| Back to Home Page | Back to
Book Index |
Acts Chapter
Fifteen
I.
Content of the Chapter
The Troubles that Paul Met in His Second
Journey
I. He encountered the disturbance of the Jews who
insisted on the Law:
A. The
disturbance and counterplot------they went up to
B. The
thorough communication------reporting, opposing, considering and disputing
(v.4b-v.7a).
C. The
testimony of Peter------the Gentiles were also saved by faith (v.7b-v.11).
D. The
testimony of Barnabas and Paul------God had worked many miracles and wonders
through them among the Gentiles (v.12).
E. The
conclusion of James------we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles
who are turning to God (v.13-21).
F. The
processing after the conclusion------choosing men, writing a letter, sending,
reading the letter and exhorting (v.22-34).
II. He had contention with Barnabas:
A.
They preached the word of the Lord together in
B.
Paul suggested going back and visiting the places where they had preached the
word (v.36).
C.
They had the contention because of Mark and even departed from one another
(v.37-39).
III. Paul began the second journey with Silas (v.40-41).
II.
Verse by Verse commentary
Acts. 15:1 “And certain men came down
from
YLT: “And certain having
come down from
The
Background: in the beginning of
the church, the common Jews still scrupulously kept the Law of Moses and the
Judaic regulations (See Acts. 21:24). Some of them thought that keeping the Law
was the prerequisite for men to be saved before God and therefore they insisted
that the Gentile believers should also keep the Law and receive the
circumcision and then they could be received and become members of the church.
Literal Meaning: “And certain men came down
from
“Came down from Judea” means that they came from
the place of origin of Judaism------
“And taught the brethren” “Teaching” does not mean that these men
were granted authorization by the apostles or the church (See v.24). They just
seized the chance to speak and stated their own opinions. “Brethren” include
the Jews and the Gentiles.
“Unless you are circumcised according
to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” Such teaching completely conflicts with the truth
of God’s gospel in the New Testament because: 1) by grace men have been saved,
not of works (Eph. 2:8-9); 2)
no one is justified by the law in the sight
of God (Gal. 3:11); 3) those who attempt to be justified through the Law indeed
set aside the grace of God and make the death of Christ be in vain (Gal. 2:21);
4) if believers put themselves under the Law, we indeed give up the freedom in
Christ and return to be under the bondage of the Law (Gal. 2:4, 5:1).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Today, some liberal preachers think that they
have received the education of theology and teach men everywhere in order to
implant their newfangled opinions in others.
2) The church had better investigate whether the
faith of preachers is pure before the church invites them to preach, lest wrong
teachings be brought in the church.
Acts. 15:2 “Therefore, when Paul and
Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that
Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to
YLT: “there having been,
therefore, not a little dissension and disputation to Paul and Barnabas with
them, they arranged for Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, to go up
unto the apostles and elders to
Meaning of Words: “no small”: not a
little; “dissension”: insurrection, conflict, discrepancy; “dispute”:
reasoning, discussion; “determine”: appoint, ordain, set, assign.
Literal Meaning: “Paul and Barnabas had no
small dissension and dispute with them”
“No small” refers to rather sharp and serious.
“Go up to
The visit of Paul the apostle to
Controversial Clarification: according to this verse, many Bible exegetes
held that the church in
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Believers should not strive about words with men
randomly (2Tim. 2:14), however, when the faith is explained wrongly or
distorted, we should earnestly contend for the faith (Jude. 3).
2) Those who serve the Lord should take heed unto
themselves, and to all the flock (Acts. 20:28) have the responsibility and
purpose of keeping the purity of truth.
3) If we want to solve some problem, firstly we
have to discover the root of the problem and deal with it by the root.
4) If there is disagreement among believers, we may
ask the leaders of the church or the elder brothers and sisters who are
esteemed by all for help.
Acts. 15:3 “So, being sent on their
way by the church, they passed through
YLT: “they indeed, then,
having been sent forward by the assembly, were passing through Phenice and
Literal Meaning: “So, being sent on their way
by the church” It shows that they
bore the mission that the church had entrusted them in this journey.
“They passed through
“And they caused great joy to all the
brethren.” It shows that
believers in
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) There is joy in God and men, in heaven and on
the earth for leading one to the Lord (Luke. 15:7, 10, 32).
2) The key for believers to live a joyful life is
to spread the gospel often and bear witness to the Lord more.
Acts. 15:4 “And when they had come to
YLT: “And having come to
Literal Meaning: “they were received by the
church and the apostles and the elders”
Here it means that the church in
“And they reported all things that God
had done with them.” It shows that
their work of gospel was approved by God and done by Him with them.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so
doing some have unwittingly entertained angels (Heb. 13:2).
2) The best of the communication among believers is
that the things that God
has done with us
are the theme.
Acts. 15:5 “But some of the sect of
the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, ‘It
is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.’”
YLT: “and there rose up
certain of those of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying -- `It
behoveth to circumcise them, to command them also to keep the law of Moses.'”
Literal Meaning: “some of the sect of the
Pharisees” The sect of
Pharisees is the strictest sect (Acts. 26:5). They not only strictly keep the
Law of Moses but also spread it zealously.
“Rose up, saying” It means that in the
gathering of the church, when Paul and others were reporting or after they had
finished their report, they rose up and expressed their opposition.
“It is necessary to circumcise them” Some Bible exegetes held that “it is
necessary” indicated “the prerequisite of having communication with the Jewish
Christians”. However, according to the clear explanation in this chapter, it
should refer to “the prerequisite of being saved” (See v.1).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) After we have believed in the Lord and have
become Christians, we may still bring the previous old opinions and ways in the
church.
2) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new
(2Cor. 5:17). And therefore we should be renewed in the spirit of our mind
(Eph. 4:23) and do not cling to the previous opinions and ways.
3) He also made us sufficient as ministers of the
new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but
the Spirit gives life (2Cor. 3:6).
Acts. 15:6 “Now the apostles and
elders came together to consider this matter.”
YLT: “And there were
gathered together the apostles and the elders, to see about this matter,”
Literal Meaning: here it indicates
that they held another gathering of the church in light of “whether it is
necessary to circumcise the Gentiles and to command them to keep the law of Moses” (See v.5) in order to seek the agreed
opinion and counterplot of the church. In such gathering, the Saints who were
concerned with it may be allowed to attend the dispute (See v.7) and state
their own opinions.
Acts. 15:7 “And when there had been
much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: ‘Men
and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my
mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.”
YLT: “and there having
been much disputing, Peter having risen up said unto them, `Men, brethren, ye
know that from former days, God among us did make choice, through my mouth, for
the nations to hear the word of the good news, and to believe;”
Literal Meaning: “And when there had been
much dispute” It shows that in
such meeting of communication, every one has the freedom to make a speech. At
the same time, the word “much” shows that both sides have already expressed
their opinions, however, each side has not persuaded the other.
“Peter rose up and said” Peter spoke represent the twelve apostles
(Acts. 2:14).
“You know that a good while ago God
chose among us’” “A good while
ago” indicates that there has been a long period of time. It is the fact well
known by all that Peter was chosen and entrusted the great mission by the Lord
(Matt. 16:18-19; John. 21:15-17).
“That
by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.” It obviously refers to the event of
Cornelius (See Acts. 10).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) In the church, many people are allowed to
express their opinions freely, however, it does not mean that there isn’t
restraint at all. To a certain degree, men who have the spiritual experience
should rise and speak so as to bring men to God and look upon the will of God
together.
2) If we want to know the will of God, we should
observe God’s works in the church. From all the works of God in the church, we
could know all his will at present.
Acts. 15:8 “So God, who knows the
heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,”
YLT: “and the
heart-knowing God did bare them testimony, having given to them the Holy
Spirit, even as also to us,”
Literal Meaning: “giving them the Holy Spirit” “Giving the Holy Spirit” refers to the
assured proof that God has received them and it is beyond all dispute (Acts.
10:44, 47; 11:17-18). “Giving” is the past indeterminate form in the original.
Acts. 15:9 “and made no distinction
between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.”
YLT: “and did put no
difference also between us and them, by the faith having purified their
hearts;”
Literal Meaning: “purifying their hearts by
faith” “Purifying” is the past determinate form in the original. Both
“purifying” and “giving the Holy Spirit” in the previous verse refer to the
conditions that happened in the same event------when the Gentiles believed the
gospel that Peter had preached, the Holy Spirit came upon them and purified
their hearts (See Acts. 10:15, 44). The word of Peter means that since the
Gentiles had been purified by God through faith, there was no need for them to
receive the circumcision.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) What God values is the purification of men’s
hearts and the outer regulations such as circumcision is nothing.
2) Our heats’ being purified is not due to keeping
the outer regulations of purification (Mark. 7:1-23) but the renewing of the Holy
Spirit (Tit. 3:5).
3) The truth of gospel does not differ from men to
men. There is “no distinction between us and them”.
Acts. 15:10 “Now therefore, why do you
test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our
fathers nor we were able to bear?”
YLT: “now, therefore, why
do ye tempt God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither
our fathers nor we were able to bear?”
Literal Meaning: “Now therefore, why do you
test God” It shows that
men’s adding any doctrine or teaching to God’s established plan of redemption
is a kind of “testing God”.
“A yoke which
neither our fathers nor we were able to bear” “Yoke” refers to the Law of Moses (Gal. 5:1). The
verbal traditions of Jewish rabbis were added to it so that it became the
complicated regulations and became men’s heavy burden as the yoke that the
cattle bore. And even the common Jews cannot keep it completely.
Acts. 15:11 “But we believe that
through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner
as they.’”
YLT: “but, through the
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we believe to be saved, even as also they.'”
Literal Meaning: “through the grace of the
Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved”
“The grace of the Lord Jesus” indicates that: 1) the negative aspect, He
delivered those who believe in Him from their sins through the redemption of
the cross (Matt. 1:21;
This verse means that “no matter we are
the Jews or the Gentiles, we are saved through faith and it is the grace of the
Lord Jesus” or “but through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we have been saved
through faith just like them”.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) For
by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is
the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Eph. 2:8-9).
2) The Law can never save men and its function is
condemnation instead of justification. Men can merely know sin through the Law
(
3) All good works that a Christian does is the
result of his receiving the salvation instead of the condition of it or that he
does it in order to be saved.
Acts. 15:12 “Then all the multitude
kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and
wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles.”
YLT: “And all the
multitude did keep silence, and were hearkening to Barnabas and Paul, declaring
as many signs and wonders as God did among the nations through them;”
Literal Meaning: “and listened to Barnabas and
Paul declaring” It is the only
time that the name of Barnabas was listed before Paul after Acts. 13:13 and it
shows the position of Barnabas in the hearts of all believers in
“How many miracles and wonders God had
worked through them among the Gentiles”
In the beginning of the church, “miracles and wonders” were regarded that God
was with those who did the miracles and wonders in order to prove that their
words were of God (Acts. 14:3).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) “All the multitude kept silent.” When someone receives the inspiration and
revelation and rises up to speak, the others should be silent. For God is not
the author of confusion, but of peace (1Cor. 14:30-32).
2) Facts speak louder than words. It is easier for
experience to conquer men than the reasons. The witness of the personal
experience of a Christian always strengthens others.
Acts. 15:13 “And after they had become
silent, James answered, saying, ‘Men and brethren, listen to
me:”
YLT: “and after they are
silent, James answered, saying, `Men, brethren, hearken to me;”
Literal Meaning: “James answered” The
“James” here does not refer to James the apostle because he had already been
martyred for the Lord (Acts. 12:2) but the brother of the Lord Jesus according
to the flesh. He did not believe in the Lord Jesus before He was killed (John.
7:5), however, the Lord specially appeared to him after His resurrection (1Cor.
15:7). He may believe in the Lord because of the appearance and was highly
respected by all the Saints (1Cor. 9:5) and he had become the leader of the
church in
Some Bible exegetes held
that the power of management of the church in
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Leaders of the church should not bind the speech
of believers or give them the unconditional freedom. They should not regard
themselves as high-handed or neglect their duties because of misgiving. In due
time, they should use the spiritual power and make the proper conclusion.
2) Though Peter (Peter and other eleven apostles)
had the supreme authority of doctrines and teachings, when dealing with the
practical affairs in the local church, they still should esteem the elders in
the local church and let the most sophisticated elder (whom James stand for)
come forward and make the final conclusion.
3) The coming into being of the spiritual leaders
does not lie in one’s experience or qualifications or the election of all but
one’s spiritual performances in the recent several years. The spiritual leaders
are established by all the people naturally.
Acts. 15:14 “Simon has declared how God
at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.”
YLT: “Simeon did declare
how at first God did look after to take out of the nations a people for His
name,”
Meaning of Words: “visit”: look on,
oversee, examine.
Literal Meaning: “Simon has declared how God
at the first visited the Gentiles”
“Simon” was the Hebrew name of Peter the apostle (See v.7; Matt. 16:16-18);
“visit” specially indicates that God greatly shows His grace because of His
mercy (See Luke. 1:68, 78; 7:16).
“To take out of them a people for His
name” “Taking out” contains “God’s
determination”. “Taking out of them” means taking out of the Gentiles just as
out of the Jews. The word “people” particularly refers to God’s people------the
people of
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) That we receive the grace and are unto the name
of the Lord is not our worthiness but God’s mercy and visit.
2) The intention that God visits us and chooses and
calls us is to gain us unto His name instead of making us be the Jews or
keeping the Law.
Acts. 15:15 “And with this the words of
the prophets agree, just as it is written:”
YLT: “and to this agree
the words of the prophets, as it hath been written:”
Literal Meaning: the following words
are quoted from Amos. 9:11-12 (the Septuagint). Concerning the aim that James
quoted the prophesy of Amos the prophet and what he intended to express, the
Bible exegetes in substance had three different opinions: 1) the matter that
the Gentiles are saved made the prophesy of Amos be fulfilled; 2) the matter
that the Gentiles are saved “agrees” with the condition of the kingdom of a
thousand years that the prophet had predicted; 3) the matter that the Gentiles
are saved “agrees” with the principle of the salvation that the prophet implies
in the prophecy.
Acts. 15:16 “'After this I will return
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild
its ruins, And I will set it up;”
YLT: “After these things
I will turn back, and I will build again the tabernacle of David, that is
fallen down, and its ruins I will build again, and will set it upright --”
Literal Meaning: “After this” It is
“in that day” in Amos and it refers to the day that Jehovah restores the
“I will return” refers to the coming of
the Messiah. The Bible exegetes explained that: 1) it refers to the first
coming of the Lord Jesus (i.e. the time of His incarnation); 2) it refers to
the second coming of the Lord Jesus. However, anyway, the prophecy of Amos
won’t be completely fulfilled until the second coming of Christ.
“And will rebuild the tabernacle of
David, which has fallen
down.” “The
tabernacle of David” refers to the
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The church is the Holy temple in the Lord (Eph.
2:21) and therefore building the church is to “rebuild the tabernacle of David,
which has fallen down”. The center of the Lord’s works in this age is to build
the church.
2) In the church there is neither Greek nor Jew,
circumcision nor uncircumcision (Col. 3:11) because there should not be
divisions among believers (1Cor.12:13, 25).
Acts. 15:17 “So that the rest of
mankind may seek the LORD. Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
Says the LORD who does all these things.'”
YLT: “that the residue of
men may seek after the Lord, and all the nations, upon whom My name hath been
called, saith the Lord, who is doing all these things.”
Literal Meaning: “So that the rest of
mankind” “The rest of mankind” refers to the Gentiles who believe in the Lord,
the following word “even” explains this meaning clearly.
“Even all the Gentiles who are called
by My name” “All the Gentiles”
in the original is “all the nations”. Closely following the restoration of the
“Says the LORD who does all these
things” “All these things”
indicates that the Gentiles are called by the name of the Lord. Since God has
declared these things through the prophet, He will promote and manifest these
things by Himself.
Acts. 15:18 “‘Known
to God from eternity are all His works.”
YLT: “`Known from the
ages to God are all His works;”
Literal Meaning: “Known to God from eternity
are all His works” This sentence is
not quoted from the book of Amos and it seems to be the essence of Is. 45:18-25.
These verses show that it is the will of God from eternity that the Gentiles
are called by the name of the Lord.
Summing up the words of James from v.14
to 18, there seems to be four steps concerning the complete fulfillment of the
prophecy of Amos: 1) the period of the church------God had taken out of the
Gentiles a people for His name today (v.14); 2) Christ shall come------after
this I will return (v.16a); 3) the restoration of the kingdom of
Israel------and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down
(v.16b); 4) the period of the kingdom of a thousand years------the Gentiles
will seek the Lord with the Jews.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) There shall fall unto the earth nothing of the
word of the Lord (2Kings. 10:10); so shall God’s word that goes forth out of
His mouth: it shall not return unto Him void, but it shall accomplish that
which He pleases (Is. 55:11).
2) God has shown His will in His words and
therefore if we want to understand the will of God, we have to read the Bible
more and search out His will from His words.
Acts. 15:19 “Therefore I judge that we should not
trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God,”
YLT: “wherefore I judge:
not to trouble those who from the nations do turn back to God,”
Literal Meaning: “we should not
trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God” It shows that
forcing the Gentile believers to keep the regulations of the Law is to
“trouble” them and put the heavy and grievous burden on them (See v.10; Matt.
23:4). If men are able to be justified by keeping the Law, Christ need neither
come to the earth nor be crucified for men.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Since the Gentiles “do not have the Law” before
they have been saved, the Bible does not request them to keep the Law after
they have been saved.
2) Let every man, wherein he is called, therein
abide with God (1Cor. 7:24). We should neither change the Jews to the Gentiles
nor change the Gentiles to the Jews.
Acts. 15:20 “but that we write to them
to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things
strangled, and from blood.”
YLT: “but to write to
them to abstain from the pollutions of the idols, and the whoredom, and the
strangled thing; and the blood;”
Meaning of Words: “sexual immorality”:
harlotry, prostitution.
Literal Meaning: “write to them to abstain
from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality” “Things polluted by idols” refers to foods that
have been offered in sacrifice unto idols; “sexual immorality” refers to having
relationship with harlots and the improper sexual behavior with someone who is
not their husband or wife. According to the Greek customs at that time,
worshiping idols was always related to sexual immorality and therefore the
so-called “prostitutes in the temple” existed.
“From things strangled, and from blood” “Things strangled” There is blood retained
in the body and when men eat the meat, they eat blood equally; here “blood”
refers to the blood that is separated from the flesh. God had already forbidden
men from eating blood (Gen. 9:4) before He set up the Law of Moses and later He
forbade men from eating blood in writing through the Law of Moses (Lev.
17:10-12).
Many Bible exegetes held that these four
things had been strictly forbidden before the issuing of the Law of Moses (Gen.
6:4-6; 9:4; 18:20-21; 35:4) and therefore they had nothing to do with the Law
of Moses. The four things were the bad customs that were in vogue among the
Gentiles at that time, however, they were greatly avoided as harmful by the
Jews. And therefore they suggested that the Jews forbid these things in order
to make the Gentile believers live in peace with the Jewish believers, lest
disturbance be caused.
Spiritual Meaning: concerning the four
things that the Gentiles should abstain from, there are spiritual meanings in
the New Testament except the previous reasons: 1) abstaining
from things polluted by idols------God hopes that
His children be separated from idols and the world and turn unto Him (2Cor.
6:14-18); 2) abstaining from
sexual immorality------believers of
Christ have to keep the high moral level; 3) abstaining from things strangled, and from blood------showing the truth of redemption
through it------men should receive the blood of the Lord Jesus only (John. 6:55-56) and it is
impossible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins (Heb.
10:4); 4) there is life in blood and it symbolizes that men can enjoy the life
of God only through drinking the blood of the Lord Jesus (John. 6:53) and we
should not seek all the other life.
Controversial Clarification: here Christians are forbidden to eat foods polluted
by idols, however, it is said in the epistle of Paul the apostle that, “as
concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice
unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is
none other God but one” (1Cor. 8:4). And it is also said that “whatsoever is
sold in the shambles that eat……whatsoever is set before you, eat” (1Cor. 10:25,
27). In this way, are the teachings of the Bible inconsistent? No.
The correct attitude that Christians
should have towards foods that are offered in sacrifice unto idols are as
follows: 1) as concerning the highest spiritual knowledge, idols are not God and
therefore eating the foods that are offered in sacrifice unto idols does not
dirty men’s hearts; 2) if Christians have eaten foods that have been offered in
sacrifice unto idols unconsciously, they won’t suffer loss (1Cor. 8:7-8); 3)
however, there is the devil behind idols and therefore sacrificing unto idols
is sacrificing unto the devil, i.e. having fellowship with devils. Christians
had better abstain from eating foods that have been offered in sacrificed unto
idols (1Cor. 10:20-22); 4) when Christians are told that the foods have been
offered in sacrifice unto idols, they shall not eat them and the reason is not
that their own consciousness may suffer loss but that they avoid offending weak
brothers who may feel confused (1Cor. 10:28-33; 8:9-13).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) We believers should abstain from the bad customs
and habits, especially the traditional ways that are unworthy of Saints.
2) We should come out from among the world, and be
separate, and do not touch the unclean thing; and God will receive us (2Cor.
6:17).
Acts. 15:21 “For Moses has had
throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in
the synagogues every Sabbath.’”
YLT: “for Moses from
former generations in every city hath those preaching him -- in the synagogues
every sabbath being read.'”
Literal Meaning: “For” shows that
this verse explains the reason for the abstinence in v.20------in various
cities where the Gentiles resided, the Jews always heard the instructions of
the Law of Moses and therefore they strictly abstained from these four things.
If the Gentile believers want to avoid estrangement and conflict with the Jews,
they should abstain from these things.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) In the church, we should regard others’ feelings.
Though we could do something, we would rather not do it, regarding the weak
brothers and sisters (Rom. 14:21).
2) Paul said that I am made all things to all men; and this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might
be partaker with men (1Cor. 9:22-23).
Acts. 15:22 “Then it pleased the
apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own
company to
YLT: “Then it seemed good
to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, chosen men out of them
selves to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas -- Judas surnamed Barsabas,
and Silas, leading men among the brethren --”
Literal Meaning: “it pleased the apostles and
elders, with the whole church” “The whole church”
includes all believers who truly repent and believe in the Lord, however, the
“false brothers” are not included (Gal. 2:4).
“Namely, Judas who was also named
Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren” “Judas
who was also named Barsabas” may be the brother
of “Joseph called Barsabas” (Acts. 1:23). “Silas” may be the one who became the
fellow-workman of Paul (See v.40; 2Cor. 1:19; 1Thess. 1:1; 2Thess. 1:1). He was
not only a leading brother in the church in
Acts. 15:23 “They wrote this, letter
by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of
the Gentiles in
YLT: “having written
through their hand thus: `The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to
those in
Literal Meaning: “To the brethren who are of
the Gentiles in
Acts. 15:24 “Since we have heard that
some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls,
saying, ‘You must be circumcised and
keep the law’ --to whom we gave no such
commandment--”
YLT: “seeing we have
heard that certain having gone forth from us did trouble you with words,
subverting your souls, saying to be circumcised and to keep the law, to whom we
did give no charge,”
Literal Meaning: “unsettling your souls” “Unsettling” in the original means that
the enemies strike camp, plunder wantonly and do the demolition and these make
men fell disturbed.
“To whom we gave no such commandment” According to Galatians, some people held
that men in the sect of the Pharisees had been incited by James (Gal. 2:12).
Actually this inference is wrong because this verse clearly shows that the
leaders in the church in
Acts. 15:25 “it seemed good to us,
being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved
Barnabas and Paul,”
YLT: “it seemed good to
us, having come together with one accord, chosen men to send unto you, with our
beloved Barnabas and Paul --”
Enlightenment in the Word: when the church decides something, it is according
to the principle of “with one accord” instead of that “the minority is
subordinate to the majority”.
Acts. 15:26 “men who have risked their
lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
YLT: “men who have given
up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ --”
Meaning of Words: “having risked their
lives”: having given up their lives, spare no effort.
Literal Meaning: “having risked their
lives” means that they lay down their own necks (
Acts. 15:27 “We have therefore sent
Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.”
YLT: “we have sent,
therefore, Judas and Silas, and they by word are telling the same things.”
Literal Meaning: “who will also report the
same things by word of mouth” The verbal report
and explanation could prevent the receivers from misunderstanding the contents
of the letter for one thing and it could also provide the future additional
remarks for another.
Acts. 15:28 “For it seemed good to the
Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary
things:”
YLT: “`For it seemed good
to the Holy Spirit, and to us, no more burden to lay upon you, except these
necessary things:”
Literal Meaning: “For it seemed good to the
Holy Spirit, and to us” The Holy Spirit is
respected and given the priority, showing that the conclusion that men make is
the result of the working of the Holy Spirit.
“To lay upon you no greater burden” “greater” means “more in quality and
quantity”; “burden” indicates laying weight on others’ shoulders (Matt. 23:4)
and it is the moral meaning.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) When the church makes the conclusion, they have
to search out the feeling of the Holy Spirit and let the mind of the Holy
Spirit be the mind of the church and in this way, it could be counted as “it
seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us”.
2) Believers must be fully occupied by the Holy
Spirit and then they could be representatives and mediums of the Holy Spirit.
Acts. 15:29 “that you abstain from
things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.
If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
YLT: “to abstain from
things offered to idols, and blood, and a strangled thing, and whoredom; from
which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well; be strong!'”
Literal Meaning: “If you keep yourselves from
these, you will do well.”
“You will do well” is “you are counted as doing well”.
“Farewell” in the original is “be strong
or have health”.
Acts. 15:30 “So when they were sent
off, they came to
YLT: “They then, indeed,
having been let go, went to Antioch, and having brought the multitude together,
did deliver the epistle,”
Literal Meaning: “So when they were sent off” in the original is “they then, indeed,
having been let go”.
“They came to
Acts. 15:31 “When they had read it,
they rejoiced over its encouragement.”
YLT: “and they having
read, did rejoice for the consolation;”
Meaning of Words: “encouragement”:
exhortation, comfort, consolation.
Acts. 15:32 “Now Judas and Silas,
themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with
many words.”
YLT: “Judas also and
Silas, being themselves also prophets, through much discourse did exhort the
brethren, and confirm,”
Literal Meaning: “Now Judas and Silas,
themselves being prophets also” “Prophets” are
those who speak for God and they sometimes protect the prophecies when they are
inspired by the Holy Spirit (Acts. 11:27-28). Their positions in the church are
second only to the elders.
“Exhorted and strengthened the brethren
with many words” Just as it is
mentioned here, in the early church one of the main tasks of the prophets is to
exhort and strengthen brothers.
Acts. 15:33 “And after they had stayed
there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the
apostles.”
YLT: “and having passed
some time, they were let go with peace from the brethren unto the apostles;”
Literal Meaning: “they were sent back with
greetings from the brethren to the apostles” means returning to the church in
Acts. 15:34 “However, it seemed good
to Silas to remain there.”
YLT: “and it seemed good
to Silas to remain there still.”
Literal Meaning: this verse is added
in the western hand-written copy and it makes a clearly explanation for “Silas”
who occurred suddenly. However, probably he returned to
Acts. 15:35 “Paul and Barnabas also
remained in
YLT: “And Paul and
Barnabas continued in
Enlightenment in the Word: “teaching
and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also” It shows that when the church is under the
normal condition, it is not that one preaches and the others listens to him but
that the multitudes could prophesy one by one (1Cor. 14:31).
Acts. 15:36 “Then after some days Paul
said to Barnabas, ‘Let us now go back and
visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord,
and see how they are doing.’”
YLT: “and after certain
days, Paul said unto Barnabas, `Having turned back again, we may look after our
brethren, in every city in which we have preached the word of the Lord -- how
they are.'”
Meaning of Words: “visit”: look after,
pay a visit, go to see.
Literal Meaning: “every city where we have
preached the word of the Lord” refers to the
cities that Paul had passed through in the first journey (Acts. 13:4-14:26).
Acts. 15:37 “Now Barnabas was
determined to take with them John called Mark.”
YLT: “And Barnabas
counseled to take with [them] John called Mark,”
Literal Meaning: please note that
Mark was the cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10).
Acts. 15:38 “But Paul insisted that
they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia,
and had not gone with them to the work.”
YLT: “and Paul was not
thinking it good to take him with them who withdrew from them from Pamphylia,
and did not go with them to the work;”
Literal Meaning: “the one who had departed
from them in Pamphylia” Concerning this
event please see Acts. 13:13.
Acts. 15:39 “Then the contention
became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark
and sailed to
YLT: “there came,
therefore, a sharp contention, so that they were parted from one another, and
Barnabas having taken Mark, did sail to
Meaning of Words: “contention”: sharp
opposition, exciting dispute, and severe unhappiness.
Literal Meaning: “the contention became so
sharp that” in the
original means that “there is the sharp contention, so that…” Concerning the
contention between them, the Bible exegetes had different views and most of
them held that Paul was more reasonable. Now the views of the two parties are
as follows:
The views that Paul was more reasonable: 1)
fellow-workers need to go out to preach and they must have the mind of
suffering; 2) he whoever has done wrong should be disciplined; 3) Barnabas was
not mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles; 4) later Mark returned to the group
of Paul’s fellow-workers (Philem.) but Barnabas did not; 5) Paul and his
fellow-workers were sealed by the church (See v.40); 6) the work of Paul was
blessed by the Lord and he became the greatest contributor to the building of the
worldwide Gentile churches.
The views that Barnabas was more reasonable: 1) we
should try our best to restore those who fail and fall down and should not hold
our hands to give them the chance of correction because of their single
failure; 2) without the help and guidance of Barnabas, there would not be Mark
who was greatly used by the Lord later (2Tim. 4:11); 3) Mark was rejected by
Paul temporarily, however, he was received by Peter (1Pet. 5:13); 4) Luke the
author of the Acts of the Apostles entered the Pau’s journey in the middle of
the sixteen chapter of the Acts (Acts. 16, the tone “they” was changed into “we”
suddenly) and certainly he only recorded the work of Paul. And it did not mean
that Barnabas was discarded by the Lord and was not used by Him. And some
people held that the Book of Hebrews was written by Barnabas.
“That
they parted from one another” Please note that
their departing from one another was the differences of their characters and
ways of dealing with things. And it had nothing to do with their opinions and
teachings towards the truth. At the same time, they did not lose contact with
each other (See 1Cor. 9:6; 2Tim. 4:11).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) When the fellow-workers serve the Lord together,
they may not coincide in opinion unavoidably. However, the fellow-workers
should not attack one another and change the platform into the emplacement and
criticize others before the multitudes.
2) If fellow-workers cannot serve the Lord
together, “departing from one another” may be the inadequate way. However, they
are forbidden to regard one another as strangers or be hostile to one another.
Today many people only learn the way from Paul and lack the breadth of mind of
Paul------he did not agree with Barnabas and Mark, however, he still regarded
them as the beloved fellow-workers in the Lord (1Cor. 9:6; 2Tim. 4:11).
Acts. 15:40 “but Paul chose Silas and
departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.”
YLT: “and Paul having
chosen Silas, went forth, having been given up to the grace of God by the
brethren;”
Literal Meaning: “but Paul chose Silas and
departed” Generally the
Bible exegetes held that the “Silas” was the one who was one of the leaders in
the church in
“Being commended by the brethren to the
grace of God” “Brethren” refers
to the Saints in the church in
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The work of God cannot be prevented by men’s
opinions.
2) Believers should pray for the workers of the
Lord and ask the Lord to give them grace to keep and strengthen them.
3) Concerning one thing, the church should not make
the judgment according to the others’ contribution, positions and power but
according to the fact.
4) Concerning that we go to some place to do the
work of the Lord, we should not go by our determination but seek the seal of
the body.
Acts. 15:41 “And he went through
YLT: “and he went through
Literal Meaning: “And he went through
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
The Difference between Truth and Heresy
I. The heresy:
A. Unless you are circumcised according
to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved (v.1).
B. It is necessary to circumcise them,
and to command them to keep the law of Moses (v.5).
II. The truth:
A. The Gentiles were saved by faith and
there was no distinction between you and us (v.7-9).
B. One is saved by the grace of the Lord
Jesus (v.11).
C. God also took out of the Gentiles a
people for His name (v.14, 17).
The “Division” and “Oneness” in the Church
I. The factor of
“division”:
A. The regulations and ways make men
have “dissension and dispute” (v.1-2).
B. Those who had not received the
commandment and spoke presumptuously had troubled men with words, unsettling
their souls (v.24).
C. The “being determined” and
“insisting” of men always bring about contention (v.37-39).
II. The factor of
“oneness”:
A. According to “determining” of the
disciples and “being sent” by the church (v.2-3).
B. God worked with them and was with
them (v.4, 12).
C. The testimony of God and the Holy
Spirit (v.8).
D. In faith there is no distinction
between you and us (v.9, 11).
E. The guidance and standard of the
words of God (v.15-18).
F. “It pleased” the apostles and elders,
with the whole church (v.22).
G. “It seemed good” to the Saints, being
assembled with one accord (v.25).
H. “It seemed good” to the Holy Spirit,
and to men (v.28).
The Attitude and Knowledge that Believers
should Have to Those Who Are Faithful in the Law
I. We should have no
small dissension and dispute with them (v.2).
II. They tested God
by putting a yoke on the neck of believers which men were able to bear (v.10).
III. They troubled
those who are turning to God (v.19).
IV. They had
troubled believers with words, unsettling their souls (v.24b).
V. Their teachings
had not been agreed and empowered by the leaders of the early church (v.24b).
VI. They laid
greater burden upon believers (v.28).
How Paul and Barnabas Testified the Fact of
the Gentiles’ Being Saved
II. They declared
how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles
(v.12)------God was with them.
How the Church Dealt with the Conflict
I. The apostles and
the elders came together to consider this matter (v.6)------the leaders of the
church exchanged their opinions in private.
II. There had been
much dispute (v.7a)------every one was allowed to express their opinion
completely.
III. Peter rose up
and said to them (v.7b-11)------see God’s will from the experience.
IV. All the
multitude kept silent (v.12a)------do not overcome by the fleshly voice.
V. Barnabas and Paul
declared how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them
(v.12b)------bring up the fact of God’s presence.
VI. James quoted the
words of the prophets (v.15-18)------see God’s will from His words
VII. The judge of
James (v.19-21)------do not disobey the truth and regard men’s feelings at that
same time.
VIII. Understand the
meaning of the Holy Spirit clearly (v.28).
IX. It pleased the
apostles and elders, with the whole church (v.22)------honor the conclusion of
the leaders and have the agreed conclusion.
How Peter Proved the Fact of the Gentiles’
Being Saved
I. It was the
well-known fact that he was chosen by God (v.7a).
II. It was also a
fact that the Gentiles heard him preaching the gospel and believed in the Lord
(v.7b).
III. God gave them
the Holy Spirit and their faith was proved true through it (v.8).
IV. The hearts of
the Gentiles had been purified by faith and therefore they did not need to be
circumcised (v.9).
V. Circumcision and
keeping the Law were the burden that was unable to bear (v.10).
VI. By grace we are
saved through faith (v.11).
The Reason that Concerning the Salvation,
There is Neither the Jews nor the Gentiles
II. God also gave
the Gentiles the Holy Spirit, just as He did to the Jews (v.8).
III. God made no
distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith (v.9).
IV. We have been
saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus (v.11).
V. People among the
Gentiles also turn unto the name of God (v.14, 17).
The Principle that Believers Receive Each
Other
II. Make no
distinction between them (v.9)------there is not discrimination.
III. Do not trouble
others (v.10, 19)------do not put shackles of regulations on others.
IV. Regard others
(v.20)------do not offend others’ taboo.
V. Keep ourselves
(v.20)------keep the spiritual and moral standard.
The Knowledge of the Spiritual Authority in
the Church
I. God is the
supreme authority and disobeying the principle of God is testing Him (v.7-10).
II. God chose men
among believers to speak for Him (v.7).
III. God manifested
His will by His works in men (v.8-9, 12).
IV. God’s words (the
Bible) are the basis of our walking (v.15-18).
V. God entrusted His
will to the opinions of the leaders in the church (v.19).
VI. Through men’s
obedience, the purpose of the leaders of the church became that of the whole
church (v.22a).
VII. The purpose of
the church and that of the Holy Spirit became one (v.28).
VIII. The church
chose Silas, the leading man among brothers, to express the purpose of the
church (v.22b).
IX. The greeting in
letter and in words (v.30-32).
How James Made the Conclusion
I. He agreed Peter
that God also visited the Gentiles indeed (v.14).
II. The Gentiles’
being saved is in accordance with the prophecies that God has predicted through
the prophets in the Old Testament (v.15-18).
III. We should not
trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God concerning the Law
(v.19).
IV. He brought up
four abstinence to make the Gentiles be received by the Jews (v.20-21).
The Model of the Letter
I. Choosing the
proper messengers (v.22, 27).
II. The kindly
salutation (v. 23).
III. The clear
expression of meanings (v.24).
IV. The generous
friendly feelings (v.25-26).
V. The comprehensive
and helpful suggestions (v.28-29).
VI. The good effect
(v.30-32).
The Words in the Church
II. The words of
exhortation (v.32).
III. The words of
teachings (v.35b).
IV. The words of the
Lord (v.35c).
V. The words of
visitation (v.36).
VI. The words of
strength (v.41).
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Sharon Ren