| 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 Jerusalem to the apostles and elders (v.1-4a).

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 Antioch (v.35).

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 Judea and taught the brethren ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses you cannot be saved.’”

YLT: “And certain having come down from Judea were teaching the brethren -- `If ye be not circumcised after the custom of Moses ye are not able to be saved;'”

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 Judea” The “certain men” here may refer to those who are from “the sect of the Pharisees” (See v.5). They advocated that believers should still keep the regulations of the Law of Moses.

“Came down from Judea” means that they came from the place of origin of Judaism------Jerusalem. They were zealous in the Law and wanted to forcibly implant their opinions in the Gentile believers so as to make them become the Judaic Gentile believers.

“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 Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.”

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 Jerusalem about this question ”

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 Jerusalem to the apostles and elders” Please note that it does not mean that the church in Antioch admitted that the position of the church in Jerusalem was much superior or it was the branch church at that time. They went to Jerusalem because those who made the problem were from there (See v.1). And they went to the place of origin to deal with and solve the problem. “The apostles” refer to the twelve apostles because God had revealed and entrusted them the truth of the New Testament. And therefore they were fountainhead of the doctrines and teachings of the New Testament (Acts. 2:42). “The elders” were the elders of the church in Jerusalem and they bore the authority of managing the church in Jerusalem (1Tim. 5:17). It shows that “the apostles and the elders” are the best persons to deal with this dissension and therefore they went to communicate and discuss with them.

The visit of Paul the apostle to Jerusalem this time may be the time that he called it that he went up to Jerusalem by revelation in Galatians (Gal. 2:1-10). Though some Bible exegetes according to the “by revelation” there argued that it should be another visit and it was different from this time of being sent by the church. However the reasonable explanation was that they referred to the same time and the reasons were as follows: 1) the visit in Gal. 2 happened at least seventeen years after Paul’s being saved (Gal. 1:18; 2:1) and the other time that the Holy Spirit predicted the great famine through Agabus (i.e. a revelation) and the church in Antioch asked Paul to send relief to Jerusalem (Acts. 11:27-30) happened in about A.D. 47-48. And if we regard these two times as one Paul should have been saved in A.D. 30-31 and it was obviously too earlier; 2) in the time in Gal. 2 Paul went up for “circumcision” (Gal. 2:3-4) and it accorded with the dissension of circumcision in this chapter; 3) the so-called “by revelation” means that Paul went up to Jerusalem because he obeyed the revelation of “being justified through faith” that he had received and it did not conflict with this time of being send by the church------“by revelation” refers to his inner burden and “being sent” refers to his outer task.

Controversial Clarification: according to this verse many Bible exegetes held that the church in Antioch must admit that the church in Jerusalem was the branch church and therefore they sent Paul and Barnabas to ask for instruction. This opinion was wrong and the reasons were as follows: 1) in the New Testament the churches in various places are independent and in each church the elders mange the church. Each church is directly responsible to the Lord (Acts. 14:23) and is not managed or restricted by other churches. 2) At that time the church in Jerusalem sent men out in order to help the emerging churches instead of bringing them into the system of management. 3) Christ is the head of the body (Col. 1:18). If there is the so-called branch church the branch church indeed usurps the sovereignty of Christ over churches in various places. 4) The seven golden candlesticks that symbolize the churches (Rev. 2:1) are seven independent candlesticks instead of seven branches of a candlestick. And the Lord Himself walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks (Rev. 2:1) showing that today the Lord in heaven is still dealing with and overseeing the churches in various places and He has not entrusted the churches in various places to any person or any organization.

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 Phoenicia and Samaria describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.”

YLT: “they indeed then having been sent forward by the assembly were passing through Phenice and Samaria declaring the conversion of the nations and they were causing great joy to all the brethren.”

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 Phoenicia and Samaria” “Phoenicia” was Lebanon today and it was the long and narrow level ground along the coast in the northwest of Galilee including the two cities Tyre and Sidon. “Samaria” was the convenient and fast and the only way from Galilee to Jerusalem and most of the residents there were the mixed race of the Jews and the other races.

“And they caused great joy to all the brethren.” It shows that believers in Phoenicia and Samaria were open-minded and they did not insist that the Gentiles had to keep the circumcision and the Law.

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 Jerusalem they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.”

YLT: “And having come to Jerusalem they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders they declared also as many things as God did with them;”

Literal Meaning: “they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders” Here it means that the church in Jerusalem held a meeting of the church for them and let them report all the conditions that they worked in the Gentiles.

“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; Rom. 3:24); 2) the positive aspect He makes those who believe in Him be able to live before God through His life of resurrection (Gal. 2:20-21).

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 (Rom. 7:7) and cannot depart from sin and receive the salvation 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 Jerusalem and how he was esteemed (Acts. 9:26-28).

“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 Jerusalem when Herod the king seized Peter the apostle (Acts. 12:17; 21:18; Gal. 1:19; 2:9).

Some Bible exegetes held that the power of management of the church in Jerusalem had been handed over to the elders in the early church (Acts. 11:30). James may be appointed to be the elder by the twelve apostles and therefore he had the final voice (usually in a group when they hold a meeting and decide one thing the last one who makes a speech and the conclusion must be the leader who has the supreme authority).

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 Israel and now the Gentiles also become partakers.

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 kingdom of Israel. And James changed it into “after this” and he may intend to show that the prophecy of Amos today has been fulfilled partially.

“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 kingdom of Israel that David had built (2Sam. 5:3-6). When Christ comes for the second time He will sit on the throne of David and restore the kingdom of Israel on the earth (Acts. 1:6). Many Bible exegetes advocated that the church was the spiritual kingdom of Israel and therefore the emergence of the church on the earth could be regarded as the establishment of the new kingdom of Israel.

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 kingdom of Israel the Gentiles who are called by the name of the Lord will seek the Lord with the people of Israel.

“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 Antioch with Paul and Barnabas namely Judas who was also named Barsabas and Silas leading men among the brethren.”

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 Jerusalem but also a prophet (See v.32) and at the same time he may be the Roman citizen (Acts. 16:37).

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 Antioch Syria and Cilicia: Greetings.”

YLT: “having written through their hand thus: `The apostles and the elders and the brethren to those in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia brethren who [are] of the nations greeting;”

Literal Meaning: “To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch Syria and Cilicia: Greetings.” “Antioch” was at the juncture of the two provinces Syria and Cilicia and it was the leading city of the two provinces.

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 Jerusalem did not command them it.

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 (Rom. 16:4) i.e. they loved not their lives unto the death (Rev. 12:11).

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 Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together they delivered the letter.”

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 Antioch” The word “to” does not mean that Antioch was on the south of Jerusalem but that the lay of the land of Antioch was lower than that of Jerusalem.

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 Jerusalem (See v.22).

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 Jerusalem to report on his mission and went back to Antioch alone. In sum most Bible exegetes agreed that Silas the fellow-worker of Paul later was this Silas who was the leader in the church in Jerusalem (See v.22).

Acts. 15:35 “Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch teaching and preaching the word of the Lord with many others also.”

YLT: “And Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch teaching and proclaiming good news -- with many others also -- the word of the Lord;”

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 Cyprus;”

YLT: “there came therefore a sharp contention so that they were parted from one another and Barnabas having taken Mark did sail to Cyprus ”

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 Jerusalem (See v.22). Probably he went back to Jerusalem to report on his mission with Judas (See v.33) and returned to Antioch and partook in the service in the local church.

“Being commended by the brethren to the grace of God” “Brethren” refers to the Saints in the church in Antioch. In the early period of the church in Antioch Barnabas made the greatest contribution. Today the church seemed to stand on the side of Paul showing that Barnabas may feel wronged and go away with Mark. And he had not had communion with the church clearly or sought the guidance. The difference between Paul and Barnabas lies in that: one went out with the seal of the body and the other went out without the seal of the body.

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 Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches.”

YLT: “and he went through Syria and Cilicia confirming the assemblies.”

Literal Meaning: “And he went through Syria and Cilicia” The two provinces Syria and Cilicia were the fist places in Paul’s second journey.

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).

I. Being commended by the church to the grace of God (v.40).

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

I. They reported all things that God had done with them (v.4)------God worked with them concerning what they had done.

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

I. The Gentiles also heard the word of the gospel and believed (v.7).

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

I. Believe and obey God (v.7 11 19)------all have believed in the Lord.

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

I. The words of encouragement (v.31).

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