Acts 15
Summary. This chapter continues the events that began in Chapter 14. The Apostle Paul and Barnabas were in the church of Antioch in Syria, where they encountered challenges in their ministry. They traveled to meet with the apostles and elders of the Jerusalem church to address a fundamental salvation issue: the understanding that every believer is saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus. After the guidance given by the Holy Spirit on this matter, they returned to the Antioch church in Syria with the message of salvation. After some time, Paul took Silas with him to follow the ministry direction set by the Holy Spirit. Acts 15:1-21. The dark worked through the minds of the Lord’s children, prompting them to resist God’s work of salvation, bringing the tradition passed down from their forefathers as a prerequisite for salvation. The apostles and the elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, gathered in Jerusalem to consider this matter. The Holy Spirit guided Peter to speak, and he reminds them that the Holy Spirit has been given to the Gentiles without the need for circumcision. All believers are required to be circumcised by the heart, not by the body: salvation of everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus is by the grace of the Lord Jesus alone. Furthermore, James, guided by the Holy Spirit, discoursed to the council, proposing the rule for the Gentiles to follow: “abstain from pollution to idols, and fornication, and what is strangled, and from blood.” Acts 15:22-35. The Council letter to the Gentile believers. The apostles and the elders, by the Holy Spirit commandment, wrote the following rule in a letter to the Gentile believers: “abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves, you will do well.” Acts 15:36-41. Apostle Paul and Barnabas part ways. The Holy Spirit guided apostle Paul and Barnabas to return and visit the believers in the places where they had proclaimed the word of the Lord. However, due to personal disagreements and strong opinions of their own actions, they ended up separating in different ways. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit guided the brothers in faith, blessing the apostles Paul and Silas to follow the path the Lord intended for Paul, as per verse 36.
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And certain ones having come down from Judea were teaching the brothers that, If you are not circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.
Comments Acts 15:1
The dark worked through the minds of the Lord’s children to fight against the work for saving people. First thing, the dark sought to discredit the faithful servants of the Lord by using the tradition that had been handed down from the forefathers. This problem would make people think, regarding the teaching from the faithful servant (Paul), and the hardships would begin at this time as well.
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Then, having been brought about no small dissension and questioning by Paul and Barnabas with them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and certain others out of them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.
Comments Acts 15:2
“Then, having been brought about no small dissension ...” The faithful servant explained to the Lord’s children regarding the knowledge they had received. They have received the knowledge from the Lord God Almighty regarding this problem, which the dark mind wanted to create as a problem between the Lord’s children.
“They appointed Paul and Barnabas ...” When the problem arose, the first decision the church made was to seek a way to resolve the problem by inquiring the answer from the apostles of the Lord Himself. The problem could be solved when the apostles gave them the answer, and the true problem makers would be pointed out when the apostles answered back to them.
“They appointed Paul and Barnabas ...” When the problem arose, the first decision the church made was to seek a way to resolve the problem by inquiring the answer from the apostles of the Lord Himself. The problem could be solved when the apostles gave them the answer, and the true problem makers would be pointed out when the apostles answered back to them.
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They, indeed, therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, relating in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy to all the brothers.
Comments Acts 15:3
“They, indeed, therefore, having been sent ...” The faithful servant had a long journey in spreading the good news to the people. In each place, and for the length of time, the faithful servant had talked with many people regarding the work of the Lord God Almighty.
“Relating in detail the conversion of the Gentiles ...” When the conversion of the Gentiles had been announced to the brothers, this also gave joy to everyone. The miracle work of the Lord God Almighty impacted not only His own children but also the outsiders. The purpose of miracles is to open the eyes of the world to see what is true; only through the power of the Lord God Almighty can miracles be performed. True miracles had been reported to all believers; no storyteller had been told.
“Relating in detail the conversion of the Gentiles ...” When the conversion of the Gentiles had been announced to the brothers, this also gave joy to everyone. The miracle work of the Lord God Almighty impacted not only His own children but also the outsiders. The purpose of miracles is to open the eyes of the world to see what is true; only through the power of the Lord God Almighty can miracles be performed. True miracles had been reported to all believers; no storyteller had been told.
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And having come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them.
Comments Acts 15:4
“And having come to Jerusalem ...” The faithful servant of the Lord journeyed until he reached the brothers in faith. All believers received them, and with a curious heart, they wanted to know the details of their journey, at first, not because of believing, but driven by the heart of jealousy that wanted to contradict the work of the faithful servant.
“And they declared all that God ...” The impact that the faithful servant of the Lord witnessed the mighty work of God Almighty had been reported to all people. Now the believers heard with their own ears from the mouth of the witness to the miracle work of the Lord.
“And they declared all that God ...” The impact that the faithful servant of the Lord witnessed the mighty work of God Almighty had been reported to all people. Now the believers heard with their own ears from the mouth of the witness to the miracle work of the Lord.
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Now, rose up certain of those of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
Comments Acts 15:5
“Now, rose up certain of those of the sect ...” This group of people, even though they have turned out to believe, did not put down their old behaviors and habits. They always think they have all the knowledge and that everyone must listen to them, and they’ve brought that habit with them here as well.
“It is needful to circumcise them ...” They bring the tradition of the forefathers to be the rule for people to be saved. The old rule is good, but the time had come to change, and now instead of circumcising part of the body, the heart of true believers should receive the circumcision.
“It is needful to circumcise them ...” They bring the tradition of the forefathers to be the rule for people to be saved. The old rule is good, but the time had come to change, and now instead of circumcising part of the body, the heart of true believers should receive the circumcision.
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Then, the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider about this matter.
Comments Acts 15:6
“Then, the apostles and the elders ...” The apostles and the elders have been guided by the Holy Spirit and gathered together to solve this problem.
“To consider about this matter.” The tradition of the forefathers is something people want to keep, but the time has come for change. Circumcision still impacts, but not on the physical body; it must be at the heart of the believer. Those who truly believe and meditate on the teaching will understand its true meaning.
“To consider about this matter.” The tradition of the forefathers is something people want to keep, but the time has come for change. Circumcision still impacts, but not on the physical body; it must be at the heart of the believer. Those who truly believe and meditate on the teaching will understand its true meaning.
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Now, much discussion having taken place, Peter, having risen up, said to them, Brothers, you know that from early days, God chose among us, by my mouth, for the Gentiles to hear the word of the gospel, and to believe.
Comments Acts 15:7
“Now, much discussion having taken place ...” Give attention, as the verse tells, many talks happened among believers, and the Lord God Almighty spoke to His faithful servant about what his reaction should be. The servant’s decision belongs to the Lord God Almighty, not to himself. This also tells every human that when you become a believer, all your decisions belong to the Lord God Almighty.
Q: How do we know what decision to take? A: To distinguish the decisions, ask yourself if there is another way or not. If there is another way, don’t take it; instead, take the one that comes first from the heart, not the head. The first thought is loud and that comes from the head, the little voice in the heart speaks gently and that comes from the Lord, so listen to the gentle voice in the heart.
“Brothers, you know that from early days ...” The faithful servant had talked to all believers in the past regarding the plan about people, that the Lord God Almighty has the plan not only for His people but for the Gentiles as well. The ones that the Lord speaks to in their hearts will turn and become a believer as well.
Q: How do we know what decision to take? A: To distinguish the decisions, ask yourself if there is another way or not. If there is another way, don’t take it; instead, take the one that comes first from the heart, not the head. The first thought is loud and that comes from the head, the little voice in the heart speaks gently and that comes from the Lord, so listen to the gentle voice in the heart.
“Brothers, you know that from early days ...” The faithful servant had talked to all believers in the past regarding the plan about people, that the Lord God Almighty has the plan not only for His people but for the Gentiles as well. The ones that the Lord speaks to in their hearts will turn and become a believer as well.
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And God , who knows the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit , even as also to us;
Comments Acts 15:8
As the verse tells all readers, the Lord God Almighty gives the Holy Spirit to all true believers who give their hearts to Him, and they will truly hear His voice guiding them in the direction they should go.
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and H e made not one distinction also between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.
Comments Acts 15:9
Give attention, all readers, the Lord God Almighty did not take any side of humans, regardless of who they are, or how important they are. The love and the gift from the Lord God Almighty, all have equal opportunity to receive; if the heart truly has faith, the gift also will be available to that heart as well.
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Now therefore, why are you testing God , to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers, nor we, were able to bear?
Comments Acts 15:10
“Now therefore, why are you testing God.” The human mind always thinks that they are the right one and knows all, and humans use that mind to justify that the Lord God Almighty is like them. The power of the Lord God Almighty has no limit; it remains consistent and the same across distant times, and this will be for eternity. No human can understand; humans have limited minds and cannot understand the true nature, the nature and power of the Lord God Almighty is above what humans can imagine and understand.
“To put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples ...” Now and then, the limitation is still the same. But when someone tries to put more burden on the faithful servant, which is not human ability to carry on, but the faithful servant receives strength from the Lord God Almighty to be able to finish the job in due time.
“To put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples ...” Now and then, the limitation is still the same. But when someone tries to put more burden on the faithful servant, which is not human ability to carry on, but the faithful servant receives strength from the Lord God Almighty to be able to finish the job in due time.
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But we believe to be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus , in the same manner as they also.
Comments Acts 15:11
Give attention, all believers; the verse tells clearly that by the grace of the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, all humans will be saved, because the beloved Son of God has done all the work for humans. Now, all humans have the duty to listen, obey, and meditate on the teachings, and all will be saved; the beloved Son of God has completed the work on the cross for all humans.
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Now, all the multitude kept silent; and they listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring what signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles by them.
Comments Acts 15:12
“Now, all the multitude kept silent.” The disciple, Peter, spoke boldly, guiding the people from the Lord God Almighty. The words that people heard with their ears also worked in their hearts, and now everyone gives attention and listens to the faithful servants’ testimony.
“And they listened to Barnabas and Paul ...” The Lord’s children at this point in time realized that the Gentiles also have been called to be saved as they are. The mercy of the Lord God Almighty has been extended to the Gentiles as well, not only for themselves alone.
“And they listened to Barnabas and Paul ...” The Lord’s children at this point in time realized that the Gentiles also have been called to be saved as they are. The mercy of the Lord God Almighty has been extended to the Gentiles as well, not only for themselves alone.
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And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Brothers, hear me:
Comments Acts 15:13
Sometimes, to keep peace, it is also necessary to keep silent and wait for the right time, when the Lord God Almighty will give you a chance to speak; speaking at the wrong time will not bring any benefit but create problems.
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Simeon has declared how first God visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for H is name.
Comments Acts 15:14
“Simeon has declared how first God ...” The witness has declared to the Lord’s children how the Lord God Almighty visited the Gentiles; this also let His children know that the Lord God Almighty is also the God of all humans, and He also has a plan for the Gentiles as well, not only His children alone had been called.
“To take out of them a people for His name.” Give attention, all believers; the Lord God Almighty has picked out the Gentiles to serve Him, and these also will be faithful servants to the Lord.
“To take out of them a people for His name.” Give attention, all believers; the Lord God Almighty has picked out the Gentiles to serve Him, and these also will be faithful servants to the Lord.
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And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written:
Comments Acts 15:15
The Lord God Almighty has foretold what would happen a long time ago, and He has also used the holy servants to record it for the next generations to know that the Lord God Almighty controls everything under the heavens. All things happen and end according to His will only, and no man can make any change of it.
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After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen, and I will rebuild the ruins of it, and I will set it upright,
Comments Acts 15:16
“After these things I will return ...” Give attention, all believers, God the Father announced the coming of His beloved Son of God on earth. The beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, would come and do miracle things according to the will of the Father. Humans would try to predict the time, but all things will be according to the Father’s will only.
“And I will rebuild the ruins of it ...” The beloved Son of God has the duty to rebuild the nation of His people to be one as it should be, and His children, the heart will be transformed, and the mind will accept the will of the Father. He will humble His own people’s hearts until they realize that their own will is not fit with the Lord God Almighty’s will, but the time for repentance will be offered to them. Their duty is to grab that time, humble themselves, repent, and come at the foot of the cross with all their hearts to serve Him.
“And I will rebuild the ruins of it ...” The beloved Son of God has the duty to rebuild the nation of His people to be one as it should be, and His children, the heart will be transformed, and the mind will accept the will of the Father. He will humble His own people’s hearts until they realize that their own will is not fit with the Lord God Almighty’s will, but the time for repentance will be offered to them. Their duty is to grab that time, humble themselves, repent, and come at the foot of the cross with all their hearts to serve Him.
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so that the residue of men may seek after the Lord , and all the Gentiles, upon whom M y name has been called upon them, says the Lord , who does these things,
Comments Acts 15:17
“So that the residue of men may seek after the Lord.” With the mighty work of God, humans will turn to seek the Lord God Almighty, but this time, humans will seek with the heart, not the head.
“And all the Gentiles, upon whom My name ...” As it has been told before, the Lord God Almighty called all the Gentiles to be His children as well. Give attention: here it confirms the calling for the Gentiles, they all will come and glorify the Lord God Almighty.
“And all the Gentiles, upon whom My name ...” As it has been told before, the Lord God Almighty called all the Gentiles to be His children as well. Give attention: here it confirms the calling for the Gentiles, they all will come and glorify the Lord God Almighty.
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known from eternity.
Comments Acts 15:17-18
“Says the Lord, who is doing these things, known from eternity.” The word from the Lord God Almighty’s mouth has been spoken, and His word will stay as a living word forever.
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Wherefore, I judge not to trouble those who, from among the Gentiles, are turning to God ;
Comments Acts 15:19
“Wherefore, I judge not to trouble those who.” Remember, all humans, the duty you have is not to criticize or judge anyone; the only One who has authority to judge is the Lord God Almighty alone.
“... are turning to God.” The Gentiles’ life is different than the children of God’s life; their past ways may cause doubt for people, but when they turn from their wrong ways of life to worship the Lord God Almighty, it will take them a little bit more time to change. But the Lord God Almighty will teach them to come to be the right way and never return back to the old way again; and you who are already in faith, should not discourage them but encourage them and be examples for them to follow.
“... are turning to God.” The Gentiles’ life is different than the children of God’s life; their past ways may cause doubt for people, but when they turn from their wrong ways of life to worship the Lord God Almighty, it will take them a little bit more time to change. But the Lord God Almighty will teach them to come to be the right way and never return back to the old way again; and you who are already in faith, should not discourage them but encourage them and be examples for them to follow.
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but to write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and fornication, and what is strangled, and from blood.
Comments Acts 15:20
The word by talking may change over time, but the written word will remain firm and serve as proof for the readers. And in this place, the Lord God Almighty wants this rule to be firm for the Gentiles to follow. To be right and acceptable for the Lord God Almighty, abstain from fornication all of your life, and after becoming believers, do not go back to these abominable things to ruin the purity of the soul again.
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For Moses from generations of old has in every city those proclaiming him, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.
Comments Acts 15:21
The messenger of the Lord, Moses, had the duty to proclaim what he had received from the Lord God Almighty. All the message he had received, he had been given to the Lord’s children, and they should keep this law as long as they are alive (meaning the law given through Moses, which is outlined in verse 20).
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Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, having chosen men out of them, to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers;
Comments Acts 15:22
The Lord God Almighty stirred up the hearts of the apostles and the elders to choose the rightful workers who would accompany the messengers, Paul and Barnabas, and would help all the way along the journey.
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having written by their hand: The apostles and the elders, brothers, To those in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, brothers among the Gentiles, greetings;
Comments Acts 15:23
The message from the Lord God Almighty, announced by the apostles and all believers, is that now the Lord God Almighty calls out for the Gentiles to be saved, and many have opened their hearts to follow the guidance and become true believers of the Lord God Almighty as well.
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forasmuch as we have heard that certain who went out from us have troubled you by words, subverting your minds; to whom we had not given commands;
Comments Acts 15:24
“Forasmuch as we have heard that certain ...” The dark mind of humans, in active as well, the dark, stirred up the minds on how to work against the message by giving false information regarding the Gentiles being called to the kingdom of the heavens. The work for saving all humans’ souls had begun, but the enemy of the light wanted to trouble the believers in this work.
“To whom we had not given commands.” The work had been done under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but when the dark wants to stop that work, the believers fight back by sending the word of proof in writing to explain what truly happened out there.
“To whom we had not given commands.” The work had been done under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but when the dark wants to stop that work, the believers fight back by sending the word of proof in writing to explain what truly happened out there.
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it seemed good to us, having come with one accord, to choose out men and send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Comments Acts 15:25
The Lord God Almighty worked in the hearts of His servants, whom they should choose to follow along with His faithful servants for work. The work in spreading the good news regarding the Lord God Almighty and His mercy is not a small task. It is a significant job, because this job will open the eyes of the outsiders to respond to the miracles of the Lord God Almighty.
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men having handed over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ .
Comments Acts 15:26
The faithful believers who are willing to die for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God, are the people that the Lord God Almighty wants to use in proclaiming the work for saving human souls all around the world, which belong to the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ.
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We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves also will tell you the same things by word.
Comments Acts 15:27
The Lord God Almighty stirred up the hearts of the faithful servants that He has chosen to go there and tell the new believers, the love and mercy of the Lord God Almighty are upon them because now they are also His children. Meditate on the message, stay in prayer, and follow the teachings that the Lord God Almighty has given to them through the message; that is the way to save their souls.
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For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit , and to us, to lay upon you no further burden than these necessary things:
Comments Acts 15:28
“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us.” The Holy Spirit stirred up the disciples to send faithful servants and tell the word; the hearts of the faithful servants joined with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and they would go and tell the true message to the new believers.
“To lay upon you no further burden ...” What the Lord God Almighty wants new believers to follow has been given with the faithful servants. The interpretation of the word also comes with these servants as well; listen and obey, no other person can interpret the meaning further more.
“To lay upon you no further burden ...” What the Lord God Almighty wants new believers to follow has been given with the faithful servants. The interpretation of the word also comes with these servants as well; listen and obey, no other person can interpret the meaning further more.
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to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves, you will do well. Farewell.
Comments Acts 15:29
Give attention, all readers, the Lord God Almighty gives specific commands on what you should and what you should not do; this is not an order alone, but a command, which all believers must follow, and all will be good to your souls. When ordering, the believers sometimes do not follow, but when the Lord God Almighty commands, all must obey.
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They indeed, therefore, having been sent off, went to Antioch; and having gathered the multitude, they delivered the letter.
Comments Acts 15:30
The Lord God Almighty stirred up the disciples’ hearts to gather all believers together in one place, and the letter of recommendation on how to behave will be read to all. The ears that listen, the eyes that see the letter will make the hearts ready to receive and follow all commandments of the Lord God Almighty.
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Now having read it, they rejoiced at the consolation.
Comments Acts 15:31
The letter, with the Lord God Almighty’s guidance, made a positive feeling and faith for all readers and listeners. The word from the Lord God Almighty will help all believers to stay firm in faith and follow the teachings.
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And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brothers with many words, and strengthened them.
Comments Acts 15:32
“And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets.” Two blessed workers of the Lord God Almighty received a special gift from the Lord God Almighty. The word spoken to listeners will encourage them and help them to understand the purpose and the meaning of the Word of the Lord God Almighty, which will help them to reach the conclusion (the true meaning).
“Exhorted the brothers ...” Give attention, all readers, when listeners have clean hearts and are willing to obey, the Lord God Almighty will help them to understand and stay firm in the teachings, and even when facing difficult times, the faith will stay firm in their hearts at all times.
“Exhorted the brothers ...” Give attention, all readers, when listeners have clean hearts and are willing to obey, the Lord God Almighty will help them to understand and stay firm in the teachings, and even when facing difficult times, the faith will stay firm in their hearts at all times.
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Then having continued some time, they were let go in peace from the brothers to those having sent them.
Comments Acts 15:33
“Then having continued some time.” The faithful workers stayed in this place for a while. The Lord God Almighty also had a plan for using them in working in this area; the people needed to hear from the faithful workers, regarding the work of the Lord God Almighty.
“They were let go in peace ...” When the right time for departure came, the Lord God Almighty worked in the hearts of the believers there to let the faithful workers continue further work in another area.
“They were let go in peace ...” When the right time for departure came, the Lord God Almighty worked in the hearts of the believers there to let the faithful workers continue further work in another area.
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[However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.]
Comments Acts 15:34
This verse is thought to have been added to the original text.
35
But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the good news, the word of the Lord , with many others also.
Comments Acts 15:35
The Holy Spirit had guided the faithful servant of the Lord God Almighty on where to stay and how long, and also, he got all the information on what to tell about the good news. The Word that they had spoken is from the Holy Spirit, and those words will guide the hearts of the people to search for the true meaning for themselves.
36
And after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, Let us return and visit the brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord , how they are.
Comments Acts 15:36
“And after some days ...” Now, it is the right time for the faithful servant to return to the places where the Lord God Almighty has guided them, and to let people know that they are in the Lord’s plan, and the Lord will send more people to guide them. They just need to meditate and follow the teachings they received, in order to make their souls get strong in faith.
“In every city in which ...” Give attention, all readers, the places that the Lord guided His servants to tell the good news, He will also send His servants to see how they are practicing the good news they received. Stay firm in the teaching and keep praying, and all will go according to the plan. And the hand of the Lord God Almighty will shield them from all the dark thoughts, and if their hearts stick and stay firm with the good news, their souls also will receive the guidance.
“In every city in which ...” Give attention, all readers, the places that the Lord guided His servants to tell the good news, He will also send His servants to see how they are practicing the good news they received. Stay firm in the teaching and keep praying, and all will go according to the plan. And the hand of the Lord God Almighty will shield them from all the dark thoughts, and if their hearts stick and stay firm with the good news, their souls also will receive the guidance.
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And Barnabas was minded to take along John also, called Mark.
aelabaarnaabasktangaicchthiicchaphaay`hnaipdwykan chuue`maaraok
aelabaarnaabasktangaicchthiicchaphaay`hnaipdwykan chuue`maaraok
Comments Acts 15:37
One of the faithful servants, Barnabas, wanted to take along the brother whom he believed would help with the work. He had a personal relationship with this believer (Colossians 4:10), and that was one of the reasons to take him to work together.
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However, Paul thought not to take him along, the one who had withdrawn from them from Pamphylia, and not having gone with them to the work.
Comments Acts 15:38
“However, Paul thought not to take him along ...” The apostle disagreed to take this believer with them, because this believer had shown a lack of faith when he separated himself. Due to the difficult situation ahead, Mark chose not to go and face it together with Paul and Barnabas.
“And not having gone with them to the work.” In that time, the apostle believed that this believer would be useful for the work. However, the Lord God Almighty had a different plan for this disciple, which the apostle believed could wait until he was finished with them.
“And not having gone with them to the work.” In that time, the apostle believed that this believer would be useful for the work. However, the Lord God Almighty had a different plan for this disciple, which the apostle believed could wait until he was finished with them.
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And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from one another, and Barnabas having taken Mark, sailed to Cyprus;
Comments Acts 15:39
“And there arose a sharp disagreement ...” Give attention, all believers, when you do things for the Lord God Almighty, remind your heart and soul that unity is the purpose of serving. These faithful servants disagreed on a small issue and couldn’t accept the differences between each other, so they separated ways for serving the Lord God Almighty; watch out, the enemy is at work against you.
Q: Who is at fault here, Paul or Barnabas? A: No one was at fault; each one’s preference was different. And both parties were still serving the Lord God Almighty. The self-belief led to separation, but they did not separate because of their worship of the Lord God Almighty, based on faith issues.
“And Barnabas having taken Mark, sailed to Cyprus.” The faithful servant chose the person he preferred and separated away for work. The differences in minds also made them choose the place to go in a different direction.
Q: Should Barnabas have followed the direction given by the Holy Spirit in verse 36? A: The place to proclaim the good news and make an impact was important at that time. But also, the Lord God Almighty wanted to spread out the good news in all directions. And these servants went out in a way that their hearts guided them. The difference was only that you did more spreading or less, no right or wrong, just getting different results.
Q: Was Barnabas wrong by not following the guidance of the Holy Spirit given in verse 36? A: He was wrong, but also the blessing went with him, because the heart wanted to spread out the good news, just the place was not ready to receive it yet.
Q: Who is at fault here, Paul or Barnabas? A: No one was at fault; each one’s preference was different. And both parties were still serving the Lord God Almighty. The self-belief led to separation, but they did not separate because of their worship of the Lord God Almighty, based on faith issues.
“And Barnabas having taken Mark, sailed to Cyprus.” The faithful servant chose the person he preferred and separated away for work. The differences in minds also made them choose the place to go in a different direction.
Q: Should Barnabas have followed the direction given by the Holy Spirit in verse 36? A: The place to proclaim the good news and make an impact was important at that time. But also, the Lord God Almighty wanted to spread out the good news in all directions. And these servants went out in a way that their hearts guided them. The difference was only that you did more spreading or less, no right or wrong, just getting different results.
Q: Was Barnabas wrong by not following the guidance of the Holy Spirit given in verse 36? A: He was wrong, but also the blessing went with him, because the heart wanted to spread out the good news, just the place was not ready to receive it yet.
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however, Paul, having chosen Silas, went forth, having been committed by the brothers to the grace of the Lord .
Comments Acts 15:40
“However, Paul, having chosen Silas, went forth.” The faithful servant of the Lord God Almighty chose the person who had been guided by his heart in spreading the good news together.
“Having been committed by the brothers ...” The Holy Spirit guided the brothers in faith in blessing the faithful servants to the way the Lord guided them to go. And all the believers put their hearts together and bless the faithful servants of the Lord. The work in spreading the good news would succeed because they went with the blessing from the Lord God Almighty.
Q: So, what was the will of the Holy Spirit for Paul and Barnabas in the situation given in verse 36? A: The will of the Lord for them was to resolve the disagreement and go together, but each had a strong opinion of their own actions, and both believed that the Holy Spirit had guided them.
“Having been committed by the brothers ...” The Holy Spirit guided the brothers in faith in blessing the faithful servants to the way the Lord guided them to go. And all the believers put their hearts together and bless the faithful servants of the Lord. The work in spreading the good news would succeed because they went with the blessing from the Lord God Almighty.
Q: So, what was the will of the Holy Spirit for Paul and Barnabas in the situation given in verse 36? A: The will of the Lord for them was to resolve the disagreement and go together, but each had a strong opinion of their own actions, and both believed that the Holy Spirit had guided them.
41
Then, he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Comments Acts 15:41
The Lord God Almighty worked in the heart of His faithful servant what he should do. The word the faithful servant spoke out was not from his own, but he received the guidance from the Holy Spirit, and the work succeeded because the Lord God Almighty had a plan for spreading the good news in this area.
Life and faith applications. 1) The salvation of every believer in the Lord Jesus comes solely through His grace, not through works. 2) Believers are not saved by practicing some traditions of a church or traditions of the Jewish people; we are all saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus. 3) As followers of the Lord Jesus, we are called to live in unity and to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that we can be effective in the work He has for us. 4) As followers of the Lord Jesus, we are responsible to testify about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and to encourage other believers to stay firm in faith. 5) Today, we do not have the apostles and elders in Jerusalem to pray for us; instead, we do have the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Spirit; we are all responsible to evaluate each doctrinal issue in the light of the Word of God, the Bible, and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all matters.