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Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
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Matthew Henry |
A C T S.
CHAP. XV.
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,
I. A controversy raised at Antioch by the judaizing teachers, who would
have the believing Gentiles brought under the yoke of circumcision and
the ceremonial law,
II. A consultation held with the church at Jerusalem about this matter,
and the sending of delegates thither for that purpose, which occasioned
the starting of the same question there,
III. An account of what passed in the synod that was convened upon this
occasion,
What Peter said,
What Paul and Barnabas discoursed of,
And, lastly, what James proposed for the settling of this matter,
IV. The result of this debate, and the circular letter that was written
to the Gentile converts, directing them how to govern themselves with
respect to Jews,
V. The delivering of this determination to the church at Antioch, and
the satisfaction it gave them,
VI. A second expedition designed by Paul and Barnabas to preach to the
Gentiles, in which they quarrelled about their assistant, and separated
upon it, one steering one course and the other another,
| Controversy Raised at Antioch; Bigotry of the Jewish Converts. |
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1 And certain men which came down from Judæa taught the
brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner
of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and
disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas,
and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the
apostles and elders about this question.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed
through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the
Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of
the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared
all things that God had done with them.
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which
believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to
command them to keep the law of Moses.
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,
I. A new doctrine started among them, which occasioned this division,
obliging the Gentile converts to submit to circumcision and the
ceremonial law,
v. 1.
Many that had been proselytes to the Jewish religion became Christians;
and they would have such as were proselyted to the Christian religion
to become Jews.
1. The persons that urged this were certain men who came down from
Judea; some think such as had been of the Pharisees
(v. 5),
or perhaps of those priests who were obedient to the faith,
ch. vi. 7.
They came from Judea, pretending perhaps to be sent by the apostles at
Jerusalem, at least to be countenanced by them. Having a design to
spread their notions, they came to Antioch, because that was the
head-quarters of those that preached to the Gentiles, and the
rendezvous of the Gentile converts; and, if they could but make an
interest there, this leaven would soon be diffused to all the churches
of the Gentiles. They insinuated themselves into an acquaintance with
the brethren, pretended to be very glad that they had embraced the
Christian faith, and congratulated them on their conversion; but tell
them that yet one thing they lack, they must be circumcised.
Note, Those that are ever so well taught have need to stand upon their
guard that they be not untaught again, or ill taught.
2. The position they laid down, the thesis they gave, was this, that
except the Gentiles who turned Christians were circumcised after the
manner of Moses, and thereby bound themselves to all the
observances of the ceremonial law, they could not be saved. As
to this,
(1.) Many of the Jews who embraced the faith of Christ, yet continued
very zealous for the law,
ch. xxi. 20.
They knew it was from God and its authority was sacred, valued it for
its antiquity, had been bred up in the observance of it, and it is
probable had been often devoutly affected in their attendance on these
observances; they therefore kept them up after they were by baptism
admitted into the Christian church, kept up the distinction of meats,
and used the ceremonial purifyings from ceremonial pollutions, attend
the temple service, and celebrated the feasts of the Jews. Herein they
were connived at, because the prejudices of education are not to be
overcome all at once, and in a few years the mistake would be
effectually rectified by the destruction of the temple and the total
dissolution of the Jewish church, by which the observance of the Mosaic
ritual would become utterly impracticable. But it did not suffice them
that they were herein indulged themselves, they must have the Gentile
converts brought under the same obligations. Note, There is a strange
proneness in us to make our opinion and practice a rule and a law to
every body else, to judge of all about us by our standard, and to
conclude that because we do well all do wrong that do not just as we
do.
(2.) Those Jews who believed that Christ was the Messiah, as they could
not get clear of their affection to the law, so they could not get
clear of the notions they had of the Messiah, that he should set up a
temporal kingdom in favour of the Jewish nation, should make this
illustrious and victorious; it was a disappointment to them that there
was as yet nothing done towards this in the way they expected. But now
that they hear the doctrine of Christ is received among the Gentiles,
and his kingdom begins to be set up in the midst of them, if they can
but persuade those that embrace Christ to embrace the law of Moses too
they hope their point will be gained, the Jewish nation will be made as
considerable as they can wish, though in another way; and “Therefore by
all means let the brethren be pressed to be circumcised and keep the
law, and then with our religion our dominion will be extended, and
we shall in a little time be able to shake off the Roman yoke; and not
only so, but to put it on the necks of our neighbours, and so shall
have such a kingdom of the Messiah as we promised ourselves.” Note, It
is no wonder if those who have wrong notions of the kingdom of Christ
take wrong measures for the advancement of it, and such as really tend
to the destruction of it, as these do.
(3.) The controversy about the circumcising of the Gentile proselytes
had been on foot among the Jews long before this. This is observed by
Dr. Whitby out of Josephus–Antiq. 20. 38-45: “That when Izates,
the son of Helen queen of Adiabene, embraced the Jews’ religion,
Ananias declared he might do it without circumcision; but Eleazar
maintained that it was a great impiety to remain uncircumcised.” And
when two eminent Gentiles fled to Josephus (as he relates in the
history of his own life) “the zealots among the Jews were urgent for
their circumcision; but Josephus dissuaded them from insisting upon
it.” Such has been the difference in all ages between bigotry and
moderation.
(4.) It is observable what a mighty stress they laid upon it; they do
not only say, “You ought to be circumcised after the manner of
Moses, and it will be good service to the kingdom of the Messiah if
you be; it will best accommodate matters between you and the Jewish
converts, and we shall take it very kindly if you will, and shall
converse the more familiarly with you;” but, “Except you be
circumcised you cannot be saved. If you be not herein of our mind
and way, you will never go to heaven, and therefore of course you must
go to hell.” Note, it is common for proud impostors to enforce their
own inventions under pain of damnation; and to tell people that unless
they believe just as they would have them believe, and do just as they
would have them do, they cannot be saved, it is impossible they should;
not only their case is hazardous, but it is desperate. Thus the Jews
tell their brethren that except they be of their church, and come into
their communion, and conform to the ceremonies of their worship, though
otherwise good men and believers in Christ, yet they cannot be saved;
salvation itself cannot save them. None are in Christ but those that
are within their pale. We ought to see ourselves well warranted by the
word of God before we say, “Except you do so and so, you cannot be
saved.”
II. The opposition which Paul and Barnabas gave to this schismatical
notion, which engrossed salvation to the Jews, now that Christ has
opened the door of salvation to the Gentiles
(v. 2):
They had no small dissension and disputation with them. They
would by no means yield to this doctrine, but appeared and argued
publicly against it.
1. As faithful servants of Christ, they would not see his truths
betrayed. They knew that Christ came to free us from the yoke of the
ceremonial law, and to take down that wall of partition between Jews
and Gentiles and unite them both in himself; and therefore could not
bear to hear of circumcising the Gentile converts, when their
instructions were only to baptize them. The Jews would unite with the
Gentiles, that is, they would have them to conform in every thing to
their rites, and then, and not till then they will look upon them as
their brethren; and no thanks to them. But, this not being the way in
which Christ designed to unite them, it is not to be admitted.
2. As spiritual fathers to the Gentile converts, they would not see
their liberties encroached upon. They had told the Gentiles that if
they believed in Jesus Christ they should be saved; and now to be told
that this was not enough to save them, except they were circumcised and
kept the law of Moses, this was such a discouragement to them at
setting out, and would be such a stumbling-block in their way, as might
almost tempt them to think of returning into Egypt again; and therefore
the apostles set themselves against it.
III. The expedient pitched upon for preventing the mischief of this
dangerous notion, and silencing those that vented it, as well as
quieting the minds of the people with reference to it. They determined
that Paul and Barnabas, and some others of their number, should go
to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders, concerning this doubt. Not
that the church at Antioch had any doubt concerning it: they knew the
liberty wherewith Christ had made them free; but they sent the case to
Jerusalem,
1. Because those who taught this doctrine came from Jerusalem, and
pretended to have directions from the apostles there to urge
circumcision upon the Gentile converts; it was therefore very proper to
send to Jerusalem about it, to know if they had any such direction from
the church there. And it was soon found to be all wrong, which yet
pretended to be of apostolical right. It was true that these went
out from them
(v. 24),
but they never had any such orders from them.
2. Because those who were taught this doctrine would be the better
confirmed in their opposition to it, and in the less danger of being
shocked and disturbed by it, if they were sure that the apostles and
elders at Jerusalem (which was the Christian church that of all
others retained the most affection to the law of Moses) were against
it; and, if they could but have this under their hands, it would be the
likeliest means to silence and shame these incendiaries, who had
pretended to have it from them.
3. Because the apostles at Jerusalem were fittest to be consulted in a
point not yet fully settled; and being most eminent for an infallible
spirit, peculiar to them as apostles, their decision would be likely to
end the controversy. It was owing to the subtlety and malice of the
great enemy of the church’s peace (as it appears by Paul’s frequent
complaints of these judaizing teachers, these false
apostles, these deceitful workers, these enemies of the
cross of Christ), that it had not this effect.
IV. Their journey to Jerusalem upon this errand,
v. 3.
Where we find,
1. That they were honoured at parting: They were brought on their
way by the church, which was then much used as a token of respect
to useful men, and is directed to be done after a godly sort,
3 John 6.
Thus the church showed their favour to those who witnessed against
these encroachments on the liberties of the Gentile converts, and stood
up for them.
2. That they did good as they went along. They were men that would not
lose time, and therefore visited the churches by the way; they passed
through Phenice and Samaria, and as they went declared the
conversion of the Gentiles, and what wonderful success the gospel
had had among them, which caused great joy to all the brethren.
Note, The progress of the gospel is and ought to be a matter of great
joy. All the brethren, the faithful brethren in Christ’s family,
rejoice when more are born into the family; for the family will be
never the poorer for the multitude of its children. In Christ and
heaven there is portion enough, and inheritance enough for them
all.
V. Their hearty welcome at Jerusalem,
v. 4.
1. The good entertainment their friends gave them: They were
received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, were
embraced as brethren, and had audience as messengers of the church at
Antioch; they received them with all possible expressions of love and
friendship.
2. The good entertainment they gave their friends: They declared all
things that God had done with them, gave them an account of the
success of their ministry among the Gentiles, not what they had done,
but what God had done with them, what he had by his grace in
them enabled them to do, and what he had by his grace in their hearers
enabled them to receive. As they went they had planted, as they came
back they had watered; but in both they were ready to own it was God
that gave the increase. Note, It is a great honour to be employed for
God, to be workers for him; for those that are so have him a worker
with them, and he must have all the glory.
VI. The opposition they met with from the same party at Jerusalem,
v. 5.
When Barnabas and Paul gave an account of the multitude of the
Gentiles, and of the great harvest of souls gathered in to Christ
there, and all about them congratulated them upon it, there rose up
certain of the sect of the Pharisees, who received the tidings very
coldly, and, though they believed in Christ, yet were not satisfied in
the admission of these converts, but thought it was needful to
circumcise them. Observe here,
1. That those who have been most prejudiced against the gospel yet have
been captivated by it; so mighty has it been through God to the pulling
down of strong-holds. When Christ was here upon earth, few or none of
the rulers and of the Pharisees believed on him; but now there are
those of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, and many of them, we
hope, in sincerity.
2. That it is very hard for men suddenly to get clear of their
prejudices: those that had been Pharisees, even after they became
Christians, retained some of the old leaven. All did not so, witness
Paul, but some did; and they had such a jealousy for the ceremonial
law, and such a dislike of the Gentiles, that they could not admit the
Gentiles into communion with them, unless they would be circumcised,
and thereby engage themselves to keep the law of Moses. This was, in
their opinion, needful; and for their parts they would not converse
with them unless they submitted to it.
| The Council at Jerusalem. |
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6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of
this matter.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and
said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while
ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth
should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving
them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their
hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck
of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to
bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus
Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to
Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had
wrought among the Gentiles by them.
13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying,
Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the
Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is
written,
16 After this I will return, and will build again the
tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again
the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all
the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who
doeth all these things.
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the
world.
19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which
from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from
pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things
strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach
him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
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 xxxii. 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,
I. Peter’s speech in this synod. He did not in the least pretend to any
primacy or headship in this synod. He was not master of this assembly,
nor so much as chairman or moderator, pro hac vice–on this
occasion; for we do not find that either he spoke first, to open
the synod (there having been much disputing before he rose
up), nor that he spoke last, to sum up the cause and collect the
suffrages; but he was a faithful, prudent zealous member of this
assembly, and offered that which was very much to the purpose, and
which would come better from him than from another, because he had
himself been the first that preached the gospel to the Gentiles.
There had been much disputing, pro and con, upon this question,
and liberty of speech allowed, as ought to be in such cases; those of
the sect of the Pharisees were some of them present, and allowed to say
what they could in defence of those of their opinion at Antioch, which
probably was answered by some of the elders; such questions ought to be
fairly disputed before they are decided. When both sides had been
heard, Peter rose up, and addressed himself to the assembly,
Men and brethren, as did James afterwards,
And here,
1. He put them in mind of the call and commission he had some time ago
to preach the gospel to the Gentiles; he wondered there should
be any difficulty made of a matter already settled: You know
that aph hemeron archaion—from the beginning of
the days of the gospel, many years ago, God made choice
among us apostles of one to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and I
was the person chosen, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the
word, and believe,
v. 7.
You know I was questioned about it and cleared myself to the universal
satisfaction; every body rejoiced that God had granted to the
Gentiles repentance unto life, and nobody said a word of
circumcising them, nor was there any thought of such a thing. See
“Why should the Gentiles who hear the word of the gospel by Paul’s
mouth be compelled to submit to circumcision, any more than those that
heard it by my mouth? Or why should the terms of their admission now be
made harder than they were then?”
2. He puts them in mind how remarkably God owned him in preaching to
the Gentiles, and gave testimony to their sincerity in embracing the
Christian faith
(v. 8):
“God, who knows the hearts, and therefore is able to judge
infallibly of men, bore them witness that they were his indeed,
by giving them the Holy Ghost; not only the graces and comforts,
but the extraordinary miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost, even as he
did unto us apostles.” See
Note, The Lord knows those that are his, for he knows men’s
hearts; and we are as our hearts are. Those to whom God gives the
Holy Ghost, he thereby bears witness to that they are his;
hence we are said to be sealed with that Holy Spirit of
promise–marked for God. God had bidden the Gentiles welcome to
the privilege of communion with him, without requiring them to be
circumcised and to keep the law; and therefore shall not we admit them
into communion with us but upon those terms? “God has put no
difference between us and them
(v. 9);
they, though Gentiles, are as welcome to the grace of Christ and the
throne of grace as we Jews are; why then should we set them at a
distance, as if we were holier than they?”
Note, We ought not to make any conditions of our brethren’s acceptance
with us but such as God has made the conditions of their acceptance
with him,
Now the Gentiles were fitted for communion with God, in having their
hearts purified by faith, and that faith God’s own work in them;
and therefore why should we think them unfit for communion with us,
unless they will submit to the ceremonial purifying enjoined by the law
to us? Note,
(1.) By faith the heart is purified; we are not only justified,
and conscience purified, but the work of sanctification is begun and
carried on.
(2.) Those that have their hearts purified by faith are therein made so
nearly to resemble one another, that, whatever difference there may be
between them, no account is to be made of it; for the faith of all the
saints is alike precious, and has like precious effects
(2 Peter i. 1),
and those that by it are united to Christ are so to look upon
themselves as joined to one another as that all distinctions, even that
between Jew and Gentile, are merged and swallowed up in it.
3. He sharply reproves those teachers (some of whom, it is likely, were
present) who went about to bring the Gentiles under the obligation of
the law of Moses,
The thing is so plain that he cannot forbear speaking of it with some
warmth: “Now therefore, since God has owned them for his, why
tempt you God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, of the
believing Gentiles and their children” (for circumcision was a yoke
upon their infant seed, who are here reckoned among the disciples),
“a yoke which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?”
Here he shows that in this attempt,
(1.) They offered a very great affront to God: “You tempt him, by
calling that in question which he has already settled and determined by
no less an indication than that of the gift of the Holy Ghost; you do,
in effect, ask, ‘Did he know what he did? Or was he in earnest in it?
Or will he abide by his own act?’ Will you try whether God, who
designed the ceremonial law for the people of the Jews only, will now,
in its last ages, bring the Gentiles too under the obligation of it, to
gratify you?” Those tempt God who prescribe to him, and say that people
cannot be saved but upon such and such terms, which God never
appointed; as if the God of salvation must come into their measures.
(2.) They offered a very great wrong to the disciples: Christ came to
proclaim liberty to the captives, and they go about to enslave
those whom he has made free. See
The ceremonial law was a heavy yoke; they and their fathers found it
difficult to be borne, so numerous, so various, so pompous, were the
institutions of it. The distinction of meats was a heavy yoke, not only
as it rendered conversation less pleasant, but as it embarrassed
conscience with endless scruples. The ado that was made about even
unavoidable touch of a grave or a dead body, the pollution contracted
by it, and the many rules about purifying from that pollution, were a
heavy burden. This yoke Christ came to ease us of, and called those
that were weary and heavy laden under it to come and take his
yoke upon them, his easy yoke. Now for these teachers to go about to
lay that yoke upon the neck of the Gentiles from which he came to free
even the Jews was the greatest injury imaginable to them.
4. Whereas the Jewish teachers had urged that circumcision was
necessary to salvation, Peter shows it was so far from being so that
both Jews and Gentiles were to be saved purely through the grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ, and in no other way
(v. 11):
We believe to be saved through that grace only; pisteuomen
sothenai—We hope to be saved; or, We believe unto
salvation in the same manner as they—kath hontropon
kakeinoi. “We that are circumcised believe to salvation, and so
do those that are uncircumcised; and, as our circumcision will be no
advantage to us, so their uncircumcision will be no disadvantage to
them; for we must depend upon the grace of Christ for salvation, and
must apply that grace by faith, as well as they. There is not one way
of salvation for the Jews and another for the Gentiles; neither
circumcision avails any thing nor uncircumcision (that is neither
here nor there), but faith which works by love,
Gal. v. 6.
Why should we burden them with the law of Moses, as necessary to their
salvation, when it is not that, but the gospel of Christ, that is
necessary both to our salvation and theirs?”
II. An account of what Barnabas and Paul said in this synod, which did
not need to be related, for they only gave in a narrative of what was
recorded in the foregoing chapters, what miracles and wonders God
had wrought among the Gentiles by them,
v. 12.
This they had given in to the church at Antioch
(ch. xiv. 27),
to their brethren by the way
(ch. xv. 3),
and now again to the synod; and it was very proper to be given in here.
That which was contended for was that the Gentiles ought to submit to
the law of Moses; now, in opposition to this, Paul and Barnabas
undertake to show, by a plain relation of matters of fact, that God
owned the preaching of the pure gospel to them without the law, and
therefore to press the law upon them now was to undo what God had done.
Observe,
1. What account they gave; they declared, or opened in order, and with
all the magnifying and affecting circumstances, what glorious miracles,
what signs and wonders, God had wrought among the Gentiles by
them, what confirmation he had given to their preaching by miracles
wrought in the kingdom of nature, and what success he had given to it
by miracles wrought in the kingdom of grace. Thus God had honoured
these apostles whom Jewish teachers condemned, and had thus honoured
the Gentiles whom they contemned. What need had they of any other
advocate when God himself pleaded their cause? The conversion of the
Gentiles was itself a wonder, all things considered, no less than a
miracle. Now if they received the Holy Ghost by the hearing of
faith, why should they be embarrassed with the works of the
law? See
2. What attention was given to them: All the multitude (who,
though they had not voted, yet came together to hear what was said)
kept silence, and gave audience to Paul and Barnabas; it should
seem they took more notice of their narrative than they did of all the
arguments that were offered. As in natural philosophy and medicine
nothing is so satisfactory as experiments, and in law nothing is so
satisfactory as cases adjudged, so in the things of God the best
explication of the word of grace is the accounts given of the
operations of the Spirit of grace; to these the multitude will with
silence give audience. Those that fear God will most readily hear those
that can tell them what God has done for their souls, or by
their means,
III. The speech which James made to the synod. He did not interrupt
Paul and Barnabas, though, it is likely, he had before heard their
narrative, but let them go on with it, for the edification of the
company, and that they might have it from the first and best hand; but,
after they had held their peace, then James stood up. You may
all prophesy one by one,
1 Cor. xiv. 31.
God is the God of order. He let Paul and Barnabas say what they had to
say, and then he made the application of it. The hearing of variety of
ministers may be of use when one truth does not drive out, but clench,
another.
1. He addresses himself respectfully to those present: “Men and
brethren, hearken unto me. You are men, and therefore, it is to be
hoped, will hear reason; you are my brethren, and therefore will hear
me with candour. We are all brethren, and equally concerned in this
cause that nothing be done to the dishonour of Christ and the
uneasiness of Christians.”
2. He refers to what Peter had said concerning the conversion of the
Gentiles
(v. 14):
“Simeon” (that is, Simon Peter) “hath declared, and
opened the matter to you–how God at the first did visit the
Gentiles, in Cornelius and his friends, who were the first-fruits
of the Gentiles–how, when the gospel began first to spread, presently
the Gentiles were invited to come and take the benefit of it;” and
James observes here,
(1.) That the grace of God was the origin of it; it was God
that visited the Gentiles; and it was a kind visit. Had they
been left to themselves, they would never have visited him, but the
acquaintance began on his part; he not only visited and redeemed his
people, but visited and redeemed those that were lo ammi–not a
people.
(2.) that the glory of God was the end of it: it was to take out of
them a people for his name, who should glorify him, and in whom he
would be glorified. As of old he took the Jews, so now the Gentiles,
to be to him for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory,
Jer. xiii. 11.
Let all the people of God remember that therefore they are thus
dignified in God, that God may be glorified in them.
3. He confirms this with a quotation out of the Old Testament: he could
not prove the calling of the Gentiles by a vision, as Peter could, nor
by miracles wrought by his hand, as Paul and Barnabas could, but he
would prove that it was foretold in the Old Testament, and therefore it
must be fulfilled,
To this agree the words of the prophets; most of the
Old-Testament prophets spoke more or less of the calling in of the
Gentiles, even Moses himself,
It was the general expectation of the pious Jews that the Messiah
should be a light to enlighten the Gentiles
(Luke ii. 32):
but James waives the more illustrious prophecies of this, and pitches
upon one that seemed more obscure: It is written,
Amos ix. 11, 12,
where is foretold,
(1.) The setting up of the kingdom of the Messiah
(v. 16):
I will raise up the tabernacle of David, that is fallen. The
covenant was made with David and his seed; but the house and family of
David are here called his tabernacle, because David in his
beginning was a shepherd, and dwelt in tents, and his house, that had
been as a stately palace, had become a mean and despicable tabernacle,
reduced in a manner to its small beginning. This tabernacle was ruined
and fallen down; there had not been for many ages a king of the
house of David; the sceptre had departed from Judah, the royal
family was sunk and buried in obscurity, and, as it should seem, not
enquired after. But God will return, and will build it again,
raise it out of its ruins, a phoenix out of its ashes; and this was now
lately fulfilled, when our Lord Jesus was raised out of that family,
had the throne of his father David given him, with a promise
that he should reign over the house of Jacob for ever,
Luke i. 32, 33.
And, when the tabernacle of David was thus rebuilt in Christ,
all the rest of it was, not many years after, wholly extirpated and cut
off, as was also the nation of the Jews itself, and all their
genealogies were lost. The church of Christ may be called the
tabernacle of David. This may sometimes be brought very low, and may
seem to be in ruins, but it shall be built again, its withering
interests shall revive; it is cast down, but not destroyed: even
dry bones are made to live.
(2.) The bringing in of the Gentiles as the effect and consequence of
this
(v. 17):
That the residue of men might seek after the Lord; not the Jews
only, who thought they had the monopoly of the tabernacle of David, but
the residue of men, such as had hitherto been left out of the
pale of the visible church; they must now, upon this re-edifying of the
tabernacle of David, be brought to seek after the Lord, and to
enquire how they may obtain his favour. When David’s tabernacle is set
up, they shall seek the Lord their God, and David their
king,
Hos. iii. 5; Jer. xxx. 9.
Then Israel shall possess the remnant of Edom (so it is in the
Hebrew); but the Jews called all the Gentiles Edomites, and
therefore the Septuagint leave out the particular mention of Edom, and
read it just as it is here, that the residue of men might seek
(James here adds, after the Lord), and all the Gentiles, or
heathen, upon whom my name is called. The Jews were for many
ages so peculiarly favoured that the residue of men seemed neglected;
but now God will have an eye to them, and his name shall be called upon
by the Gentiles; his name shall be declared and published among them,
and they shall be brought both to know his name and to call upon it:
they shall call themselves the people of God, and he shall call them
so; and thus, by consent of both parties, his name is called upon
them. This promise we may depend upon the fulfilling of in its
season; and now it begins to be fulfilled, for it is added, saith
the Lord, who doeth this; who doeth all these things (so the
Seventy); and the apostle here: he saith it who doeth it, who
therefore said it because he was determined to do it; and who therefore
does it because he hath said it; for though with us saying and doing
are two things they are not so with God. The uniting of Jews and
Gentiles in one body, and all those things that were done in order
to it, which were here foretold, were,
[1.] What God did: This was the Lord’s doing, whatever
instruments were employed in it: and,
[2.] It was what God delighted in, and was well pleased with; for he is
the God of the Gentiles, as well as the Jews, and it is his honour
to be rich in mercy to all that call upon him.
4. He resolves it into the purpose and counsel of God
(v. 18):
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the
world. He not only foretold the calling of the Gentiles many ages
ago by the prophets (and therefore it ought not to be a surprise or
stumbling-block to us), but he foresaw and foreordained it in his
eternal counsels, which are unquestionably wise and unalterably firm.
It is an excellent maxim here laid down concerning all God’s works,
both of providence and grace, in the natural and spiritual kingdom,
that they were all known unto him from the beginning of the
world, from the time he first began to work, which supposes his
knowing them (as other scriptures speak) from before the foundation
of the world, and therefore from all eternity. Note, Whatever God
does, he did before design and determine to do; for he works all, not
only according to his will, but according to the counsel of his
will: he not only does whatever he determined
(Ps. cxxxv. 6),
which is more than we can do (our purposes are frequently broken off,
and our measures broken), but he determined whatever he does.
Whatever he may say, to prove us, he himself knows what he will
do. We know not our works beforehand, but must do as occasion
shall serve,
1 Sam. x. 7.
What we shall do in such or such a case we cannot tell till it comes to
the setting to; but known unto God are all his works; in the
volume of his book (called the scriptures of truth,
Dan. x. 21)
they are all written in order, without any erasure or interlining
(Ps. xl. 7);
and all God’s works will, in the day of review, be found to agree
exactly with his counsels, without the least error or variation. We
are poor short-sighted creatures; the wisest men can see but a little
way before them, and not at all with any certainty; but this is our
comfort, that, whatever uncertainty we are at, there is an infallible
certainty in the divine prescience: known unto God are all his
works.
5. He gives his advice what was to be done in the present case, as the
matter now stood with reference to the Gentiles
(v. 19):
My sentence is; ego krino—I give it as my
opinion, or judgment; not as having authority over the rest, but as
being an adviser with them. Now his advice is,
(1.) That circumcision and the observance of the ceremonial law be by
no means imposed upon the Gentile converts; no, not so much as
recommended nor mentioned to them. “There are many from among the
Gentiles that are turned to God in Christ, and we hope there will be
many more. Now I am clearly for using them with all possible
tenderness, and putting no manner of hardship or discouragement upon
them,” me parenochlein–“not to give them any
molestation nor disturbance, nor suggest any thing to them that may
be disquieting, or raise scruples in their minds, or perplex them.”
Note, Great care must be taken not to discourage nor disquiet young
converts with matters of doubtful disputation. Let the
essentials of religion, which an awakened conscience will readily
receive, be first impressed deeply upon them, and these will satisfy
them and make them easy; and let not things foreign and circumstantial
be urged upon them, which will but trouble them. The kingdom of
God, in which they are to be trained up, is not meat and
drink, neither the opposition nor the imposition of indifferent
things, which will but trouble them; but it is righteousness, and
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, which we are sure will trouble
nobody.
(2.) That yet it would be well that in some things, which gave most
offence to the Jews, the Gentiles should comply with them. Because they
must not humour them so far as to be circumcised, and keep the whole
law, it does not therefore follow that they must act in a continual
contradiction to them, and study how to provoke them. It will please
the Jews (and, if a little thing will oblige them, better do so than
cross them) if the Gentile converts abstain,
[1.] From pollutions of idols, and from fornication, which are
two bad things, and always to be abstained from; but writing to them
particularly and expressly to abstain from them (because in these
things the Jews were jealous of the Gentile converts, lest they should
transgress) would very much gratify the Jews; not but that the
apostles, both in preaching and writing to the Gentiles that embraced
Christianity, were careful to warn against, First, Pollutions of
idols, that they should have no manner of fellowship with idolaters
in their idolatrous worships, and particularly not in the feasts they
held upon their sacrifices. See
1 Cor. x. 14, &c. 2 Cor. vi. 14,
&c. Secondly, Fornication, and all manner of uncleanness. How
large, how pressing, is Paul in his cautions against this sin!
&c. But the Jews, who were willing to think the worst of those they did
not like, suggested that these were things in which the Gentiles, even
after conversion, allowed themselves, and the apostle of the Gentiles
connived at it. Now, to obviate this suggestion, and to leave no room
for this calumny, James advises that, besides the private admonitions
which were given them by their ministers, they should be publicly
warned to abstain from pollutions of idols and from
fornication–that herein they should be very circumspect, and
should avoid all appearances of these two evils, which would be in so
particular a manner offensive to the Jews.
[2.] From things strangled, and from blood, which, though not
evil in themselves, as the other two, nor designed to be always
abstained from, as those were, had been forbidden by the precepts of
Noah
(Gen. ix. 4),
before the giving of the law of Moses; and the Jews had a great dislike
to them, and to all those that took a liberty to use them; and
therefore, to avoid giving offence, let the Gentile converts abridge
themselves of their liberty herein,
Thus we must become all things to all men.
6. He gives a reason for his advice–that great respect ought to be
shown to the Jews for they have been so long accustomed to the solemn
injunctions of the ceremonial law that they must be borne with, if they
cannot presently come off from them
(v. 21):
For Moses hath of old those that preach him in every city, his
writings (a considerable part of which is the ceremonial law) being
read in the synagogues every sabbath day. “You cannot blame them if
they have a great veneration for the law of Moses; for besides that
they are very sure God spoke to Moses,”
(1.) “Moses is continually preached to them, and they are called upon
to remember the law of Moses,”
Note, Even that word of God which is written to us should also be
preached: those that have the scriptures have still need of ministers
to help them to understand and apply the scriptures.
(2.) “His writings are read in a solemn religious manner, in their
synagogues, and on the sabbath day, in the place and at the
time of their meetings for the worship of God; so that from their
childhood they have been trained up in a regard to the law of Moses;
the observance of it is a part of their religion.”
(3.) “This has been done of old time; they have received from
their fathers an honour for Moses; they have antiquity for it.”
(4.) “This had been done in every city, wherever there are any
Jews, so that none of them can be ignorant what stress that law laid
upon these things: and therefore, though the gospel has set us free
from these things, yet they cannot be blamed if they are loth to part
with them, and cannot of a sudden be persuaded to look upon those
things as needless and indifferent which they, and their fathers before
them, had been so long taught, and taught of God too, to place religion
in. We must therefore give them time, must meet them half-way; they
must be borne with awhile, and brought on gradually, and we must comply
with them as far as we can without betraying our gospel liberty.” Thus
does this apostle show the spirit of a moderator, that is, a spirit of
moderation, being careful to give no offence either to Jew or Gentile,
and contriving, as much as may be, to please both sides and provoke
neither. Note, We are not to think it strange if people be wedded to
customs which they have had transmitted to them from their fathers, and
which they have been educated in an opinion of as sacred; and therefore
allowances must be made in such cases, and not rigour used.
| Decision of the Council at Jerusalem; The Publication of the Decree. |
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22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole
church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with
Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas,
chief men among the brethren:
23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The
apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the
brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and
Cilicia:
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from
us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying,
Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no
such commandment:
25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to
send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell
you the same things by mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon
you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood,
and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye
keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when
they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the
epistle:
31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the
consolation.
32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves,
exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go
in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and
preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
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,
I. The choice of the delegates that were to be sent with Paul and
Barnabas on this errand; not as if they had any suspicion of the
fidelity of these great men, and could not trust them with their
letters, nor as if they thought that those to whom they sent them would
suspect them to have altered any thing in their letter; no, their
charity thought no such evil concerning men of such tried integrity;
but,
1. They thought fit to send men of their own company to Antioch,
with Paul and Barnabas,
v. 22.
This was agreed to by the apostles and elders, with the whole
church, who, it is likely, undertook to bear their charges,
They sent these messengers,
(1.) To show their respect to the church at Antioch, as a
sister-church, though a younger sister, and that they looked upon it as
upon the same level with them; as also that they were desirous further
to know their state.
(2.) To encourage Paul and Barnabas, and to make their journey home the
more pleasant (for it is likely they travelled on foot) by sending such
excellent men to bear them company; amicus pro vehiculo–a friend
instead of a carriage.
(3.) To put a reputation upon the letters they carried, that it might
appear a solemn embassy, and so much the more regard might be paid to
the message, which was likely to meet with opposition from some.
(4.) To keep up the communion of the saints, and cultivate an
acquaintance between churches and ministers that were at a distance
from each other, and to show that, though they were many, yet they
were one.
2. Those they sent were not inferior persons, who might serve to carry
the letters, and attest the receipt of them from the apostles; but
they were chosen men, and chief men among the brethren, men of
eminent gifts, graces, and usefulness; for these are the things which
denominate men chief among the brethren, and qualify them to be the
messengers of the churches. They are here named: Judas, who was
called Barsabas (probably the brother of that Joseph who was
called Barsabas, that was a candidate for the apostleship,
and Silas. The character which these men had in the church at
Jerusalem would have some influence upon those that came from Judea, as
those false teachers did, and engage them to pay the more deference to
the message that was sent by them.
II. The drawing up of the letters, circular letters, that were to be
sent to the churches, to notify the sense of the synod in this
matter.
1. Here is a very condescending obliging preamble to this decree,
There is nothing in it haughty or assuming, but,
(1.) That which intimates the humility of the apostles, that they join
the elders and brethren in commission with them, the ministers,
the ordinary Christians, whom they had advised with in this case, as
they used to do in other cases. Though never men were so qualified as
they were for a monarchical power and authority in the church, nor had
such a commission as they had, yet their decrees run not, “We, the
apostles, Christ’s vicars upon earth, and pastors of all the pastors of
the churches” (as the pope styles himself), “and sole judges in all
matters of faith;” but the apostles, and elders, and brethren,
agree in their orders. Herein they remembered the instructions their
Master gave them
Be not you called Rabbi; for you are all brethren.
(2.) That which bespeaks their respect to the churches they wrote to;
they send to them greeting, wish them health and
happiness and joy, and call them brethren of the Gentiles,
thereby owning their admission into the church, and giving them the
right hand of fellowship: “You are our brethren, though Gentiles; for
we meet in Christ, the first born among many brethren, in God
our common Father.” Now that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs and of
the same body, they are to be countenanced and encouraged, and
called brethren.
2. Here is a just and severe rebuke to the judaizing teachers
(v. 24):
“We have heard that certain who went out from us have troubled you
with words, and we are very much concerned to hear it; now this is
to let them know that those who preached this doctrine were false
teachers, both as they produced a false commission and as they taught a
false doctrine.”
(1.) They did a great deal of wrong to the apostles and ministers at
Jerusalem, in pretending that they had instructions from them to impose
the ceremonial law upon the Gentiles, when there was no colour for such
a pretension. “They went out from us indeed–they were such as
belonged to our church, of which, when they had a mind to travel, we
gave them perhaps a testimonial; but, as for their urging the law of
Moses upon you, we gave them no such commandment, nor had
we ever thought of such a thing, nor given them the least occasion to
use our names in it.” It is no new thing for apostolical authority to
be pleaded in defence of those doctrines and practices for which yet
the apostles gave neither command nor encouragement.
(2.) They did a great deal of wrong to the Gentile converts, in saying,
You must be circumcised, and must keep the law.
[1.] It perplexed them: “They have troubled you with words, have
occasioned disturbance and disquietment to you. You depended upon those
who told you, If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you shall be
saved; and now you are startled by those that tell you you must
keep the law of Moses or you cannot be saved, by which you see
yourselves drawn into a snare. They trouble you with words–words, and
nothing else–mere words–sound, but no substance.” How has the church
been troubled with words, by the pride of men that loved to hear
themselves talk!
[2.] It endangered them; they subverted their souls, put them
into disorder, and pulled down that which had been built up. They took
them off from pursuing pure Christianity, and minding the business of
that, by filling their heads with the necessity of circumcision, and
the law of Moses, which were nothing to the purpose.
3. Here is an honourable testimony given of the messengers by whom
these letters were sent.
(1.) Of Paul and Barnabas, whom these judaizing teachers had opposed
and censured as having done their work by the halves, because they had
brought the Gentile converts to Christianity only, and not to Judaism.
Let them say what they will of these men,
[1.] “They are men that are dear to us; they are our beloved
Barnabas and Paul–men whom we have a value for, a kindness for, a
concern for.” Sometimes it is good for those that are of eminence to
express their esteem, not only for the despised truth of Christ, but
for the despised preachers and defenders of that truth, to encourage
them, and weaken the hands of their opposers.
[2.] “They are men that have signalized themselves in the service of
Christ, and therefore have deserved well of all the churches: they are
men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ
(v. 26),
and therefore are worthy of double honour, and cannot be suspected of
having sought any secular advantage to themselves; for they have
ventured their all for Christ, have engaged in the most dangerous
services, as good soldiers of Christ, and not only in laborious
services.” It is not likely that such faithful confessors should be
unfaithful preachers. Those that urged circumcision did it to avoid
persecution
those that opposed it knew they thereby exposed themselves to
persecution; and which of these were most likely to be in the
right?
(2.) Of Judas and Silas: “They are chosen men
(v. 25),
and they are men that have heard our debates, and are perfectly
apprized of the matter, and will tell you the same things by
mouth,”
What is of use to us it is good to have both in writing and by word of
mouth, that we may have the advantage both of reading and of hearing
it. The apostles refer them to the bearers for a further account of
their judgment and their reasons, and the bearers will refer them to
their letters for the certainty of the determination.
4. Here is the direction given what to require from the Gentile
converts, where observe,
(1.) The matter of the injunction, which is according to the advice
given by James, that, to avoid giving offence to the Jews,
[1.] They should never eat any thing that they knew had been offered in
sacrifice to an idol, but look upon it as, though clean in itself, yet
thereby polluted to them. This prohibition was afterwards in part taken
off, for they were allowed to eat whatever was sold in the shambles, or
set before them at their friend’s table, though it had been offered to
idols, except when there was danger of giving offence by it, that is,
of giving occasion either to a weak Christian to think the worse of our
Christianity, or to a wicked heathen to think the better of his
idolatry; and in these cases it is good to forbear,
1 Cor. x. 25,
&c. This to us is an antiquated case.
[2.] That they should not eat blood, nor drink it; but avoid
every thing that looked cruel and barbarous in that ceremony which had
been of so long standing.
[3.] That they should not eat any thing that was strangled, or
died of itself, or had not the blood let out.
[4.] That they should be very strict in censuring those that were
guilty of fornication, or marrying within the degrees prohibited by
the Levitical law, which, some think, is principally intended here. See
Dr. Hammond states this matter thus: The judaizing teachers would have
the Gentile converts submit to all that those submitted to whom they
called the proselytes of righteousness, to be circumcised and keep
the whole law; but the apostles required no more of them than what
was required of the proselytes of the gate, which was to observe the
seven precepts of the sons of Noah, which, he thinks, are here
referred to. But the only ground of this decree being in complaisance
to the rigid Jews that had embraced the Christian faith, and, except in
that one case of scandal, all meats being pronounced free and
indifferent to all Christians as soon as the reason of the decree
ceased, which, at furthest, was after the destruction of Jerusalem, the
obligation of it ceased likewise. “These things are in a particular
manner offensive to the Jews, and therefore do not disoblige them
herein for the present; in a little time the Jews will incorporate with
the Gentiles, and then the danger is over.”
(2.) The manner in which it is worded.
[1.] They express themselves with something of authority, that what
they wrote might be received with respect, and deference paid to it:
It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, that is, to us
under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and by direction from him: not
only the apostles, but others, were endued with spiritual gifts
extraordinary, and knew more of the mind of God than any since those
gifts ceased can pretend to; their infallibility gave an incontestable
authority to their decrees, and they would not order any thing because
it seemed good to them, but that they knew it first seemed
good to the Holy Ghost. Or it refers to what the Holy Ghost had
determined in this matter formerly. When the Holy Ghost descended upon
the apostles, he endued them with the gift of tongues, in order to
their preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, which was a plain
indication of God’s purpose to call them in. When the Holy Ghost
descended upon Cornelius and his friends, upon Peter’s preaching, it
was plain that Christ designed the taking down of the Jewish pale,
within which they fancied the spirit had been enclosed.
[2.] They express themselves with abundance of tenderness and fatherly
concern. First, They are afraid of burdening them: We will
lay upon you no greater burden. So far were they from delighting
to impose upon them that they dreaded nothing so much as imposing too
far upon them, so as to discourage them at their setting out.
Secondly, They impose upon them no other than necessary
things. “The avoiding of fornication is necessary to all
Christians at all times; the avoiding of things strangled, and
of blood, and of things offered to idols, is necessary at
this time, for the keeping up of a good understanding between you and
the Jews, and the preventing of offence;” and as long as it continues
necessary for that end, and no longer, it is enjoined. Note,
Church-rulers should impose only necessary things, things which Christ
has made our duty, which have a real tendency to the edification of the
church, and, as here, to the uniting of good Christians. If they impose
things only to show their own authority, and to try people’s obedience,
they forget that they have not authority to make new laws, but only to
see that the laws of Christ be duly executed, and to enforce the
observance of them. Thirdly, They enforce their order with a
commendation of those that shall comply with it, rather than with the
condemnation of those that shall transgress it. They do not conclude,
“From which if you do not keep yourselves, you shall be an anathema,
you shall be cast out of the church, and accursed,” according to the
style of after-councils, and particularly that of Trent; but “From
which if you keep yourselves, as we do not question but you will,
you will do well; it will be for the glory of God, the
furtherance of the gospel, the strengthening of the hands of your
brethren, and your own credit and comfort.” It is all sweetness and
love and good humour, such as became the followers of him who, when he
called us to take his yoke upon us, assured us we should find him
meek and lowly in heart. The difference of the style of the true
apostles from that of the false is very observable. Those that were for
imposing the ceremonial laws were positive and imperious: Except you
keep it, you cannot be saved
(v. 1),
you are excommunicated ipso facto–at once, and delivered to
Satan. The apostles of Christ, who only recommend necessary things,
are mild and gentle: “From which if you keep yourselves, you will do
well, and as becomes you. Fare ye well; we are hearty
well-wishers to your honour and peace.”
III. The delivering of the letters, and how the messengers disposed of
themselves.
1. When they were dismissed, had had their audience of leave of
the apostles (it is probable that they were dismissed with prayer, and
a solemn blessing in the name of the Lord, and with instructions and
encouragements in their work), They then came to Antioch; they
staid no longer at Jerusalem than till their business was done, and
then came back, and perhaps were met at their return by those that
brought them on their way at their setting out; for those that have
taken pains in public service ought to be countenanced and
encouraged.
2. As soon as they came to Antioch, they gathered the multitude
together, and delivered the epistle to them
(v. 30, 31),
that they might all know what it was that was forbidden them, and might
observe these orders, which would be no difficulty for them to do, most
of them having been, before their conversion to Christ, proselytes of
the gate, who had laid themselves under these restrictions already. But
this was not all; it was that they might know that no more than
this was forbidden them, that it was no longer a sin to eat swine’s
flesh, no longer a pollution to touch a grave or a dead body.
3. The people were wonderfully pleased with the orders that came from
Jerusalem
(v. 31):
They rejoiced for the consolation; and a great consolation it
was to the multitude,
(1.) That they were confirmed in their freedom from the yoke of the
ceremonial law, and were not burdened with that, as those upstart
teachers would have had them to be. It was a comfort to them to hear
that the carnal ordinances were no longer imposed on them, which
perplexed the conscience, but could not purify nor pacify it.
(2.) That those who troubled their minds with an attempt to force
circumcision upon them were hereby for the present silenced and put to
confusion, the fraud of their pretensions to an apostolical warrant
being now discovered.
(3.) That the Gentiles were hereby encouraged to receive the gospel,
and those that had received it to adhere to it.
(4.) That the peace of the church was hereby restored, and that removed
which threatened a division. All this was consolation which they
rejoiced in, and blessed God for.
4. They got the strange ministers that came from Jerusalem to give them
each a sermon, and more,
Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, endued with the
Holy Ghost, and called to the work, and being likewise entrusted by the
apostles to deliver some things relating to this matter by word of
mouth, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed
them. Even those that had the constant preaching of Paul and
Barnabas, yet were glad of the help of Judas and Silas; the diversity
of the gifts of ministers is of use to the church. Observe what is the
work of ministers with those that are in Christ.
(1.) To confirm them, by bringing them to see more reason both for
their faith in Christ and their obedience to him; to confirm their
choice of Christ and their resolutions for Christ.
(2.) To exhort them to perseverance, and to the particular duties
required of them: to quicken them to that which is good, and direct
them in it. They comforted the brethren (so it may be rendered), and
this would contribute to the confirming of them; for the joy of the
Lord will be our strength. They exhorted them with many words; they
used a very great copiousness and variety of expression. One word would
affect one, and another another; and therefore, though what they had to
say might have been summed up in a few words, yet it was for the
edification of the church that they used many words, dia
logou pollou—with much speech, much reasoning; precept must
be upon precept.
5. The dismission of the Jerusalem ministers,
When they had spent some time among them (so it might be read),
poiesantes chronon—having made some stay, and
having made it to good purpose, not having trifled away time, but
having filled it up, they were let go in peace from the brethren at
Antioch, to the apostles at Jerusalem, with all possible expressions of
kindness and respect; they thanked them for their coming and pains, and
the good service they had done, wished them their health and a good
journey home, and committed them to the custody of the peace of
God.
6. The continuance of Silas, notwithstanding, together with Paul and
Barnabas, at Antioch.
(1.) Silas, when it came to the setting to, would not go back with
Judas to Jerusalem, but let him go home by himself, and chose rather to
abide still at Antioch,
v. 34.
And we have no reason at all to blame him for it, though we know not
the reason that moved him to it. I am apt to think the congregations at
Antioch were both more large and more lively than those at Jerusalem,
and that this tempted him to stay there, and he did well: so did Judas,
who, notwithstanding this, returned to his post of service at
Jerusalem.
(2.) Paul and Barnabas, though their work lay chiefly among the
Gentiles, yet continued for some time in Antioch, being pleased with
the society of the ministers and people there, which, it should seem by
divers passages, was more than ordinarily inviting. They continued
there, not to take their pleasure, but teaching and preaching the
word of God. Antioch, being the chief city of Syria, it is probable
there was a great resort of Gentiles thither from all parts upon one
account or other, as there was of Jews to Jerusalem; so that in
preaching there they did in effect preach to many nations, for they
preached to those who would carry the report of what they preached to
many nations, and thereby prepare them for the apostles’ coming in
person to preach to them. And thus they were not only not idle at
Antioch, but were serving their main intention.
(3.) There were many others also there, labouring at the same
oar. The multitude of workmen in Christ’s vineyard does not give us a
writ of ease. Even where there are many others labouring in the word
and doctrine, yet there may be opportunity for us; the zeal and
usefulness of others should excite us, not lay us asleep.
| Disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. |
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36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again
and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the
word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose
surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who
departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the
work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they
departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark,
and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the
brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the
churches.
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.
I. Here is a good proposal Paul made to Barnabas to go and review their
work among the Gentiles and renew it, to take a circuit among the
churches they had planted, and see what progress the gospel made among
them. Antioch was now a safe and quiet harbour for them: they had there
no adversary nor evil occurrent; but Paul remembered that they only put
in there to refit and refresh themselves, and therefore begins now to
think of putting to sea again; and, having been in winter quarters long
enough, he is for taking the field again, and making another campaign,
in a vigorous prosecution of this holy war against Satan’s kingdom.
Paul remembered that the work appointed him was afar off among the
Gentiles, and therefore he is here meditating a second expedition among
them to do the same work, though to encounter the same difficulties;
and this some days after, for his active spirit could not bear
to be long out of work; no, nor his bold and daring spirit to be long
out of danger. Observe,
1. To whom he makes this proposal–to Barnabas, his old friend and
fellow-labourer; he invites his company and help in this work. We have
need one of another, and may be in many ways serviceable one to
another; and therefore should be forward both to borrow and lend
assistance. Two are better than one. Every soldier has his comrade.
2. For whom the visit is designed: “Let us not presently begin new
work, nor break up new ground; but let us take a view of the fields we
have sown. Come, and let us get up early to the vineyards, let us
see if the vine flourish,
Cant. vii. 12.
Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have
preached the word of the Lord.” Observe, He calls all the
Christians brethren, and not ministers only; for, Have we not all
one Father? He has a concern for them in every city, even
where the brethren were fewest and poorest, and most persecuted and
despised; yet let us visit them. Wherever we have preached the word
of the Lord, let us go and water the seed sown. Note, Those that
have preached the gospel should visit those to whom them have preached
it. As we must look after our praying, and hear what answer God gives
to that; so we must look after our preaching, and see what success that
has. Faithful ministers cannot but have a particular tender concern
for those to whom they have preached the gospel, that they may not
bestow upon them labour in vain. See
3. What was intended in this visit: “Let us see how they do,”
pos echousi—how it is with them. It was not
merely a compliment that he designed, nor did he take such a journey
with a bare How do you do? No, he would visit them that he might
acquaint himself with their case, and impart unto them such spiritual
gifts as were suited to it; as the physician visits his recovering
patient, that he may prescribe what is proper for the perfecting of his
cure, and the preventing of a relapse. Let us see how they do, that is,
(1.) What spirit they are of, how they stand affected, and how they
behave themselves; it is probable that they frequently heard from them,
“But let us go and see them; let us go and see whether they hold fast
what we preached to them, and live up to it, that we may endeavour to
reduce them if we find them wandering, to confirm them if we find them
wavering, and to comfort them if we find them steady.”
(2.) What state they are in, whether the churches have rest and
liberty, or whether they are not in trouble or distress, that we may
rejoice with them if they rejoice, and caution them against security,
and may weep with them if they weep, and comfort them under the cross,
and may know the better how to pray for them.
II. The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas about an assistant; it
was convenient to have a young man with them that should attend on them
and minister to them, and be a witness of their doctrine, manner of
life, and patience, and that should be fitted and trained up for
further service, by being occasionally employed in the present service.
Now,
1. Barnabas would have his nephew John, whose surname was Mark, to go
along with them,
He determined to take him, because he was his relation, and, it is
likely, was brought up under him, and he had a kindness for him, and
was solicitous for his welfare. We should suspect ourselves of
partiality, and guard against it in preferring our relations.
2. Paul opposed it
(v. 38):
He thought not good to take him with them, ouk
exiou—he did not think him worthy of the honour, nor
fit for the service, who had departed from them, clandestinely
as it should seem, without their knowledge, or wilfully, without their
consent, from Pamphylia
(ch. xiii. 13),
and went not with them to the work, because he was either lazy
and would not take the pains that must be taken, or cowardly and would
not run the hazard. He run his colours just as they were going to
engage. It is probable that he promised very fair now that he would not
do so again. But Paul thought it was not fit he should be thus honoured
who had forfeited his reputation, nor thus employed who had betrayed
his trust; at least, not till he had been longer tried. If a man
deceive me once, it is his fault; but, if twice, it is my own, for
trusting him. Solomon saith, Confidence in an unfaithful man in time
of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint, which
will hardly be used again,
III. The issue of this disagreement: it came to such a height that they
separated upon it. The contention, the paroxysm (so the word
is), the fit of passion which this threw them both into, was so sharp
that they departed asunder one from the other. Barnabas was
peremptory that he would not go with Paul unless they took John Mark
with them; Paul was as peremptory that he would not go if John did go
with them. Neither would yield, and therefore there is no remedy but
they must part. Now here is that which is very humbling, and just
matter of lamentation, and yet very instructive. For we see,
1. That the best of men are but men, subject to like passions as
we are, as these two good men had expressly owned concerning themselves
(ch. xiv. 15),
and now it appeared too true. I doubt there was (as usually there is in
such contentions) a fault on both sides; perhaps Paul was too
severe upon the young man, and did not allow his fault the extenuation
it was capable of, did not consider what a useful woman his mother was
in Jerusalem
(ch. xii. 12),
nor make the allowances he might have made to Barnabas’s natural
affection. But it was Barnabas’s fault that he took this into
consideration, in a case wherein the interest of Christ’s kingdom was
concerned, and indulged it too much. And they were certainly both in
fault to be hot as to let the contention be sharp (it is to be feared
they gave one another some hard words), as also to be so stiff as each
to stick resolutely to his opinion, and neither to yield. It is a pity
that they did not refer the matter to a third person, or that some
friend did not interpose to prevent its coming to an open rupture. Is
there never a wise man among them to interpose his good offices, and to
accommodate the matter, and to put them in mind of the Canaanite and
the Perizzite that were now in the land, and that not only Jews
and heathens, but the false brethren among themselves, would warm their
hands at the flames of the contention between Paul and Barnabas? We
must own it was their infirmity, and is recorded for our admonition;
not that we must make use of it to excuse our own intemperate heats and
passions, or to rebate the edge of our sorrow and shame for them; we
must not say, “What if I was in a passion, were not Paul and Barnabas
so?” No; but it must check our censures of others, and moderate them.
If good men are soon put into a passion, we must make the best of it,
it was the infirmity once of two of the best men that ever the world
had. Repentance teaches us to be severe in reflections upon ourselves;
but charity teaches us to be candid in our reflections upon others. It
is only Christ’s example that is a copy without a blot.
2. That we are not to think it strange if there be differences among
wise and good men; we were told before that such offences would come,
and here is an instance of it. Even those that are united to one and
the same Jesus, and sanctified by one and the same Spirit, have
different apprehensions, different opinions, different views, and
different sentiments in points of prudence. It will be so while we are
in this state of darkness and imperfection; we shall never be all of a
mind till we come to heaven, where light and love are perfect. That is
charity which never fails.
3. That these differences often prevail so far as to occasion
separations. Paul and Barnabas, who were not separated by the
persecutions of the unbelieving Jews, nor the impositions of the
believing Jews, were yet separated by an unhappy disagreement between
themselves. O the mischief that even the poor and weak remainders of
pride and passion, that are found even in good men, do in the world, do
in the church! Now wonder the consequences are so fatal where they
reign.
IV. The good that was brought out of this evil-meat out of the eater,
and sweetness out of the strong. It was strange that even the
sufferings of the apostles (as
but much more strange that even the quarrels of the apostles, should
tend to the furtherance of the gospel of Christ; yet so it
proved here. God would not permit such things to be, if he knew not how
to make them to serve his own purposes.
1. More places are hereby visited. Barnabas went one way; he sailed to
Cyprus
(v. 39),
that famous island where they began their work
(ch. xiii. 4),
and which was his own country,
ch. iv. 36.
Paul went another way into Cilicia, which was his own country,
ch. xxi. 39.
Each seems to be influenced by his affection to his native soil, as
usual (Nescio quá natale solum dulcedine cunctos ducit–There
is something that attaches us all to our native soil), and yet God
served his own purposes by it, for the diffusing of gospel light.
2. More hands are hereby employed in the ministry of the gospel among
the Gentiles; for,
(1.) John Mark, who had been an unfaithful hand, is not rejected, but
is again made use of, against Paul’s mind, and, for aught we know,
proves a very useful and successful hand, though many think it was not
the same with that Mark that wrote the gospel, and founded the church
at Alexandria, and whom Peter calls his son,
(2.) Silas who was a new hand, and never yet employed in that work, nor
intended to be, but to return to the service of the church at
Jerusalem, had not God changed his mind
(v. 33, 34),
he is brought in, and engaged in that noble work.
V. We may further observe,
1. That the church at Antioch seem to countenance Paul in what he did.
Barnabas sailed with his nephew to Cyprus, and no notice was taken of
him, nor a bene discessit–a recommendation given him. Note,
Those that in their service of the church are swayed by private
affections and regards forfeit public honours and respect. But, when
Paul departed, he was recommended by the brethren to the grace of
God. They thought he was in the right in refusing to make use of
John Mark, and could not but blame Barnabas for insisting upon it,
though he was one who had deserved well of the church
before they knew Paul; and therefore they prayed publicly for Paul, and
for the success of his ministry, encouraged him to go on in his work,
and, though they could do nothing themselves to further him, they
transferred the matter to the grace of God, leaving it to that grace
both to work upon him and to work with him. Note, Those are happy at
all times, and especially in times of disagreement and contention, who
are enabled so to carry themselves as not to forfeit their interest in
the love and prayers of good people.
2. That yet Paul afterwards seems to have had, though not upon second
thoughts, yet upon further trial, a better opinion of John Mark than
now he had; for he writes to Timothy
Take Mark and bring him with thee, for he is profitable to me for
the ministry; and he writes to the Colossians concerning Marcus,
sister’s son to Barnabas, that if he came to them they should
receive him, bid him welcome, and employ him
(Col. iv. 10),
which teaches us,
(1.) That even those whom we justly condemn we should condemn
moderately, and with a great deal of temper, because we know not but
afterwards we may see cause to think better of them, and both to make
use of them and make friendship with them, and we should so regulate
our resentments that if it should prove so we may not afterwards be
ashamed of them.
(2.) That even those whom we have justly condemned, if afterwards they
prove more faithful, we should cheerfully receive, forgive and forget,
and put a confidence in, and, as there is occasion, give a good word
to.
3. That Paul, though he wanted his old friend and companion in the
kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, yet went on cheerfully in his
work
(v. 41):
He went through Syria and Cilicia, countries which lay next to
Antioch, confirming the churches. Though we change our
colleagues, we do not change our principal president. And observe,
Ministers are well employed, and ought to think themselves so, and be
satisfied, when they are made use of confirming those that believe, as
well as in converting those that believe not.
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