28 For G1063 it seemed good G1380 to the Holy G40 Ghost, G4151 and G2532 to us, G2254 to lay upon G2007 you G5213 no G3367 greater G4119 burden G922 than G4133 these G5130 necessary things; G1876
Howbeit G1161 when G3752 he, G1565 the Spirit G4151 of truth, G225 is come, G2064 he will guide G3594 you G5209 into G1519 all G3956 truth: G225 for G1063 he shall G2980 not G3756 speak G2980 of G575 himself; G1438 but G235 whatsoever G3745 G302 he shall hear, G191 that shall he speak: G2980 and G2532 he will shew G312 you G5213 things to come. G2064
But G1161 unto you G5213 I say, G3004 and G2532 unto the rest G3062 in G1722 Thyatira, G2363 as many as G3745 have G2192 not G3756 this G5026 doctrine, G1322 and G2532 which G3748 have G1097 not G3756 known G1097 the depths G899 of Satan, G4567 as G5613 they speak; G3004 I will put G906 upon G1909 you G5209 none G3756 other G243 burden. G922
For G1063 my G3450 yoke G2218 is easy, G5543 and G2532 my G3450 burden G5413 is G2076 light. G1645
And G2532 God, G2316 which knoweth the hearts, G2589 bare them G846 witness, G3140 giving G1325 them G846 the Holy G40 Ghost, G4151 even G2532 as G2531 he did unto us; G2254
Now G1161 concerning G4012 virgins G3933 I have G2192 no G3756 commandment G2003 of the Lord: G2962 yet G1161 I give G1325 my judgment, G1106 as G5613 one that hath obtained mercy G1653 of G5259 the Lord G2962 to be G1511 faithful. G4103
Unto whom G3739 it was revealed, G601 that G3754 not G3756 unto themselves, G1438 but G1161 unto us G2254 they did minister G1247 the things, G846 which G3739 are G312 now G3568 reported G312 unto you G5213 by G1223 them that have preached the gospel G2097 unto you G5209 with G1722 the Holy G40 Ghost G4151 sent down G649 from G575 heaven; G3772 which things G3739 the angels G32 desire G1937 to look G3879 into. G1519
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Acts 15
Commentary on Acts 15 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 15
Hitherto we have, with a great deal of pleasure, attended the apostles in their glorious travels for the propagating of the gospel in foreign parts, have seen the bounds of the church enlarged by the accession both of Jews and Gentiles to it; and thanks be to that God who always caused them to triumph. We left them, in the close of the foregoing chapter, reposing themselves at Antioch, and edifying the church there with the rehearsal of their experiences, and it is a pity they should ever be otherwise employed; but in this chapter we find other work (not so pleasant) cut out for them. The Christians and ministers are engaged in controversy, and those that should have been now busied in enlarging the dominions of the church have as much as they can do to compose the divisions of it; when they should have been making war upon the devil's kingdom they have much ado to keep the peace in Christ's kingdom. Yet this occurrence and the record of it are of great use to the church, both for warning to us to expect such unhappy discords among Christians, and direction to us what method to take for accommodating them. Here is,
Act 15:1-5
Even when things go on very smoothly and pleasantly in a state or in a church, it is folly to be secure, and to think the mountain stands strong and cannot be moved; some uneasiness or other will arise, which is not foreseen, cannot be prevented, but must be prepared for. If ever there was a heaven upon earth, surely it was in the church at Antioch at this time, when there were so many excellent ministers there, and blessed Paul among them, building up that church in her most holy faith. But here we have their peace disturbed, and differences arising. Here is,
Act 15:6-21
We have here a council called, not by writ, but by consent, on this occasion (v. 6): The apostles and presbyters came together, to consider this matter. They did not give their judgment separately, but came together to do it, that they might hear one another's sense in this matter; for in the multitude of counsellors there is safety and satisfaction. They did not give their judgment rashly, but considered of this matter. Though they were clear concerning it in their own minds, yet they would take time to consider of it, and to hear what might be said by the adverse party. Nor did the apostles give their judgment concerning it without the elders, the inferior ministers, to whom they thus condescended, and on whom they thus put an honour. Those that are most eminent in gifts and graces, and are in the most exalted stations in the church, ought to show respect to their juniors and inferiors; for, though days should speak, yet there is a spirit in man, Job 32:7, 8. Here is a direction to the pastors of the churches, when difficulties arise, to come together in solemn meetings for mutual advice and encouragement, that they may know one another's mind, and strengthen one another's hands, and may act in concert. Now here we have,
Act 15:22-35
We have here the result of the consultation that was held at Jerusalem about the imposing of the ceremonial law upon the Gentiles. Much more, it is likely, was said about it than is here recorded; but at length it was brought to a head, and the advice which James gave was universally approved and agreed to nemine contradicente-unanimously; and letters were accordingly sent by messengers of their own to the Gentile converts, acquainting them with their sentiments in this matter, which would be a great confirmation to them against the false teachers. Now observe here,
Act 15:36-41
We have seen one unhappy difference among the brethren, which was of a public nature, brought to a good issue; but here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no less men than Paul and Barnabas, not compromised indeed, yet ending well.