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Acts Chapter
Fifteen
Acts 15
Chapter 15 contains the account of this. Certain persons
come from Jerusalem, where all was still going on in connection with the
requirements of the law; and they seek to impose these requirements on the
Gentiles in this new centre and starting-point of the work which was formed at
Antioch. It was the will of God that this matter should be settled, not by the
apostolic authority of Paul, or by the action of His Spirit at Antioch only,
which might have divided the church, but by means of conference at Jerusalem,
so as to maintain union, whatever might be the prejudices of the Jews. The ways
of Godin this respect are remarkable, shewing the way in which He has
maintained sovereign care in grace over the church. In reading the Epistle to
the Galatians, we see that in reality things were in question that touched
Christianity to the quick, that affected its very foundations, the deep
principles of grace, of the rights of God, of the sinful condition of
man-principles on which the whole edifice of man's eternal relations with God
is founded. If any one was circumcised, he was under the law; he had given up
grace, he had fallen away from Christ. Nevertheless Paul the apostle, Paul full
of faith, of energy, of burning zeal, is obliged to go up to Jerusalem, whither
he had not desired to go, in order to arrange this matter. Paul had laboured at
Antioch; but the work in that city was not his work. He was not the apostle at
Antioch as he was that of Iconium, of Lystra, and afterwards of Macedonia and
of Greece. He went out from Antioch, from the bosom of the church already
formed there. The question was to be settled for the church, apart from the
apostolic authority of Paul. The apostle must yield before God and His ways.
Paul disputes with the men from Judea, but the end is not gained. It
is determined to send some members of the church to Jerusalem, but with them
Paul and Barnabas, so deeply interested in this question. Moreover Paul had a
revelation that he should go up. God directed his steps. It is good however to
be obliged to submit sometimes, although ever so right or so full of spiritual
energy.
The question then is entered upon at Jerusalem. It was
already a great thing that the subjecting of the Gentiles to the law should be
resisted at Jerusalem, and still more that they should there decide not to do
it. We see the wisdom of God in so ordering it, that such a resolution should
have its origin at Jerusalem. Had there been no bigotry there, the question
would not have been necessary; but alas! good has to be done in despite of all
the weakness and all the traditions of men. A resolution made at Antioch would
have been a very different thing from a resolution made at Jerusalem. The
Jewish church would not have acknowledged the truth, the apostolic authority of
the twelve would not have given its sanction to it. The course at Antioch and
of the Gentiles would have been a course apart; and a continual struggle would
have commenced, having (at least in appearance) the authority of the primitive
and apostolic church on the one side, and the energy and liberty of the Spirit
with Paul for its representative on the other. The Judaizing tendency of human
nature is ever ready to abandon the high energy of the Spirit, and return into
the ways and thoughts of the flesh. This tendency, nourished by the traditions
of an ancient faith, had already given sorrow and difficulty enough to him who
was specially labouring among the Gentiles according to the liberty of the
Spirit, without the additional strength of having the course of the apostles
and of the church at Jerusalem to countenance it.
After much discussion at Jerusalem, full liberty for
which was given, Peter, taking the lead, relates the case of Cornelius.
Afterwards Paul and Barnabas declare the wonderful manifestation of God through
the power of the Holy Ghost which had taken place among the Gentiles. James
then sums up the judgment of the assembly, which is assented to by all, that
the Gentiles shall not be obliged to be circumcised, or to obey the law; but
only to abstain from blood, from things strangled, from fornication, and from
meat offered to idols. We shall do well to consider the nature and stipulations
of this decree.
It is a direction which teaches, not that which is
abstractedly good or evil, but that which was suitable to the case presented.
It was "necessary," not "righteous before God," to avoid
certain things. The things might be really evil, but they are not here looked
at in that way. There were certain things to which the Gentiles were
accustomed, which it was proper they should renounce, in order that the
assembly might walk as it ought before God in peace. To the other ordinances of
the law they were not to be subjected. Moses had those who preached him. That
sufficed, without compelling the Gentiles to submit to his laws, when they
joined themselves, not to the Jews, but to the Lord.
This decree therefore does not pronounce upon the nature of the things
forbidden, but upon the opportuneness-the Gentiles having in fact been in the
habit of doing all these things. We must observe that they were not things
forbidden by the law only. It was that which was contrary to the order
established by God as Creator, or to a prohibition given to Noah when he was
told to eat flesh. Woman was only to be connected with man in the sanctity of
marriage, and this is a very great blessing. Life belonged to God. All
fellowship with idols was an outrage against the authority of the true God. Let
Moses teach his own laws; these things were contrary to the intelligent
knowledge of the true God. It is not therefore a new law imposed by
Christianity, nor an accommodation to the prejudices of the Jews. It has not
the same kind of validity as a moral ordinance that is obligatory in itself. It
is the expression to christian intelligence of the terms of man's true
relations with God in the things of nature, given by the goodness of God,
through the leaders at Jerusalem, to ignorant Christians, setting them free
from the law, and enlightening them with regard to the relations between God
and man, and to that which was proper to man-things of which, as idolatrous
Gentiles, they had been ignorant. I have said, addressed to christian
intelligence: accordingly there is nothing inconsistent in eating anything that
is sold at the shambles; for I acknowledge God who gave it, and not an idol.
But if the act implies communion with the idol, even to the conscience of
another, it would be provoking God to jealousy; I sin against Him or against my
neighbour. I do not know whether an animal is strangled or not, but if people
act so as to imply that it is indifferent whether life belongs to God or not, I
sin again; I am not defiled by the thing, but I fail in christian intelligence
with regard to the rights of God as Creator. With regard to fornication, this
enters into the category of christian purity, besides being contrary to the
order of the Creator; so that it is a direct question of good and evil, and not
only of the rights of God revealed to our intelligence. This was important as a
general principle, more than in the detail of the things themselves.
In sum the principles established are these: purity by
marriage according to God's original institution; that life belongs to God; and
the unity of God as one only true God-Godhead, life, and God's original
ordinance for man. The same thing is true of the foundations laid by the
assembly at the basis of their decree, "It seemed good to the Holy Ghost
and to us."
The Holy Ghost had manifested Himself in the case of
Cornelius and of the conversion of the Gentiles, of which Peter and Paul and
Barnabas had given the account. On the other hand the apostles were the
depositaries of the authority of Christ, those to whom the government of the
assembly as founded in connection with the true Jewish faith had been
committed. They represented the authority of Christ ascended on high, even as
the power and will of the Holy Ghost had been shewn in the cases I have just
mentioned. The authority was exercised in connection with that which, in a
certain sense, was the continuation of a Judaism enlarged by fresh revelations,
and which had its centre at Jerusalem, acknowledging as Messiah the ascended
Jesus rejected by the people. Christ had committed to them the authority
necessary to govern the assembly. They had also been sealed on the day of
Pentecost in order to perform it.
The spirit of grace and wisdom is truly seen in their way
of acting. They give their full sanction to Paul and Barnabas, and they send
with them persons of note in the assembly at Jerusalem, who could not be
suspected of bringing an answer in support of their own pretensions, as might
have been supposed in the case of Paul and Barnabas.
The apostles and elders assemble for deliberation; but
the whole flock acts in concert with them.
Thus Jerusalem has decided that the law was not binding
on the Gentiles. These, sincere in their desire of walking with Christ, rejoice
greatly at their freedom from this yoke. Judas and Silas, being prophets,
exhort and confirm them, and afterwards are dismissed in peace. But Silas
thinks it good to remain on his own account, influenced by the Spirit. He
prefers the work among the Gentiles to Jerusalem. Judas returns from it to
Jerusalem.
The work continues at Antioch by means of Paul and Barnabas
and others. At Antioch we again see the full liberty of the Holy Ghost.
Paul proposes to Barnabas that they should go and visit
the assemblies already formed by their means in Asia Minor. Barnabas consents,
but he determines to take John who had formerly forsaken them. Paul wishes for
some one who had not drawn back from the work, nor abandoned for his own home
the place of a stranger for the work's sake. Barnabas insists; and these two
precious servants of God separate. Barnabas takes Mark and goes to Cyprus. Now
Mark was his kinsman, and Cyprus his own country. Paul takes Silas, who had
preferred the work to Jerusalem instead of Jerusalem to the work and departs.
From his name we may believe that Silas was a Hellenist.
It is happy to find that, after this, Paul speaks of
Barnabas with entire affection, and desires that Mark should come to him,
having found him profitable for the ministry.
Moreover Paul is commended by the brethren to the grace
of God in his work. The title given to Paul and Barnabas by the apostles shews
the difference between the apostolic authority, established by Christ in
person, and that which was constituted such by the power of the Holy Ghost-sent
by Christ Himself, no doubt, but in point of fact going forth by the direction
of the Holy Ghost, and their mission warranted by His power. With the apostles,
Paul and Barnabas have no title except their work-"men that have hazarded
their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." They are that which
the Holy Ghost has made them. The apostles are the twelve.
The liberty and the power of the Spirit characterise Paul
He is that which the Spirit makes him. If Jesus had appeared to him, although
Ananias can testify it, he must in reality prove it by the power of his
ministry. The effects of this ministry are related as well as its character in
chapters 16-20. The action and the liberty of the Holy Ghost are there
displayed in a remarkable manner.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Acts》
Acts 15
Chapter Contents
The dispute raised by Judaizing teachers. (1-6) The
council at Jerusalem. (7-21) The letter from the council. (22-35) Paul and
Barnabas separate. (36-41)
Commentary on Acts 15:1-6
(Read Acts 15:1-6)
Some from Judea taught the Gentile converts at Antioch,
that they could not be saved, unless they observed the whole ceremonial law as
given by Moses; and thus they sought to destroy Christian liberty. There is a
strange proneness in us to think that all do wrong who do not just as we do.
Their doctrine was very discouraging. Wise and good men desire to avoid
contests and disputes as far as they can; yet when false teachers oppose the
main truths of the gospel, or bring in hurtful doctrines, we must not decline
to oppose them.
Commentary on Acts 15:7-21
(Read Acts 15:7-21)
We see from the words "purifying their hearts by
faith," and the address of St. Peter, that justification by faith, and
sanctification by the Holy Ghost, cannot be separated; and that both are the
gift of God. We have great cause to bless God that we have heard the gospel.
May we have that faith which the great Searcher of hearts approves, and attests
by the seal of the Holy Spirit. Then our hearts and consciences will be
purified from the guilt of sin, and we shall be freed from the burdens some try
to lay upon the disciples of Christ. Paul and Barnabas showed by plain matters
of fact, that God owned the preaching of the pure gospel to the Gentiles
without the law of Moses; therefore to press that law upon them, was to undo
what God had done. The opinion of James was, that the Gentile converts ought
not to be troubled about Jewish rites, but that they should abstain from meats
offered to idols, so that they might show their hatred of idolatry. Also, that
they should be cautioned against fornication, which was not abhorred by the
Gentiles as it should be, and even formed a part of some of their rites. They
were counselled to abstain from things strangled, and from eating blood; this
was forbidden by the law of Moses, and also here, from reverence to the blood
of the sacrifices, which being then still offered, it would needlessly grieve
the Jewish converts, and further prejudice the unconverted Jews. But as the
reason has long ceased, we are left free in this, as in the like matters. Let
converts be warned to avoid all appearances of the evils which they formerly
practised, or are likely to be tempted to; and caution them to use Christian
liberty with moderation and prudence.
Commentary on Acts 15:22-35
(Read Acts 15:22-35)
Being warranted to declare themselves directed by the
immediate influence of the Holy Ghost, the apostles and disciples were assured
that it seemed good unto God the Holy Spirit, as well as to them, to lay upon
the converts no other burden than the things before mentioned, which were
necessary, either on their own account, or from present circumstances. It was a
comfort to hear that carnal ordinances were no longer imposed on them, which
perplexed the conscience, but could not purify or pacify it; and that those who
troubled their minds were silenced, so that the peace of the church was
restored, and that which threatened division was removed. All this was
consolation for which they blessed God. Many others were at Antioch. Where many
labour in the word and doctrine, yet there may be opportunity for us: the zeal
and usefulness of others should stir us up, not lay us asleep.
Commentary on Acts 15:36-41
(Read Acts 15:36-41)
Here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no
less than Paul and Barnabas, yet made to end well. Barnabas wished his nephew
John Mark to go with them. We should suspect ourselves of being partial, and
guard against this in putting our relations forward. Paul did not think him
worthy of the honour, nor fit for the service, who had departed from them
without their knowledge, or without their consent: see 13. Neither would yield, therefore there was no
remedy but they must part. We see that the best of men are but men, subject to
like passions as we are. Perhaps there were faults on both sides, as usual in
such contentions. Christ's example alone, is a copy without a blot. Yet we are
not to think it strange, if there are differences among wise and good men. It
will be so while we are in this imperfect state; we shall never be all of one
mind till we come to heaven. But what mischief the remainders of pride and
passion which are found even in good men, do in the world, and do in the
church! Many who dwelt at Antioch, who had heard but little of the devotedness
and piety of Paul and Barnabas, heard of their dispute and separation; and thus
it will be with ourselves, if we give way to contention. Believers must be
constant in prayer, that they may never be led by the allowance of unholy
tempers, to hurt the cause they really desire to serve. Paul speaks with esteem
and affection both of Barnabas and Mark, in his epistles, written after this
event. May all who profess thy name, O loving Saviour, be thoroughly reconciled
by that love derived from thee which is not easily provoked, and which soon
forgets and buries injuries.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Acts》
Acts 15
Verse 2
[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.
They (the brethren) determined that Paul and
Barnabas, and certain others should go up to Jerusalem about this question -
This is the journey to which St. Paul refers, Galatians 2:1,2, when he says he went up by
revelation: which is very consistent with this; for the Church in sending them
might be directed by a revelation made either immediately to St. Paul, or to
some other person, relating to so important an affair. Important indeed it was,
that these Jewish impositions should be solemnly opposed in time; because
multitudes of converts were still zealous for the law, and ready to contend for
the observance of it. Indeed many of the Christians of Antioch would have
acquiesced in the determination of Paul alone. But as many others might have
prejudices against him, for his having been so much concerned for the Gentiles,
it was highly expedient to take the concurrent judgment of all the apostles on this
occasion.
Verse 4
[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.
They were received —
That is solemnly welcomed.
Verse 5
[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.
But certain Pharisees — For even believers are apt to retain their former turn of mind, and prejudices
derived therefrom.
The law of Moses —
The whole law, both moral and ritual.
Verse 7
[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.
After much debate — It
does not appear that this was among the apostles themselves. But if it had, if
they themselves had debated at first, yet might their final decision be from an
unerring direction. For how really soever they were inspired, we need not
suppose their inspiration was always so instantaneous and express, as to
supersede any deliberation in their own minds, or any consultation with each
other.
Peter rose up —
This is the last time he is mentioned in the Acts.
Verse 8
[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy
Ghost, even as he did unto us;
God bare them witness — That he had accepted them, by giving them the Holy Ghost.
Verse 9
[9] And
put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Purifying —
This word is repeated from Acts 10:15; their hearts - The heart is the
proper seat of purity; by faith - Without concerning themselves with the Mosaic
law.
Verse 10
[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?
Now therefore —
Seeing these things are so: why tempt ye God? - Why do ye provoke him to anger,
by putting so heavy a yoke on their neck?
Verse 11
[11] But
we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved,
even as they.
The Lord Jesus — He
does not here say our Lord; because in this solemn place he means the Lord of
all, we - Jews, shall be saved even as they - Gentiles, namely, through the
grace of the Lord Jesus, not by our observance of the ceremonial law.
Verse 12
[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.
Miracles and wonders — By which also what St. Peter had said was confirmed.
Verse 14
[14]
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out
of them a people for his name.
Simon hath declared —
James, the apostle of the Hebrews, calls Peter by his Hebrew name.
To take out of them a people for his name — That is to believe in him, to be called by his name.
Verse 15
[15] And
to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
To this agree —
St. Peter had urged the plain fact, which St. James confirms by Scripture
prophecy.
The words of the prophets — One of whom is immediately cited.
Verse 16
[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 the Jewish dispensation expires.
I will build again the fallen tabernacle of
David — By raising from his seed the Christ, who
shall build on the ruins of his fallen tabernacle a spiritual and eternal
kingdom. Amos 9:11.
Verse 17
[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 Gentiles on whom my name is called — That is, who are called by my name; who are my people.
Verse 18
[18]
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
Known unto God are all his works from
eternity — Which the apostle infers from the prophecy
itself, and the accomplishment of it. And this conversion of the Gentiles being
known to him from eternity, we ought not to think a new or strange thing. It is
observable, he does not speak of God's works in the natural world, (which had
been nothing to his present purpose,) but of his dealing with the children of
men. Now he could not know these, without knowing the characters and actions of
particular persons, on a correspondence with which the wisdom and goodness of
his providential dispensations is founded. For instance, he could not know how
he would deal with heathen idolaters (whom he was now calling into his Church)
without knowing there would be heathen idolaters: and yet this was a thing
purely contingent, a thing as dependent on the freedom of the human mind, as
any we can imagine. This text, therefore, among a thousand more, is an
unanswerable proof, that God foreknows future contingencies, though there are
difficulties relating hereto which men cannot solve.
Verse 20
[20] But
that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from
fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
To abstain from fornication — Which even the philosophers among the heathens did not account any
fault. It was particularly frequent in the worship of their idols, on which
account they are here named together.
And from things strangled — That is, from whatever had been killed, without pouring out the blood.
When God first permitted man to eat flesh, he commanded Noah, and in him all
his posterity, whenever they killed any creature for food, to abstain from the
blood thereof. It was to be poured upon the ground as water: doubtless in
honour of that blood which was in due time poured out for the sin of the world.
Verse 21
[21] For
Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the
synagogues every sabbath day.
Perhaps the connection is, To the Jews we
need write nothing on these heads; for they hear the law continually.
Verse 22
[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, Judas surnamed
Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
With the whole Church — Which therefore had a part therein; to send chosen men - Who might put
it beyond all dispute, that this was the judgment of the apostles and all the
brethren.
Verse 23
[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:
Writing thus, and sending it by their hand — The whole conduct of this affair plainly shows that the Church in those
days had no conception of St. Peter's primacy, or of his being the chief judge
in controversies. For the decree is drawn up, not according to his, but the
Apostle James's proposal and direction: and that in the name, not of St. Peter,
but of all the apostles and elders, and of the whole Church. Nay, St. Peter's
name is not mentioned at all, either in the order for sending to Jerusalem on
the question, Acts 15:2, or in the address of the messengers
concerning it, Acts 15:4, or in the letter which was written in
answer.
Verse 24
[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:
Forasmuch as, … —
The simplicity, weightiness, and conciseness of this letter are highly
observable.
Verse 26
[26] Men
that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Men that have hazarded their lives — This is spoken of Paul and Barnabas.
Verse 27
[27] We
have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by
mouth.
Who will tell you the same things — Which we have written.
Verse 28
[28] For
it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden
than these necessary things;
These necessary things — All of these were necessary for that time. But the first of them was not
necessary long; and the direction concerning it was therefore repealed by the
same Spirit, as we read in the former Epistle to the Corinthians.
Verse 29
[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.
Blood —
The eating which was never permitted the children of God from the beginning of
the world. Nothing can be clearer than this. For, 1. From Adam to Noah no man
ate flesh at all; consequently no man then ate blood. 2. When God allowed Noah
and his posterity to eat flesh, he absolutely forbade them to eat blood; and
accordingly this, with the other six precepts of Noah, was delivered down from
Noah to Moses. 3. God renewed this prohibition by Moses, which was not repealed
from the time of Moses till Christ came. 4. Neither after his coming did any
presume to repeal this decree of the Holy Ghost, till it seemed good to the
bishop of Rome so to do, about the middle of the eighth century. 5. From that time
those Churches which acknowledged his authority held the eating of blood to be
an indifferent thing. But, 6. In all those Churches which never did acknowledge
the bishop of Rome's authority, it never was allowed to eat blood; nor is it
allowed at this day. This is the plain fact; let men reason as plausibly as
they please on one side or the other.
From which keeping yourselves ye will do well — That is, ye will find a blessing. This gentle manner of concluding was
worthy the apostolical wisdom and goodness. But how soon did succeeding
councils of inferior authority change it into the style of anathemas! Forms
which have proved an occasion of consecrating some of the most devilish
passions under the most sacred names; and like some ill-adjusted weapons of war,
are most likely to hurt the hand from which they are thrown.
Verse 35
[35] Paul
also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the
Lord, with many others also.
Paul and Barnabas abode in Antioch — And it was during this time that Peter came down from Jerusalem, and
that St. Paul withstood him to the face, for separating himself from the
Gentiles, Galatians 2:11, etc.
Verse 36
[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.
Let us go and visit the brethren in every
city where we have preached — This was all that St. Paul designed at
first; but it was not all that God designed by his journey, whose providence
carried him much farther than he intended.
And see how they do —
How their souls prosper: how they grow in faith, hope love: what else ought to
be the grand and constant inquiry in every ecclesiastical visitation? Reader,
how dost thou do?
Verse 37
[37] And
Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Barnabas counselled to take John — His kinsman.
Verse 38
[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.
But Paul thought it not right — To trust him again, who had deserted them before: who had shrunk from
the labour and danger of converting those they were now going to confirm.
Verse 39
[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;
And there was a sharp contention — Literally, a paroxysm, or fit of a fever. But nothing in the text implies
that the sharpness was on both sides. It is far more probable that it was not;
that St. Paul, who had the right on his side, as he undoubtedly had,)
maintained it with love.
And Barnabas taking Mark with him, sailed
away to Cyprus — Forsaking the work in which he was
engaged, he went away to his own country.
Verse 40
[40] And
Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the
grace of God.
But Paul departed —
Held on his intended course: being recommended by the brethren to the grace of
God - We do not find that Barnabas stayed for this. O how mighty is the grace
of God! which in the midst of the world, in the midst of sin, among so many
snares of Satan, and in spite of the incredible weakness and depravity of
nature, yet overcomes all opposition, sanctifies, sustains, and preserves us to
the end! It appears not only that Paul and Barnabas were afterward thoroughly
reconciled, 1 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 2:9; but also that John was again
admitted by St. Paul as a companion in his labours, Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on
Acts》
Chapter 15. The Jerusalem Council
Deliver the
Council's Letter
The People Read It
I. Debate on
Judaic Tradition
II. Send the
Letter to Explain
III. The
Parting of the Two Apostles
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》