. R551:3[R551:5]
In some respects the Gentiles, free from the Law, held the superior position. R4374:3[R4374:7]
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| 12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. |
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| 13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: |
James – Our Lord's brother, the chairman of the meeting. R2158:4, 1472:6
James was our Lord's second cousin. R3003:2
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| 14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
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Simeon – Simon Peter, as recorded in verse 7. R1472:6
At the first – This honor went first to the Jews and selected a "remnant," but when that nation proved unworthy of this "honor" it was turned to the Gentiles." R2377:1; SM90:1
Did visit – Made a beginning to visit. R2124:3
The Gentiles – Greek, ethnon; nations. R33:5*, 3732:3
After the expiration of the seventy weeks of years set apart for Israel. R5163:4
Since there was not a sufficient number in Israel ready to complete the predestinated number to be adopted. E177
As Moses married a Gentile wife, so in the interval between Christ's first and second advents he selects a wife from among the Gentiles--The Gospel Church. R1651:6, 181:5*
The reception of the Gentiles was not to make them Jews. R2158:4
To take out of them – To gather out of them. R2377:1
The Church are a people called out from among the nations. R3732:3
During the Gospel age he has been selecting a household of sons to be joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. R1710:5; SM90:1
The real object of this Gospel Age is to preach the Gospel for a witness (Matt 24:14) and to prepare a Little Flock for the Kingdom. D169; R5586:5, 3130:6, 2861:4, 2798:3, 107:3*; OV222:6
The Gospel was not intended to convert the world, but to gather out of the world a "little flock." R3130:6, 3013:2, 2861:4, 1685:5; OV296:4; HG12:2; 188:3; NS190:2, 860:1
"A kind of first-fruits of his creatures." (James 1:18) R1324:4*
The saints are to be the judges with Christ. R5776:2
A people – A peculiar people, a holy nation. R2377:1, 4213:5; NS321:5
Called the "fullness of the Gentiles." (Rom. 11:25) CR209:4
The overcoming Church, the Bride. A81, A92; R1685:5, 237:6*; OV223:1, 296:4; Q800:2
The kings and priests to reign with Christ. R107:3*
Which God has been calling and selecting from among mankind during this age for a purpose. R2538:6
For his name – To bear the name of Christ. R4213:5, 3586:4, 2377:1, 107:3*
To be adopted into the divine family. NS268:2
To be joint-heirs with Jesus in the Kingdom--to be members of the seed of Abraham. R3937:3, 2157:3*, 2151:4; E177
To be united to Christ at his second advent and to receive his name. A92; 5594:2, 5185:2, 3586:4
The name of the Bridegroom, henceforth to be ours. R1820:6
The "Lamb's wife." (Rev. 21:9) R3937:3, 5594:2, 1685:5
"This is the name whereby he shall be called, the Lord our Righteousness;" "And this is the name which she shall be called, the Lord our Righteousness." (Jer. 23:6; 33:16) HG275:4
The Church, members of the Body of Christ, the seed. R11:6, 4512:2
His bride, the elect church. NS111:3, 128:2
To complete the predestinated number of the elect 144,000. R3586:4, 4969:1
For the glorious purpose of making them his agents for the blessing of all mankind. R2538:6, 961:3, 827:6; NS321:6
God has a great work to be done, and is seeking a people who will do it. R5185:2
Who will confess their sins, will acknowledge that they themselves are not great. R5595:1
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| 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, |
To this agree – This is in harmony with prophecy. R11:6
Of the prophets – James quotes the next two verses from Amos 9:11-12. R2357:6; 336:4
The apostles judged the mind of the Lord as read in his Word and providential leadings in harmony with his Word. R3251:3, 11:6; E276
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| 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: |
After this – After this people from the Gentiles has been taken out. A81; R11:6
After spiritual Israel has been developed as the true seed of Abraham. R2357:6; HG39:2
After the selection of "The Bride, the Lamb's wife," (Rev. 21:) he will come forth to bless all the families of the earth. HG342:3; OV223:1
After the gathering of his elect Church is accomplished in the harvest of the Gospel Age. B86; R1651:6, 384:5, 237:6*, 11:6
After the completion of this "Body" the Lord's favor would return to natural Israel. R4512:2; PT76:1
At the close of this Christian Age, the work of election is consummated, then God's free grace will be extended to all the remainder of mankind, through the selected class. Q788:2
This is a description of what will take place during the Millennium, and not of what we see about us today. R4321:6; PT32:T
We are living at the time when this prophecy is about to be fulfilled. R3425:4
I will return – After the completion of this "body" the Lord's favor will return to natural Israel. R4512:2, 2358:1, 384:5
During the presence of Jesus. R238:1*
Will build again – Permanent establishment. C257
During the Gospel age Israel as a nation has borne no fruit, but when the Bride is taken out from the Gentiles they will receive favor. R127:3*
The Tabernacle – The house, royalty or dominion. C257; A81; R384:5
The earthly dominion. A81
Restore the Jews to their own land. Q750:T
Jerusalem will become the capital city of the world. Q790:2
The reestablishment of God's kingdom in the world. R3425:4
Of David – Of David's posterity, the Christ. C257
The recovery of natural Israel is about to take place under the reestablishment of God's Kingdom in the world--typically represented in King David, but to be actually established in the greater David--the "Beloved One." R3425:4
The ruins thereof – The ruins of fleshly Israel. B86
The formerly temporary house or tabernacle of David, which was overthrown, and for many centuries has lain in the dust. A257
The restoration of the Jew to the Canaan land of promise is only a beginning of the work of restoring all nations and all things. (Zech. 12:7) R384:5
I will set it up – After the establishment of Messiah's Kingdom. R5817:5
"And so all Israel shall be saved." (Rom. 11:26) B217
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| 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. |
The residue of men – All mankind, including the Gentiles. R3425:4
This blessing is to be brought to Israel in order that the rest of "men might seek after the Lord." HG336:4
This is why God will rebuild Israel. R384:5
Might – During the Millennial Age. R33:2*, 3425:4
Seek after the Lord – And have assistance rendered to them if they will. HG713:6
To be taught at the hands of the Heavenly Bridegroom and Bride, until "all shall know him from the least unto the greatest." (Jer 31:34) HG732:4
All the Gentiles – Nations. R107:3*
My name is called – Who heartily and sincerely desire to come back into harmony with God as members of Christ's family. R5776:4
During the Millennium, the opportunity will be given to all to come into harmony with the Lord, of devoting themselves to his service. R5776:4
Doeth all these things – During this Gospel age, selecting some to be joint-heirs with Jesus in the Kingdom. R3937:3
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| 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the age. |
Known unto God – All that has occurred since creation was foreknown to the Father and provided for. R4451:1
God has a due time for every feature of His plan, nothing is gone astray. NS458:3
Are all his works – All creation is His charge, while saints are His peculiar care. NS458:4
All his purposes shall be accomplished (Isa. 55:11). "I change not." (Mal.3:6 R1267:4,5; E35; OV33:1; Q799:3
Every feature of God's plan was premeditated, forearranged; his fixed rules and principles are unchangeable. R4451:1
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| 19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: |
My sentence – Through searching the Scriptures in the light of divine providence. E276
We trouble not them – Gentiles received the spirit of adoption in uncircumcision, showing that faith in Christ is the only requisite to salvation. R1473:1
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| 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. |
We write unto them – Paul taught that for Gentile converts to practice Jewish Law ceremonies and rites would imply that they were trusting in those symbols for their salvation. F229; R1527:4
From things strangled – To prevent becoming stumbling blocks to their Jewish brethren. R1473:1
The Jews did not eat anything strangled, because blood was a type or symbol of life. The apostles advised this, even though they stated there was nothing in the Law that was binding on the Gentiles (I Cor. 8:9) Q431:1
The eating of blood was forbidden, not only by the Jewish Law, but also before the Law was given. The same command was given to Noah. (Deut. 12:23; Gen. 9:4) R1473:1
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| 21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. |
For Moses – Moses was the mediator of the Law Covenant between God and that nation. R5046:6, 1725:4
Whose writings were read. R1793:6
In every city – James intimates that Judaism and the Law Covenant were very generally known throughout the world at that time. R1473:1
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| 22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judah surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: |
Chosen men – The men were not a separate class from the brethren. R1087:5*
Judas and Silas – That they might have the matter in written and in oral testimony. R4374:4, 3019:3, 1473:4
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| 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: |
They wrote letters – The result of the conference was expressed by letter to the various churches. R551:3
The council decided and sent a written message to the confused Gentile believers. R1728:2, 972:3
That they might have the matter in written and in oral testimony. R4374:4
Apostles – Are represented as a class apart from others of the Church, indicating the distinctness of their office. R1473:4
All were subject to the same regulations instituted by the apostles. Their earnest endeavor was to keep "the unity of the faith in the bonds of peace." (Eph. 4:3) R1895:4
Elders – Those of largest experience and development. R1473:4
Whose duty it was to take the oversight of the Lord's flock in their vicinity, to feed them with the truth, to guard against the wolves in sheep's clothing. (Matt. 7:15) R1890:3, 1523:5
See also comments under Acts 14:23.
Brethren – Indicating Christian fellowship. R1473:4
Send greeting – It is a pleasant observation that, even with their limited means of communication, whenever there was opportunity the Churches in one place were prompt to send Christian greetings and benedictions to those in other places. R1895:4
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| 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: |
Went out from us – From here. R1728:2, 972:3
Subverting – Turned from the truth by error. R276:6
Destroying your faith. R1728:2, 972:3
Your souls – Beings, persons. R205:3, 276:6
No such commandment – The disquieting teachings had not been authorized by the apostles at Jerusalem. R4374:4, 2158:5, 1087:3*
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| 25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, |
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| 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
Hazarded their lives – Greek, psuche; souls, beings. E337
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| 27 We have sent therefore Judah and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. |
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| 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; |
To the holy Ghost – Their decision was the mind of the Lord, the Spirit of the Lord, ascertained through searching the Scriptures in the light of divine providence. E275, E276; R372:6
The apostles had special gifts of the Spirit which guided them in the understanding of the Lord's will. R2158:5
And to us – The decision found a hearty response in the hearts of the apostles and elders. R3019:3
Their decision was absolutely right. HG736:5
No greater burden – They determined not to put upon them the yoke of the Law which they as Jews had been unable to keep. R1732:1, 974:1
That they had never been under the Jewish Law Covenant. F229
They rejoiced that the holy Spirit had not put the bondage of the law upon the Gentile convert. R2158:5
Necessary things – The apostles understood which things of the Jewish Law were binding upon the Church and which not binding. HG736:5; SM463:T
Even these suggestions were given as advice, and not so much of the Mosaic Law. R1728:2, 4374:4, 972:3; Q431:T
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| 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. |
That ye abstain – The answer ignored every feature of the law, except four points. R2158:6
Even though not under the Jewish Law Covenant. R1527:4
Meats – Sacrifices. R4374:4, 2158:6
Offered to idols – Which might appear to be giving sanction to idol worship, which at that time had a great deal of sensuality connected with it. R3019:4, 4374:4
Not a prohibition against animal food. R3098:3
From blood – The eating of blood was forbidden, not only by Jewish Law, but also before the Law was given. (Gen. 9:4) R1473:1, 3019:4
"The life is in the blood." (Lev. 17:14) R2159:4
A symbol of life. R4374:5, 3019:4
For the Jew to partake would imply responsibility for the life taken; the blood typically representing the sin-offering. R4374:5
The Jewish method of bleeding animals to death, extracted the blood. R2159:1
The use of blood was more common then than now. R3019:4
Abstinence has probably also a sanitary reason. R2159:1, 4374:5
Things strangled – In which the blood would remain, which would imply the eating of blood. R3019:4, 2159:1, 2158:6
Animals taken in traps whose blood was not drained. R4374:5
By eating such things they might become stumbling blocks to their Jewish brethren. (1 Cor. 8:9) R1473:1
Fornication – Very common at that time amongst the Gentiles, sometimes even a part of their religious service. R2159:4
Greek signifying "harlotry." R4374:6
All the requirements of the Law are included in the one law of love of the new creation. R4374:6
Ye shall do well – You will find these recommendations profitable to you as followers of the Lord. R4374:4
The apostles did not say a word about the ten commandments. It was evidently taken for granted that the law of love was sufficient. R1473:4
It was not intimated that abstinence from these things would make them Christians. R4374:4
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| 30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: |
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| 31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. |
They rejoiced – This wise course brought its good results; harmony, unity of spirit prevailed. R4375:1
Similarly today, where honesty of heart prevails, schisms, divisions, should be unknown. R4375:1
We should not carry disputes on matters not fundamental, to the length of rupture. R3019:5
For the consolation – They accepted the apostolic rulings as inspired and authoritative. R2276:5
With peace and joy. R3019:5
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| 32 And Judah and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. |
Being prophets – Public speakers. F246; R3019:5
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| 33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. |
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| 34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. |
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| 35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. |
Teaching – Accomplished in a more private manner--in a Bible class or in private conversation. F256
And preaching – Discoursing in public. Public work prospers best when it is ably supplemented by the more private expounding of the deep things of God, to a smaller company. F256
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| 36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. |
Go again – Confirming the souls of the disciples and confirming the Churches. R781:5
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| 37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. |
And Barnabas – Who should have recognized the apostleship of Paul and showed great deference to his judgment. R1546:1
Determined – Whether Paul approved or not. R1546:1
He placed himself as the superior and director. R1546:1
Barnabas was rather the loser by not acquiescing with the Apostle Paul's view of the matter. R2175:3
He lost his opportunity, which, seemingly, he failed to appreciate because pride raised up a little root of bitterness. R1546:2
John...Mark – Cousin of Barnabas and writer of the Gospel of Mark. R2175:3
Nephew to Barnabas. R4399:1
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| 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. |
Paul thought not good – Mark forsook the service of the ministering brethren in their first tour, and Paul evidently thought that up to this time Mark had not properly recognized his misconduct. R2175:3
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| 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; |
Contention was so sharp – Both were positive in their mental decisions on the subject. R1546:1
They did not have a quarrel. It was a sharp discussion in which each had a right to act according to his own judgment of the Lord's will. R2175:3
They departed asunder – Paul had to part from the man to whom he owed more than to any other; and Barnabas was separated from the grandest spirit of the age. They never met again. R2175:4
Paul's conduct was not the result of any unkind feeling toward either Barnabus or Mark. Subsequently he mentions Barnabas most kindly; and farther on we find Mark one of Paul's associates in the work. R2175:3
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| 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. |
Silas – Sylvanus. R4399:1, 2175:5
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| 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. |
Confirming the churches – That had been previously established. R1545:3
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