41 And G1161 he went through G1330 Syria G4947 and G2532 Cilicia, G2791 confirming G1991 the churches. G1577
And they wrote G1125 letters by G1223 them G5495 G846 after this manner; G3592 The apostles G652 and G2532 elders G4245 and G2532 brethren G80 send greeting G5463 unto the brethren G80 which G3588 are of G1537 the Gentiles G1484 in G2596 Antioch G490 and G2532 Syria G4947 and G2532 Cilicia: G2791
And Judas G2455 and G2532 Silas, G4609 being G5607 prophets G4396 also G2532 themselves, G846 exhorted G3870 the brethren G80 with G1223 many G4183 words, G3056 and G2532 confirmed G1991 them.
Then G1161 there arose G450 certain G5100 of G1537 the synagogue, G4864 which G3588 is called G3004 the synagogue of the Libertines, G3032 and G2532 Cyrenians, G2956 and G2532 Alexandrians, G221 and G2532 of them of G575 Cilicia G2791 and G2532 of Asia, G773 disputing G4802 with Stephen. G4736
And G1161 as G5613 they went through G1279 the cities, G4172 they delivered G3860 them G846 the decrees G1378 for to keep, G5442 that were ordained G2919 of G5259 the apostles G652 and G2532 elders G4245 which G3588 were at G1722 Jerusalem. G2419 And so G3303 G3767 were G4732 the churches G1577 established G4732 in the faith, G4102 and G2532 increased G4052 in number G706 daily. G2250 G2596
And G1161 Paul G3972 after this tarried G4357 there yet G2089 a good G2425 while, G2250 and then took his leave G657 of the brethren, G80 and sailed thence G1602 into G1519 Syria, G4947 and G2532 with G4862 him G846 Priscilla G4252 and G2532 Aquila; G207 having shorn G2751 his head G2776 in G1722 Cenchrea: G2747 for G1063 he had G2192 a vow. G2171
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.