Act 15:12, 22-23 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 12. Then all the multitude . Evidently the multitude of private Christians who were assembled on this occasion. That it does not refer to a synod of ministers and elders merely, is apparent, (1.) because the church, the brethren, are represented as having been present, and concurring in the final opinion, ; and, (2.) because the word multitude (τοπληθος) would not have been used in describing the collection of apostles and elders merely. Comp. . Gave audience . Heard; listened attentively to. Barnabas and Paul . They were deeply interested in it; and they were qualified to give a fair statement of the facts as they had occurred. Declaring what miracles and wonders , etc. The argument here evidently is, that God had approved their work by miracles; that he gave evidence that what they did had his approbation; and that as all this was done without imposing on them the rites of the Jews, so it would follow that those were not now to be commanded. (*) "audience" "hearkened to" (d) "God had wrought"

Acts 15:12

Verse 12. Then all the multitude. Evidently the multitude of private Christians who were assembled on this occasion. That it does not refer to a synod of ministers and elders merely, is apparent,

(1.) because the church, the brethren, are represented as having been present, and concurring in the final opinion, Acts 15:22,23; and,

(2.) because the word multitude (τοπληθος) would not have been used in describing the collection of apostles and elders merely. Comp. Lk 1:10,11,13, 5:6, 6:17, 19:37, Jn 5:3, 21:6, Acts 4:32, 6:2, Mt 3:7.

Gave audience. Heard; listened attentively to.

Barnabas and Paul. They were deeply interested in it; and they were qualified to give a fair statement of the facts as they had occurred.

Declaring what miracles and wonders, etc. The argument here evidently is, that God had approved their work by miracles; that he gave evidence that what they did had his approbation; and that as all this was done without imposing on them the rites of the Jews, so it would follow that those were not now to be commanded.

(*) "audience" "hearkened to" (d) "God had wrought" Acts 14:27

Acts 15:22-23

Verse 22. Then pleased it. It seemed fit and proper to them.

The apostles and elders. To whom the business had been particularly referred, Acts 15:2. Comp. Acts 16:4.

With the whole Church. All the Christians who were there assembled together. They concurred in the sentiment, and expressed their approbation in the letter that was sent, Acts 15:23. Whether they were consulted, does not particularly appear. But as it is not probable that they would volunteer an opinion unless they were consulted, it seems most reasonable to suppose that the apostles and elders submitted the case to them for their approbation. It would seem that the apostles and elders deliberated on it, and decided it; but still, for the sake of peace and unity, they also took measures to ascertain that their decision agreed with the unanimous sentiment of the church.

Chosen men. Men chosen for this purpose.

Of their own company. From among themselves. Greater weight and authority would thus be attached to their message.

Judas, surnamed Barsabas. Possibly the same who was nominated to the vacant place in the apostleship, Acts 1:23. But Grotius supposes that it was his brother.

And Silas. He was afterwards the travelling companion of Paul, Acts 15:40, 16:25,29, 17:4,10,15. He is also the same person, probably, who is mentioned by the name of Silvanus, 2Cor 1:19, 1Thes 1:1 2Thes 1:1, 1Pet 5:12.

Chief men among the brethren. Greek, Leaders. Comp. Lk 22:26. Men of influence, experience, and authority in the church. Judas and Silas are said to have been prophets, Acts 15:32. They had, therefore, been engaged as preachers and rulers in the church at Jerusalem.

(b) "Barsabas" Acts 1:23 Verse 23. And wrote letters. Greek, Having written. He does not mean that they wrote more than one epistle.

By them. Greek, By their hand.

After this manner. Greek, These things.

Send greeting. A word of salutation, expressing their desire of the happiness (χαιρειν) of the persons addressed. Comp. Mt 26:49; Mt 27:29, Lk 1:28, Jn 19:3.

In Antioch. Where the difficulty first arose.

And Syria. Antioch was the capital of Syria, and it is probable that the dispute was not confined to the capital.

And Cilicia. Acts 6:9. Cilicia was adjacent to Syria. Paul and Barnabas had travelled through it; and it is probable that the same difficulty would exist there which had disturbed the churches in Syria.