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Acts 15:14
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Simeon hath declared - It is remarkable that James does not give him even the title which he received from our Lord at the time in which he is supposed to have been made head of the Church, and vicar of Christ upon earth; so that, it is evident, James did not understand our Lord as giving Peter any such pre-eminence; and, therefore, he does not even call him Peter, but simply Simeon. It is truly surprising that such a vast number of important pretensions should rest on such slight foundations! If tradition, no matter how interrupted or precarious, did not lend its support, feeble as that necessarily must be, the cause tried by plain Scripture would fall to the ground. To take out of them a people for his name - To form among the Gentiles, as he had among the Jews, a people called by his name and devoted to his honor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Simeon--a Hebrew variation of Simon, as in Pe2 1:1; (Greek), the Jewish and family name of Peter. hath declared how God at the first--answering to Peter's own expression "a good while ago" (Act 15:7). did visit the Gentiles to take out of them--in the exercise of His adorable sovereignty. a people for his name--the honor of his name, or for His glory.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles,.... James begins with taking notice of Peter's speech, and agrees to it, and confirms it; for by Simeon is not meant, as some have thought, the Simeon that took Christ in his arms, Luk 2:25 who had been dead long ago; but Simon Peter, who had spoken before. Simon and Simeon are one and the same name; the former is only a contraction of the latter in the Syriac language; Simeon was his pure Hebrew name, and James speaking to an assembly of Hebrews, uses it; and observes, that he had given a very clear and distinct narrative, how God at the first preaching of the Gospel, quickly after the day of Pentecost, was pleased to look upon the Gentiles, and show favour to them, and visit them in a way of grace and mercy, by sending the Gospel to them, and his Spirit to make it effectual: this was a gracious visit; he came and looked upon them, quickened them, and spoke comfortably to them, and bestowed special favours upon them; the set time for such a visit being come: the Arabic version renders it, "how God first promised"; referring to the promises concerning the calling of the Gentiles, which James afterwards confirms by citing a passage out of the prophets to the same purpose: the Syriac version, "how God began to choose out of the Gentiles": that is, by calling them by his grace; and the Ethiopic version, "how God first had mercy on the Gentiles"; who before had not obtained mercy: to take out of them a people for his name; for himself, for his own glory, to call upon his name, and to be called by his name, to bear his name, and support his Gospel, cause and interest: the distinguishing grace of God may be seen herein; it was grace to visit them, to look upon them, when for many hundreds of years he had overlooked them, he had taken no notice of them; and it was distinguishing grace to take some out of them, to be a special and peculiar people to himself; to separate them from the rest by his powerful and efficacious grace, and form them into a church state, that they might show forth his praise and glorify him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:14 Peter: Greek Simeon. Peter’s given name was Simon (see Matt 16:17-19).
Acts 15:14
The Council at Jerusalem
13When they had finished speaking, James declared, “Brothers, listen to me! 14Simon has told us how God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people to be His own.15The words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Return of Jesus Christ to Earth
By Oswald J. Smith3.1K39:27Second Coming Of ChristLUK 21:24ACT 15:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the world is becoming increasingly evil and corrupt as we approach the end times. He refers to Acts 15:14-18 as the most important prophetic passage in the Bible, which describes the last days of our dispensation. The preacher argues that according to God's word, things are supposed to get worse and worse, not better and better. He highlights the prevalence of evil, seduction, violence, brutality, and substance addiction in today's society, comparing it to the past when such issues were less common.
The Local Church 1 - Part 5
By William MacDonald2.9K08:38ISA 40:15MAT 16:18ACT 15:14EPH 3:10COL 1:251TI 3:1This sermon emphasizes the significance of the church as a divine institution that will endure against all odds, serving as a witness to angelic beings and forming the capstone of scriptural revelation. The church is portrayed as a place where believers are refined and unified, fulfilling God's purpose to call people to His name and propagate the faith. The importance of elders in local assemblies is highlighted, showcasing God's deep regard for the church over worldly empires.
Particular Redemption, Mission
By Paul Washer2.7K1:02:54PSA 37:9ISA 6:3ISA 53:7ACT 15:14ACT 15:17ROM 1:16EPH 1:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of simple preaching and the need for humility in delivering the gospel. He shares his experience of preaching a simple message that attracted a large crowd and led to opportunities to speak about his beliefs. The preacher also discusses the importance of relying on the power of God rather than eloquence or intellectual arguments. He then delves into the biblical story of Peter's vision, highlighting its significance and the lessons it teaches about God's cleansing power.
Spiritual Warfare - 1 "The Battle"
By Jim Logan2.0K45:47Spiritual WarfarePSA 10:4PSA 14:1PSA 36:1MAT 16:18MAT 17:20MAT 28:18ACT 15:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a troubled young man who experienced a downward spiral in his life due to the influence of evil spirits. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reality of the enemy and its impact on our lives. He also highlights the destructive power of pride, which can lead to strife and contention. The sermon concludes with a missionary's story about using the three signs of a wicked person from Proverbs to make wise decisions in lending money.
Recovery - Part 1 of 4
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K54:05RecoveryMAT 6:33ACT 15:14EPH 2:19HEB 4:121PE 2:9REV 21:2In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Nehemiah and its significance in the history of God's people. The book is divided into three main sections, each representing a different aspect of the people's journey. Firstly, it highlights the loss of influence due to the people's lack of spirituality and their adoption of worldly values. Secondly, it covers a period of captivity and discipline, with the aim of recovering what was lost. Thirdly, it focuses on the return of a remnant of God's people, who embody the intended testimony of His people in the world. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a people called out by God and the powerful influence they can have among the nations when in right relationship with Him. The sermon encourages listeners to have a mind to work and to devote themselves to God's purpose, as seen in the book of Nehemiah.
What Is God Doing Today?
By Randy Amos91338:48Christian LifeISA 2:4ISA 42:1JHN 5:24ACT 15:14GAL 1:4REV 19:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the question of what God is doing on earth today. He begins by reading Isaiah 42:1-4, which speaks of God's servant, who is identified as Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes that God is calling people out from the rebellious world to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus for salvation. He explains that God is forming a new government, the church, and is actively building it up by adding to it daily those who are being saved. The speaker encourages believers to be involved in this work by using their gifts and sharing the message of salvation with others.
Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-02 Studies in Daniel 10
By Joseph Balsan68456:24DAN 9:24DAN 10:14DAN 10:21MAT 16:18ACT 15:14EPH 3:3In this sermon, Daniel is given a vision and instruction about a great warfare that will occur in the latter days. Daniel mourns and fasts for three weeks, seeking understanding of the vision. An angel is sent to make known to Daniel what will happen to his people in the latter days. The vision includes the rise and fall of four great world kingdoms, with the final form being a ten-kingdomed empire. Ultimately, God will bring in His kingdom through the coming of Jesus Christ.
The People of God 10 a Sent People
By James K. Boswell39645:51ISA 6:1AMO 9:11MAT 28:18JHN 1:29JHN 3:16ACT 1:8ACT 15:14EPH 5:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a people saved by the Lord, separated unto the Lord, and sealed by the Lord's spirit. He quotes a statement by Dr. Spullerton, stating that it is the duty of the church to spread the gospel to the whole world. The speaker highlights the missionary vision as a combination of correct information, inspiration, and action. He shares a story of a young girl who sang a hymn during a prayer meeting and later became a missionary in Pakistan. The speaker encourages the audience to take action based on the ministry they have received during the conference.
Brownsville Revival, Part 2
By David Ravenhill5552:24RevivalGod's CallingThe Role of the Church1CH 16:8ACT 15:14David Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of God's calling on Israel and the church's role in reaching the nations. He explains that the tabernacle of David was not just about worship but also about bringing the nations to God. Ravenhill highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and how the church, as the new Israel, is tasked with proclaiming the gospel to all nations. He draws connections between the Old Testament promises and their fulfillment in Christ, urging believers to recognize their responsibility in sharing God's wonders among the peoples.
God's New Israel
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual EmancipationIdentity in ChristLUK 12:32ACT 15:141CO 10:11GAL 6:16EPH 6:12HEB 8:9HEB 9:261PE 2:91JN 5:19REV 5:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God's purpose remains unchanged as He transitions from the Old Testament's physical Israel to a new spiritual Israel, the Church, which is formed from all nations. He highlights the principles of emancipation from spiritual bondage, showcasing how the old Israel's liberation from Egypt parallels the Church's deliverance from sin and the world. Sparks stresses the importance of understanding the power of the Blood of the Lamb and the spiritual battle against evil forces, asserting that true believers are a threat to the kingdom of darkness. He encourages the congregation to recognize their identity as part of this new Israel and to rely on God's power in their spiritual journey.
Does God Do Miracles Today? - Sign Gifts
By Denis Lyle0PSA 139:23HOS 10:1MAT 7:15MAT 7:22LUK 13:6JHN 15:1ACT 15:14ROM 11:162TH 2:9HEB 13:8REV 13:1Denis Lyle preaches on the importance of producing spiritual fruit in our lives, emphasizing that just as trees are known by their fruit, Christians are recognized by the fruit they bear. He highlights the significance of spiritual fruit over mere signs and wonders, as it is the true evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Lyle delves into the symbolism of the vine, branches, and vine-dresser, illustrating the intimate union believers have with Christ and the Father's care for their growth and development.
Three Significant Men
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual InheritanceIdentity in ChristGEN 1:1GEN 26:3GEN 32:24GEN 37:33EXO 3:6MAT 22:31LUK 13:28ACT 15:14GAL 4:4GAL 6:15Watchman Nee explores the significance of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as pivotal figures in God's plan for His people. He emphasizes that God identifies Himself with these three men to illustrate His sovereignty, the principle of receiving, and the necessity of divine discipline in the lives of believers. Each patriarch represents a unique aspect of God's relationship with humanity: Abraham as the Father and source, Isaac as the recipient of God's promises, and Jacob as the one who learns to rely on God rather than his own strength. Through their experiences, Nee encourages believers to embrace their identity as the 'Israel of God' and to understand the fullness of their spiritual inheritance. Ultimately, the sermon highlights the importance of recognizing God's work in our lives and the transformative journey of faith.
Second Epistle of Peter - Introduction
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0JHN 21:18ACT 15:142PE 1:1JUD 1:3Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the controversy surrounding the authenticity of the Second Epistle of Peter, addressing the lack of external evidence but emphasizing the strong internal evidence supporting Petrine authorship. Despite critical claims and evasions, the unique character of the Epistle, prophetic warnings, and references to Peter's experiences with Jesus affirm its credibility. Gaebelein highlights the division of 2 Peter into sections focusing on God's provisions, warnings about false teachers, and prophecies about the future of the earth, emphasizing the importance of understanding the Epistle's message.
Their Reception-Life From the Dead
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0ISA 59:20ZEC 2:6MAT 19:28ACT 15:14ROM 11:29Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the intricate relationship between Israel's fall, the salvation of the Gentiles, and the future blessings awaiting both Israel and the nations. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's dispensational plan, the role of the church in this age, and the future restoration of Israel leading to the conversion of the nations. Gaebelein highlights the significance of Israel's conversion and restoration in bringing about blessings to the entire world, ultimately culminating in a time when righteousness and peace will prevail globally under the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Joash the Boy King
By C.I. Scofield02SA 7:72KI 11:1PSA 89:28ISA 7:13JER 23:3EZK 37:21LUK 1:26ACT 15:142TI 1:7C.I. Scofield delves into the story of Athaliah's wicked reign, highlighting the evil deed of destroying her own grandchildren and the wise measures taken by Jehoiada to protect Joash, showcasing God's promise that cannot fail. The heart of the lesson emphasizes the immutability of God's covenant with King David, promising an undying posterity and an unending kingdom, which becomes a central theme in the prophetic writings, ultimately leading to the appearance of the final Heir, Jesus Christ, who fulfills the covenant by being raised from the dead and coming again to sit on the throne of David.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Simeon hath declared - It is remarkable that James does not give him even the title which he received from our Lord at the time in which he is supposed to have been made head of the Church, and vicar of Christ upon earth; so that, it is evident, James did not understand our Lord as giving Peter any such pre-eminence; and, therefore, he does not even call him Peter, but simply Simeon. It is truly surprising that such a vast number of important pretensions should rest on such slight foundations! If tradition, no matter how interrupted or precarious, did not lend its support, feeble as that necessarily must be, the cause tried by plain Scripture would fall to the ground. To take out of them a people for his name - To form among the Gentiles, as he had among the Jews, a people called by his name and devoted to his honor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Simeon--a Hebrew variation of Simon, as in Pe2 1:1; (Greek), the Jewish and family name of Peter. hath declared how God at the first--answering to Peter's own expression "a good while ago" (Act 15:7). did visit the Gentiles to take out of them--in the exercise of His adorable sovereignty. a people for his name--the honor of his name, or for His glory.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles,.... James begins with taking notice of Peter's speech, and agrees to it, and confirms it; for by Simeon is not meant, as some have thought, the Simeon that took Christ in his arms, Luk 2:25 who had been dead long ago; but Simon Peter, who had spoken before. Simon and Simeon are one and the same name; the former is only a contraction of the latter in the Syriac language; Simeon was his pure Hebrew name, and James speaking to an assembly of Hebrews, uses it; and observes, that he had given a very clear and distinct narrative, how God at the first preaching of the Gospel, quickly after the day of Pentecost, was pleased to look upon the Gentiles, and show favour to them, and visit them in a way of grace and mercy, by sending the Gospel to them, and his Spirit to make it effectual: this was a gracious visit; he came and looked upon them, quickened them, and spoke comfortably to them, and bestowed special favours upon them; the set time for such a visit being come: the Arabic version renders it, "how God first promised"; referring to the promises concerning the calling of the Gentiles, which James afterwards confirms by citing a passage out of the prophets to the same purpose: the Syriac version, "how God began to choose out of the Gentiles": that is, by calling them by his grace; and the Ethiopic version, "how God first had mercy on the Gentiles"; who before had not obtained mercy: to take out of them a people for his name; for himself, for his own glory, to call upon his name, and to be called by his name, to bear his name, and support his Gospel, cause and interest: the distinguishing grace of God may be seen herein; it was grace to visit them, to look upon them, when for many hundreds of years he had overlooked them, he had taken no notice of them; and it was distinguishing grace to take some out of them, to be a special and peculiar people to himself; to separate them from the rest by his powerful and efficacious grace, and form them into a church state, that they might show forth his praise and glorify him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:14 Peter: Greek Simeon. Peter’s given name was Simon (see Matt 16:17-19).