Acts 15:10

Acts 15:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?

King James Version KJV

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?

American Standard Version ASV

Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Bible in Basic English BBE

Why then are you testing God, by putting on the neck of the disciples a yoke so hard that not even our fathers or we were strong enough for it?

Free Bible Version FBV

So why do you want to oppose God and put a burden on the believers that our fathers weren't able to bear, and we can't either?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Nowe therefore, why tempt ye God, to lay a yoke on the disciples neckes, which neither our fathers, nor we were able to beare?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

World English Bible WEB

Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now therefore, why tempt you God to put a yoke upon the necks of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

Translation for Translators T4T

You are wanting to force the non-Jewish believers to obey our Jewish rituals and laws—laws that God has shown that he does not require them to obey [MET]. Your doing that is like putting a heavy burden on them! So then, ◄stop making God angry by doing that!/why are you making God angry by doing that?► [RHQ] Our ancestors and we (inc) Jews have never been able to bear the burden of obeying those laws!

Plain English Version PEV

So, why are you telling those Christians that are not Jews to do something that is too hard for them? You are making God angry. You know that we can’t keep all of the law of Moses. It is too hard for us, and it was too hard for our grand-fathers too.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 15:10

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Acts 15:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK νυν ουν τι πειραζετε τον θεον επιθειναι ζυγον επι τον τραχηλον των μαθητων ον ουτε οι πατερες ημων ουτε ημεις ισχυσαμεν βαστασαι

νυν nun G3568 now Adv

ουν oun G3767 therefore/then Conj

τι tis G5101 which? Interrog-ASN

πειραζετε peirazō G3985 to test/tempt: tempt Verb-PAI-2P

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

θεον theos G2316 God Noun-ASM

επιθειναι epitithēmi G2007 to put/lay on Verb-2AAN

ζυγον zugos G2218 yoke/scales Noun-ASM

επι epi G1909 upon/to/against Prep

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

τραχηλον trachēlos G5137 neck Noun-ASM

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM

μαθητων mathētēs G3101 disciple Noun-GPM

ον hos, hē G3739 which Rel-ASM

ουτε oute G3777 neither Conj-N

οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM

πατερες patēr G3962 father Noun-NPM

ημων egō G1473 I/we Pron-1GP

ουτε oute G3777 neither Conj-N

ημεις egō G1473 I/we Pron-1NP

ισχυσαμεν ischuō G2480 be strong Verb-AAI-1P

βαστασαι bastazō G941 to carry Verb-AAN

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 15:10

νυν nun G3568 "now" Adv

Now refers to the present time, as in John 4:18 and Romans 13:11. It's used to emphasize a current situation or action.

Definition: νῦν, adv., [in LXX chiefly for עַתָּה ;] __1. prop., of time, now, i.e. at the present time: as opposite to past, Jhn.4:18, Act.7:52, Rom.13:11, 2Co.7:9, Col.1:24, al.; opposite to fut., Jhn.12:27, Rom.11:31, al.; with art., ὁ (ἡ, τὸ) and subst., the present: Rom.3:26, Gal.4:25, 1Ti.6:17, Tit.2:12, al.; απὸ τοῦ ν. (LXX for מֵעַתָּה), Luk.1:48, Act.18:6, al.; ἄχρι τοῦ ν., Rom.8:22, Php.1:5; ἕως τοῦ ν. (LXX for עַד עַתָּה), Mat.24:21, Mrk.13:19; τὰ ν., as regards the present, Act.5:38; with pret., just now, but now, Mat.26:65, Jhn.11:8 21:10; with fut., now, presently, Jhn.12:31, Act.20:22; so with praes., presently, forthwith, Jhn.12:31 17:13; καὶ ν., Jhn.11:22 17:5, al.; ἀλλὰ ν., Luk.22:36; ἔτι ν., 1Co.3:2; τότε (πότε) . . . ν. (δέ), Rom.6:21 11:30; ν. ἤδη, 1Jn.4:3; ν. οὖν, Act.10:33, al. __2. Of logical sequence (often difficult to disting. from the temporal sense; cf. Lft., Notes, 113f.), now, therefore, now, however, as it is: Luk.11:39; καὶ ν., Act.3:17, 2Th.2:6, 1Jn.2:28; id. before δεῦρο, Act.7:34; ν. δέ, Jhn.8:40 9:41 15:22, 24, 18:36, 1Co.5:11 7:14 12:20, al. (cf. WM, 579.11). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 139 NT verses. KJV: henceforth, + hereafter, of late, soon, present, this (time) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 12:26; 1 Peter 1:12.

ουν oun G3767 "therefore/then" Conj

This word means therefore or then, showing a consequence. It appears in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 5:9 to connect ideas and events.

Definition: οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), Mat.5:23, Luk.4:7, Jhn.6:62, Rom.2:26, al.; ὡς οὖν, Jhn.4:1, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 515 NT verses. KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 23:15; 1 Peter 2:1.

τι tis G5101 "which?" Interrog-ASN

This interrogative pronoun is used to ask questions like who, which, or what, as seen in Matthew 3:7 and Mark 11:28. It seeks information about a person or thing. This term is essential in direct and indirect questions.

Definition: τίς, neut., τί, genitive, τίνος, interrog. pron., [in LXX for מָה ,מִי ;] in masc. and fem., who, which, what?; in neut., which, what?, used both in direct and in indirect questions. __I. I. As subst., __1. 1. masc., fem.: τίς; who, what?, Mat.3:7 26:68; Mrk.11:28, Luk.9:9, al. mult.; with genitive partit., Act.7:52, Heb.1:5, al; before ἐκ (= genitive partit.), Mat.6:27, Luk.14:28, Jhn.8:46; = ποῖος, Mrk.4:41 6:2, Luk.19:3, Act.17:19, al.; = πότερος (M, Pr., 77), Mat.21:31 27:17, Luk.22:27, al.; = ὅς or ὅστις (rare in cl.; cf. Bl., §50, 5; M, Pr., 93), Act.13:25. __2. Neut.: τί; what?, Mat.5:47 11:7, Mrk.10:3, al.; χάριν τίνος, 1Jn.3:12; διὰ τί, Mat.9:11, al.; εἰς τί, Mat.14:31, al.; elliptically, ἵνα τί (sc. γένηται), why, Mat.9:5, al.; τί οὖν, Rom.3:9 6:1, 15 1Co.14:15, al.; τί γάρ, Rom.3:3, Phi 1:18; τί ἐμοὶ (ὑμῖν) καὶ σοί, see: ἔγω. __II. As adj.: who? what? which?, Mat.5:46, Luk.14:31, Jhn.2:18, al. __III. As adv.: = διὰ τι (τί ὅτι), why, Mat.6:28, Mrk.4:40, Luk.6:46, Jhn.18:23, al.; in rhet. questions, = a negation, Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, 23 1Co.5:12 7:16, al. in exclamations (like Heb. מָה), how (2Ki.6:20, Psa.3:2, al.), Luk.12:49. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 514 NT verses. KJV: every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:11.

πειραζετε peirazō G3985 "to test/tempt: tempt" Verb-PAI-2P

To test or tempt someone means to try to get them to do something, either good or bad. In the Bible, God sometimes tests people, like Abraham in Genesis 22, to see if they will obey Him.

Definition: πειράζω poët. and late prose form of πειράω, which see, [in LXX for נָסָה pi. ;] __1. to make proof of (Hom.). __2. to try, attempt (Luc., Polyb., with inf. (see M, Pr., 205; B1., § 69, 4), Act.9:26 16:7 24:6. __3. In LXX and NT, like Heb. נָסָה, with accusative of person(s), to test, try, prove; __(a) in a good sense : Jhn.6:6, 2Co.13:5, Heb.11:17, Rev.2:2; esp. of trials and af6ictions sent or permitted by God (Gen.22:1, Exo.20:20, Wis.3:5, al.), 1Co.10:13, Heb.2:18 4:15 11:17, 37, Rev.3:10; __(b) in a bad sense (Apoll. Rhod., 3, 10): of the attempts made to ensnare Jesus in his speech, Mat.16:1 19:3 22:18, 35 Mrk.8:11 10:2 12:15, Luk.11:16, Jhn.8:6; of temptation to sin, to tempt, Jas.1:13-14 (see Hort, in l), Gal.6:1, Rev.2:10; esp. of temptations of the devil, Mat.4:1, 3 Mrk.1:13, Luk.4:2, 1Co.7:5, 1Th.3:5; ὁ πειράζων, the tempter, Mat.4:3, 1Th.3:5; __(with) in bad sense also (Exo.17:2, 7, Num.14:22, al.), of distrustful testing, trying or challenging of God: Act.15:10, 1Co.10:9 (WH, mg., ἐξεπείρασαν), Heb.3:9; τ. πνεῦμα Κυρίου, Act.5:9 (of. ἐκ-πειράζω).† SYN.: δοκιμάζω, q.v (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 35 NT verses. KJV: assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try See also: 1 Corinthians 7:5; John 8:4; Hebrews 2:18.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θεον theos G2316 "God" Noun-ASM

This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.

Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

επιθειναι epitithēmi G2007 "to put/lay on" Verb-2AAN

This word means to put or lay something on someone, like in Matthew 27:29 where a crown of thorns was placed on Jesus.

Definition: ἐπι-τίθημι [in LXX for נָתַן, שָׁוָה, etc. ;] __1. to lay, set or place upon: with accusative of thing(s), before ἐπί, with accusative of thing(s), Mat.23:4, Luk.15:5, Jhn.9:6 (WH, txt. Jhn.9:15), Act.15:10 28:3; ἐπί, with genitive of thing(s), Mat.27:29; ἐν, ib.; with dative of person(s), σταυρόν, Luk.23:26; στέφανον, Jhn.19:2; ὄνομα, Mrk.3:16-17; πληγάς, Luk.10:30, Act.16:23; ἐπί with accusative of person(s), Rev.22:18; of the laying on of hands, τ. χεῖρα (-ας), before ἐπί with accusative of person(s), Mat.9:18, Mrk.16:13, Act.8:17 9:17; with dative of person(s), Mat.19:13, 15, Mrk.5:23 6:5 7:32 8:23, Luk.4:40 13:13, Act.6:6 8:19 9:12 13:3 19:6 28:8, 1Ti.5:22. Mid., __(a) to provide: Act.28:10 (RV, put on board; cf. Field, Notes, 149); __(b) to throw oneself upon, attack: with dative of person(s), Act.18:10. __2. to add to: Rev.22:18 (see supr., and cf. Swete, in l).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 40 NT verses. KJV: add unto, lade, lay upon, put (up) on, set on (up), + surname, X wound See also: 1 Timothy 5:22; Luke 13:13; Revelation 22:18.

ζυγον zugos G2218 "yoke/scales" Noun-ASM

A yoke is a wooden beam that connects two animals, like oxen, for pulling a load. In the Bible, it also means being under someone's authority or control, like a law or obligation, as seen in Matthew 11:29-30 and Galatians 5:1. It can also refer to a balance, like the scales in Revelation 6:5.

Definition: ζυγός (in cl. more frequently τὸ ζυγόν), -οῦ, ὁ (ζεύγνυμι), [in LXX for עֹל, מֹאזֵן, etc. ;] __1. a yoke; metaphorically, of bondage or submission to authority: Mat.11:29-30, Act.15:10, Gal.5:1, 1Ti.6:1. __2. a balance: Rev.6:5 (of. Isa.40:12, al.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: pair of balances, yoke See also: 1 Timothy 6:1; Matthew 11:29; Revelation 6:5.

επι epi G1909 "upon/to/against" Prep

A preposition meaning upon, to, or against, often used to show location or direction, like in Matthew 6:10 where Jesus teaches us to pray for God's will to be done on earth. It can also indicate a sense of time or order.

Definition: ἐπί (before a smooth breathing ἐπ᾽, before a rough breathing ἐφ᾽), prep. with genitive, dative, accusative (accusative most frequently in NT), with primary sense of superposition, on, upon. __I. C. genitive, __1. of place, answering the question, where? __(a) of the place on which, on, upon: ἐπὶ (τ.) γῆς, Mat.6:10, 19, al.; τ. κεφαλῆς, 1Co.11:10; τ. νεφελῶν, Mat.24:3o, al.; like ἐν, in constr. praegn. after verbs of motion: βάλλειν, Mrk.4:26; σπείρειν, ib. 31; ἔρχεσθαι, Heb.6:7, al.; figuratively, ἐπ᾽ ἀληθείας (MM, see word ἀ.); of the subject of thought or speech, Gal.3:16; of power or authority, over, πάντων, Rom.9:5: τ. γάζης, Act.8:27; ἐξουσία, Rev.2:26 20:6; __(b) of vicinity, at, by: τ. θαλάσσης, Jhn.6:9; τ. ὁδοῦ, Mat.21:19; τοῦ βάτου, Mrk.12:26 (see Swete, in l.); with genitive of person(s), in the presence of, before, Mat.28:14, Act.23:30, 1Co.6:1, al. __2. Of time, __(a) with genitive of person(s), in the time of: ἐπὶ Ἐλισαίου, Luk.4:27; ἐπὶ Κλαυδίου, Act.11:28; ἐπὶ Ἀβιάθαρ ἀρχιερέως, when A. was high priest, Mrk.2:26; __(b) with genitive of thing(s), at, at the time of: Mat.1:11, Heb.1:2, 2Pe.3:3; ἐπὶ τ. προσευχῶν, Rom.1:10, Eph.1:16, 1Th.1:2, Phm 4. __II. C. dative, of place, answering the question, where? __(a) lit., on, upon: Mat.9:16, 14:8, al.; after verbs of motion (see supr., I, 1, (a)), Mat.9:16 Act.8:16; above, Luk.23:38; at, by, Mrk.13:29, Jhn.5:2, Act.5:9, al.; __(b) metaphorically, upon, on the ground of, Luk.4:4 (LXX); in the matter of, Mrk.6:52 (see Swete, in l.); upon, of, concerning, Act.5:35, 40; of the ground, reason or motive (Bl., §38, 2; 43, 3), Mat.18:3 19:9, Rom.12:12, al.; ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, for the reason that, because, Rom.5:12 2Co.5:4; after verbs of motion, over, Mat.18:13, Rom.16:19, al.; of a condition (cl.), Rom.8:20, 1Co.9:10; ἐπὶ δυσὶ μάρτυσιν (see Westc. on Heb.9:10), Heb.10:28; of purpose or aim, Eph.2:10, Php.4:10; of authority, over, Mat.24:47 Luk.12:44; of hostility, with dative of person(s) (cl.), against, Luk.12:52; in addition to (cl.), 2Co.7:13; of an adjunct, in, at, on, Php.1:3 2:17. __III. C. accusative, __1. of place of motion upon or over, answering the question, whither? __(a) lit., upon, over: Mat.14:28, 29, Luk.5:19, al. mult.; in NT also, answering the question, where? (as with genitive, dative), Mrk.4:38 11:2, Luk.2:25, Jhn.1:32; ἐπὶ τ. αὐτό, Act.1:15 2:1, al.; of motion to a vicinity, to, Mrk.16:2, Act.8:36, al.; __(b) metaphorically (in wh. "the accusative is more widely prevalent than it strictly should be," Bl., §43, 1); of blessings, evils, etc., coming upon one, with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:13 12:28, Act.2:17, Jhn.18:4, Eph.5:6, al.; of addition (dative in cl.), λύπη ἐπὶ λύπην, Php.2:27; ἐπικαλεῖν ὄνομα ἐπί (see: ἐπικαλέω), Act.15:17, Jas.2:7; καλεῖν ἐπί, to call after, Luk.1:59; of number or degree: ἐπὶ τρίς (cl. εἰς τ.), thrice, Act.10:16 11:10; ἐπὶ πλεῖον, the more, further, Act.4:17 2Ti.2:16 3:9 (see also infr., 2, (a)); ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (see infr., ib.), forasmuch as, Mat.25:40, 45, Rom.11:13; of power, authority, control, Luk.1:33, Act.7:10 Rom.5:14, Heb.3:6, al.; of the direction of thoughts and feelings, unto, towards, Luk.1:17 23:28, Act.9:35, 42, Rom.11:22, Gal.4:9, Eph.2:7, 1Ti.5:5, al.; of purpose, for, Mat.3:7, Luk.23:48; ἐφ᾽ ὅ πάρει (Rec. ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, Mat.26:50; of hostility, against, Mat.24:7, Mrk.3:24-26 10:11 13:8, Luk.9:5, Jhn.13:18, Act.7:54, 1Co.7:36, 2Co.1:23; Of reference, concerning, for (cl. usually dative), Mrk.9:12 15:24, Jhn.19:24, Rom.4:9. __2. Of time, __(a) during, for: Luk.4:25 (WH, txt., omits ἐπί), Act.13:31 16:18, Heb.11:30, al.; ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (χρόνον), as long as, for so long time as, Mrk.9:15 Rom.7:1, al. (for ἐφ᾽ ὅ in another sense, see supr., 1, (b)); ἐφ᾽ ἱκανόν (see: ἱ), Act.20:11; ἐπὶ πλεῖον (see supr., 1, (b)), yet longer, further, Act.20:9 24:4; __(b) on, about, towards (cl. εἰς): Luk.10:35 Act.3:1 4:5. __IV. In composition, ἐπί signifies: up, ἐπαίρω; upon, ἐπίγειος, ἐπιδημέω, ὠπικαθίζω; towards, επιβλέπω, ὠπεκτείνω; over (of superintendence), ἐπιστάτης; again, in addition, ἐπαιτέω; against, ἐπιορκέω, ἐπιβουλή. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 788 NT verses. KJV: about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Acts 4:33; 1 Peter 1:13.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

τραχηλον trachēlos G5137 "neck" Noun-ASM

The neck represents life or vulnerability, as in Matthew 18:6 and Luke 15:20 where embracing someone is a sign of love and acceptance.

Definition: τράχηλος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for צַוַּאר, also forעֹרֶף, etc. ;] the neck: Mat.18:6, Mrk.9:42, Luk.17:2; ἐπιπεσεῖν ἐπὶ τὸν τ., to embrace (Gen.46:29), Luk.15:20, Act.20:37. Metaphorical, ὑποθεῖναι τὸν ἑαυτοῦ τ. (for similar phrase in π., see Zorell, see word), Rom.16:4; ἐπιθεῖναι ζυγὸν ἐπὶ τὸν τ., Act.15:10.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: neck See also: Acts 15:10; Luke 17:2; Romans 16:4.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

μαθητων mathētēs G3101 "disciple" Noun-GPM

A disciple is a learner or pupil, like the twelve who followed Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 10:1 and Luke 8:9. This word is used to describe someone who follows a teacher or leader. It is often used in the context of Jesus' teachings.

Definition: μαθητής, -οῦ, ὁ (μανθάνω), [in LXX only as seel. (A) in Jer.13:21 20:11 26(46):9 * ;] a disciple: opposite to διδάσκαλος, Mat.10:24, Luk.6:40; Ἰωάννου, Mat.9:14, Luk.7:18, Jhn.3:25; τ. Φαρισσίων, Mat.22:16, Mrk.2:18, Luk.5:33; Μωυσέως, Jhn.9:28; Ἰησοῦ, Luk.6:17 7:11 19:37, Jhn.6:66 7:3 19:38; esp. the twelve, Mat.10:1 11:1, Mrk.7:17, Luk.8:9, Jo 2:2, al.; later, of Christians generally, Act.6:1, 2 7 9:19, al.; τ. κυρίου, Act.9:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 252 NT verses. KJV: disciple See also: Acts 1:15; John 21:23; Matthew 13:10.

ον hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-ASM

The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.

Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

ουτε oute G3777 "neither" Conj-N

Neither means not one or the other, like when Jesus says we cannot serve two masters in Matthew 6:20 and Mark 12:25.

Definition: οὔτε negative particle, related to μήτε as οὐ to μή, and not, neither, nor: οὐδεὶς . . . οὔτε, Rev.5:4; οὐδὲ . . . οὔτε, Gal.1:12; οὔτε . . . καί, Jhn.4:11; after a question with μή interrog., Jas.3:12; οὔτε . . . οὔτε, neither . . . nor, Mat.6:20, Mrk.12:25, Jhn.4:21, Act.15:10, Rom.8:38-39, Gal.5:6, al (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 45 NT verses. KJV: neither, none, nor (yet), (no, yet) not, nothing See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; John 4:21; Revelation 3:15.

οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πατερες patēr G3962 "father" Noun-NPM

A father is a male parent, like Joseph, the father of Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 2:22 and Luke 1:17. It can also refer to a forefather or ancestor, like Abraham, as seen in Matthew 3:9 and John 8:39.

Definition: πατήρ, πατρός, -τρί, τέρα, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for אָב ;] a father; __1. prop., __(a) of the male parent: Mat.2:22, Luk.1:17, Jhn.4:53; anarth., Heb.12:7 (M, Pr., 82 f.); pl., of both parents (cl.), Heb.11:23; οἱ π. τ. σαρκός, Heb.12:9; __(b) of a forefather or ancestor (in cl. usually in pl.; Hom., al.): Mat.3:9, Luk.1:73, Jhn.8:39, al.; pl., Mat.23:30, 32 Luk.6:23, 26 Jhn.4:20, 1Co.10:1, al. __2. Metaphorical, __(a) of an author, originator, or archetype (= αἴτιος, ἀρχηγός, etc.; Pind., Plat., al.): Jhn.8:41-44, Rom.4:11, 12 16. __(b) as a title of respect or honour, used of seniors, teachers and others in a position of responsible authority (Jdg.17:10, 2Ki.2:12, Pro.1:8, al.): Mat.23:9 Act.7:2 22:1, 1Jn.2:13. __3. Of God (as in cl. of Zeus) as Father; __(a) of created things: τ. φώτων, Jas.1:17; __(b) of all sentient beings: Eph.3:14, 15 Heb.12:9; __(with) of men, esp. those in covenant relation with Him (freq in OT and later Jewish lit.; see Dalman, Words, 184ff.): Mat.6:4, Luk.6:36, Jhn.4:21, Jas.3:9, al.; ὁ π. ὁ ἐν (τ.) οὐρανοῖς, Mat.5:16, Mrk.11:25; ὁ π. ὁ οὐράνιος, Mat.6:14 15:13; esp. in the Epp., of Christians: Rom.8:15, 2Co.6:18, Gal.4:6, Eph.2:18 4:6, 1Jn.2:1; with genitive qual., τ. οἰκτιρμῶν, 2Co.1:3; τ. δοξῆς, Eph.1:17; __(d) of Christ (Dalman, Words, 190 ff.); __(α) by our Lord himself: ὁ π., Mat.11:25-27, Luk.10:2, 22 Jhn.5:20-23, al.; ὁ π. μου, Mat.11:27, al.; ὁ ἐν τ. οὐρανοῖς, Mat.7:11, al.; ὁ οὐράνιος, Mat.15:13; vocat., Jhn.11:41 12:27, 28 17:1, 5, 11, 20, 25 (cf. Abbott, JG., 96 f.); __(β) by Apostles: Jhn.1:14 (anarth.; see M, Pr., l.with), Rom.15:6, 2Co.1:3 11:31, Eph.1:3, Col.1:3, Heb.1:5, 1Pe.1:3, Rev.1:6 (cf. Westc., Epp. Jo., 27-34). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 370 NT verses. KJV: father, parent See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; Hebrews 8:9; 1 Peter 1:2.

ημων egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1GP

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

ουτε oute G3777 "neither" Conj-N

Neither means not one or the other, like when Jesus says we cannot serve two masters in Matthew 6:20 and Mark 12:25.

Usage: Occurs in 45 NT verses. KJV: neither, none, nor (yet), (no, yet) not, nothing See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; John 4:21; Revelation 3:15.

ημεις egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1NP

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

ισχυσαμεν ischuō G2480 "be strong" Verb-AAI-1P

To be strong means having physical or inner power, as Jesus showed in Matthew 9:12 and the apostles did in Acts 19:20, where faith made them prevail.

Definition: ἰσχύω (ἰσχύς), [in LXX for חָזַק, גִּבּוֹר, עָצַם, etc. ;] __1. to be strong in body: Mat.9:12, Mrk.2:17. __2. to be powerful, have power, prevail: Act.19:20, Rev.12:8; before κατά, with genitive of person(s), Act.19:16; with inf., to be able (MM, Exp., xv): Mat.8:28 26:40, Mrk.5:4 9:18 (inf. understood) Mrk.14:37, Luk.6:48 8:43 13:24 14:6, 29-30 16:3 20:26, Jhn.21:6, Act.6:10 15:10 25:7 27:16; with accusative, Php.4:13, Jas.5:16; of things, to avail, be serviceable (MM, Exp., l.with): Mat.5:13, Gal.5:6, Heb.9:17 (cf. ἐν-, ἐξ-, ἐπ-, κατ-ισχύω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 29 NT verses. KJV: be able, avail, can do(-not), could, be good, might, prevail, be of strength, be whole, + much work See also: Acts 6:10; Luke 14:6; Hebrews 9:17.

βαστασαι bastazō G941 "to carry" Verb-AAN

To carry means to lift or bear something, and is used in many passages, including John 10:31 and Matthew 3:11, to describe physical and metaphorical burdens.

Definition: βαστάζω, [in LXX: Jdg.16:30 (נטה), Rut.2:16, 2Ki.23:5, 4Ki.18:14 and Job.21:3 (נשׂא), Sir.6:25, Da TH Bel 36 * ;] __1. to take up with the hands, to lift: λίθους, Jhn.10:31. __2. to bear, to carry, as a burden, and metaphorically, to endure; Mat.3:11 20:12, Mrk.14:13, Luk.7:14 10:7 11:27 14:27 22:10, Jhn.16:12 19:17, Act.3:2 9:15 15:1 21:35, Rom.11:18 15:1, Gal.5:10 6:2, 5 17, Rev.2:2, 3 17:7. __3. In late writers (MM, Exp., ii, iii, x), __(a) to take away; Mat.8:17 (Isa.53:4, Heb.); __(b) to carry off, steal: Jhn.12:6 20:15. † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 27 NT verses. KJV: bear, carry, take up See also: Acts 3:2; Luke 7:14; Revelation 2:2.

Study Notes — Acts 15:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 15:10 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 15:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 15:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 15:10
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 15:10
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 15:10
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 15:10
Cambridge Bible on Acts 15:10
Barnes' Notes on Acts 15:10
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 15:10
Sermons on Acts 15:10

Context — The Council at Jerusalem

8And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. 9He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith.

10Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?

11On the contrary, we believe it is through the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” 12The whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Galatians 5:1	It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.
2	Matthew 23:4	They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
3	Galatians 4:9	But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
4	Matthew 11:28–30	Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
5	Matthew 4:7	Jesus replied, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
6	Hebrews 9:9	It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper.
7	Isaiah 7:12	But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.”
8	Exodus 17:2	So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?”
9	Hebrews 3:9	where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works.
10	Galatians 4:1–5	What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father. So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world. But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.

Acts 15:10 Summary

[This verse means that Peter is warning against trying to make it harder for people to become Christians by adding extra rules or requirements, as seen in Acts 15:10. He's saying that even the Jewish people, who were given the Law by God, couldn't fully keep it, so it's not fair to expect Gentile believers to do so (Romans 3:20). Instead, we should trust in the grace of the Lord Jesus for our salvation, just like the apostles did (Ephesians 2:8-9). By trusting in Jesus, we can find freedom from the burden of trying to earn our own salvation, and rest in His love and forgiveness.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Peter mean by 'a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear'?

Peter is referring to the burden of trying to follow the Law of Moses, which was a heavy weight that even the Jewish fathers were unable to fully keep, as seen in Romans 3:20 and Galatians 3:10-12.

Is Peter saying that the Law of Moses is bad or unnecessary?

No, Peter is not dismissing the Law of Moses, but rather acknowledging that it is a high standard that is impossible for humans to fully keep on their own, as stated in Acts 15:10 and supported by Romans 7:14-25.

What is the 'yoke' that Peter is talking about?

The 'yoke' refers to the burden of trying to earn salvation through good works and following the Law, which is a weight that is too heavy for anyone to bear, as Jesus also taught in Matthew 11:28-30.

How does this verse relate to the gospel message?

This verse highlights the importance of salvation by faith alone, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, and emphasizes that trying to earn salvation through good works is a burden that no one can bear, as seen in Acts 15:10 and Galatians 2:16.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I may be trying to 'bear a yoke' that God never intended for me to carry, and how can I lay that burden down?
How does the concept of 'salvation by faith alone' bring freedom and relief to my life, and what are some ways that I can apply this truth to my daily struggles?
In what ways can I be tempted to 'test God' by trying to do things my own way, rather than trusting in His goodness and provision?
What does it mean to 'trust in the grace of the Lord Jesus' for my salvation, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in His grace and mercy?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 15:10

Now therefore why tempt ye God,.... By hesitating about this matter, by disputing upon this point, and by seeking for further proof and evidence of the will of God in this affair; when it is so plain

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 15:10

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?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 15:10

Why tempt ye God? Why would you make a doubt of, and put it to a trial, whether God did in good earnest admit the Gentiles to his favour, and whether he remains firm and constant in such his kindness towards them? They did tempt God also, by disliking the calling of the Gentiles, and would have brought God’ s will, were it possible, unto theirs; not submitting their wills, as they ought, unto God’ s: for he that sins in any kind, does tempt God; that is, he tries God’ s patience, power, and righteousness. A yoke; so the law of ceremonies is called. , and was a yoke indeed, if we consider: 1. Their variety; 2. Their difficulty; 3. Their chargeableness; 4. Their inefficacy, being only shadows of good things to come, .

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 15:10

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? Ver. 10. Now, therefore, why tempt ye God] Or (as Jerome in a certain epistle to Augustine reads this text, and so it runs more smoothly), "Why attempt ye to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples," &c. Ceremonies were abolished by Christ, and had no use after his death, but by accident; as he who buildeth a vault, letteth the centrals stand till he put in the keystone, and then pulleth them away: so here.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 15:10

(10) Why tempt ye God.—To tempt God was to make the experiment whether His will, manifested in the acceptance of the Gentiles, or man’s will, resenting and resisting it, was the stronger of the two. Nothing but defeat and condemnation could be the issue of such a trial. To put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples.—No words of St. Paul’s, in relation to the Law, could be stronger or clearer than these. They reproduced our Lord’s own language as to the “heavy burdens” of the Pharisaic traditions (Matthew 23:4) and His own “easy yoke” (Matthew 11:30). They were echoed by St. Paul when he warned the Galatians not to be entangled again in the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1). The words that follow, on the one hand, speak out the experience of the Apostle himself in terms that are hardly less striking than those of St. Paul in Romans 7:7-8, though they deal with the Law in its positive rather than its moral aspects, and contain an implied appeal to the experience of his hearers. Was it worth while to “tempt God” by resisting His teaching in history in order to bring the Gentiles down to the level from which they themselves, Jews as they were, were thankful to have risen?

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 15:10

Verse 10. Now therefore why tempt ye God] A God, by giving the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles, evidently shows he does not design them to be circumcised, in order to become debtors to the law, to fulfill all its precepts, c., why will ye provoke him to displeasure by doing what he evidently designs shall not be done? A yoke - which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?] This does not refer to the moral law-that was of eternal obligation-but to the ritual law, which, through the multitude of its sacrifices, ordinances, c., was exceedingly burthensome to the Jewish people. And had not God, by an especial providence, rendered both their fields and their flocks very fruitful, they could not possibly have borne so painful a ritual. There is a curious story in Midrash Shochar, told in Yalkut Simeoni, part i. fol. 229, where Korah is represented as showing the oppressive nature of the law, and avarice of its priests, in justification of his rebellion. "There was," said he, "a widow in our neighbourbood who had two orphan children: she had one field and, when she began to plough it, one came and said, Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass together. when she went to sow it, he said, Thou shalt not sow thy field with divers seeds. When she began to reap, and to gather the sheaves together, he said, Leave a handful and the corners of the field for the poor. When she prepared to thresh it, be said, Give me the wave-offering, and the first and second tithes. She did as she was commanded, and then went and sold her field, and bought two ewes, that she might clothe herself and family with the wool, and get profit by the lambs. When they brought forth their lambs, Aaron came and said, Give me the firstlings, for the holy blessed God hath said, All the first born, whatsoever openeth the womb, shall be thine. She yielded to his demands, and gave him two lambs. When shearing time came, he said, Give me the first fruits of the wool. When the widow had done this, she said, I cannot stand before this man I will kill my sheep and eat them. When she had killed the sheep, Aaron came and said, Give me the shoulder, and the jaws, and the ventricle. The widow said, Though I have killed my sheep, I am not delivered from this man; I therefore consecrate the whole to God. Then Aaron said, ALL belongs to me, for the holy blessed God hath said, Every thing that is consecrated in Israel shall be his, i.e. the priest's.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 15:10

10. Now therefore] When you have this evidence of how God has already accepted the Gentiles.why tempt ye God] Men are said “to tempt God” when they distrust his guidance, and in consequence disobey his revealed will (cp. Psalms 95:9). So the Jews tempted God in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:9) when they saw His mighty works and yet murmured at His leaders: so they are said to have tempted Christ (1 Corinthians 10:9) when they were punished by the fiery serpents; and Ananias and Sapphira are said to “have agreed to tempt the Spirit of the Lord,” by acting as though they thought they could deceive God in their offering. From these instances the force of the question in the text will be seen. Those who should act as the Pharisaic party would recommend, would be distrusting God’s knowledge of the hearts of men, and refusing to be guided by what His Spirit had made known in the conversion of Cornelius.a yoke] So St Paul (Galatians 5:1) calls the ceremonial law “a yoke of bondage.” Christ uses the word “yoke” for his own precepts, knowing that a yoke was needed for men’s guidance, but He calls it “easy” (Matthew 11:30).able to bear] How this was felt is shewn by the Rabbinic injunction to “make a hedge about the law,” i.e. so to fence in its precepts by additional regulations of their own, that there should be no chance of infringing the commandment. These additions, commandments of men, as our Lord styles them, had made the ceremonial observances into a killing load.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 15:10

Why tempt ye God? - Why provoke him to displeasure? Why, since he has shown his determination to accept them without such rites, do you provoke him by attempting to impose on his own people rites

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 15:10

10. Tempt ye God—Putting his forbearance to the test by requiring what he does not require, namely, circumcision as a condition to the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Sermons on Acts 15:10

	Sermon	Description
	Los Angeles Conference #1 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the warm welcome he has received. He then directs the audience to a well-known passage in the Bible, John 3:8, which
	(Through the Bible) Genesis 2-3 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding God's love and filling our lives with the fullness of His Spirit. The speaker acknowledges the pow
	Significance of Christs Death and Resurrection by Reuben Walter	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not taking the resurrection of Jesus lightly. They encourage the audience to let the risen Christ have a transformative eff
	Hebrews 8:1-13 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the superiority of Jesus as the High Priest who sits at the right hand of God, emphasizing His role as the Minister of the sanctuary and the true Tab
	The Jewish World by Harris Franklin Rall	Harris Franklin Rall delves into the profound influence of the Jewish world on the development of Christianity, emphasizing how Jesus, the early leaders, and the foundation of Chri
	Christian Freedom: Grow Up and Be Free by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon on Galatians 4:1-18, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity in experiencing freedom in Christ. He distinguishes between age and maturity, statin
	Grow Up and Be Free by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the theme of freedom and maturity in the context of the book of Galatians. The main message is that growing up spiritually leads to freedom i