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Acts 15:18
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning - As if he had said, This is not a new counsel of God: he had purposed, from the time he called the Israelites, to make the Gentiles partakers of the same grace and mercy; and ultimately to destroy those rites and ceremonies which separated them from each other. He therefore has sent the Gospel of his Son, proclaiming equally peace to him that is afar off, the Gentiles, and to him that is nigh, the Jews. The whole of this verse is very dubious: the principal part of it is omitted by the most ancient MSS., and Griesbach has left γνωϚα απ' αιωνος doubtful, and has thrown εϚι τῳ Θεῳ παντα τα εργα αὑτου out of the text. Of the former clause, Professor White, in his Crisews, says, "forsitan delenda," "probably these words should be blotted out." And of the latter clause he says, "certissime delenda," "most assuredly these should be blotted out." Supposing the whole to be genuine, critics have labored to find out the sense. Some very learned men, and particularly Schleusner, contend that the word γνωϚα, from γινωσκειν, to know, should be understood here in the same sense in which ידא yada is in many parts of the Old Testament, which not only signifies to know, but to approve, love, etc. They therefore would translate the passage thus: All the works of God are ever dear unto him. And, if so, consequently we might naturally expect him to be merciful to the Gentiles, as well as to the Jews; and the evidence now afforded of the conversion of the Gentiles is an additional proof that all God's works are equally dear to him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning--He who announced these things so long before, and He who had now brought them to pass, were one and the same; so that they were no novelty.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Known unto God are all his works,.... These are the words of James, and not of Amos; all the things which God does in the church and in the world, they were all foreknown and predetermined by him: from the beginning of the world; or from eternity; even all his works of creation, providence and grace: the Alexandrian copy, and Beza's most ancient copy, and the Vulgate Latin version, read in the singular number, "his work"; the work of the conversion of the Gentiles; this was fixed and resolved on by God in eternity; he knew it would be, because he had determined it should be; and accordingly he foretold it, and spoke of it in various periods of time before it came to pass; and therefore it should not be looked upon as some new and strange thing, that was never known, spoken or heard of: and this holds true of every other work of God, and agrees with what the Jews sometimes say (z), that "every work which is renewed in the world, the holy blessed God has commanded (or ordered) it from the day the world was created.'' (z) Zohar in Exod. fol. 78. 2. Vid. ib. in Lev. fol. 25. 4.
Acts 15:18
The Council at Jerusalem
17so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does these things 18that have been known for ages.’
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Attributes of God - Wrath, Eternity, Infiity and Foreknowledge
By William MacDonald1.1K42:31Attributes of God1KI 8:27JER 23:24JHN 5:24ACT 15:18ROM 1:18In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the finite nature of human life and the infinite nature of God. They emphasize the privilege of serving God and encourage young people to dedicate their lives to Him. The speaker shares their personal journey of realizing that making money is not the ultimate purpose of life, but rather serving God. They also highlight the importance of recognizing the wrath of God and the need for repentance, while expressing gratitude for being saved from condemnation through Jesus Christ.
Revival - God's Part, My Part
By Bill McLeod89733:28Revival2CH 29:362CH 30:12PRO 1:23ACT 15:181TI 6:72TI 4:2HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of unemployment and aimlessness among young people in third world countries. He highlights the desperation of these individuals who would do anything to escape their circumstances and find a better life. The speaker also points out the contrast in attitude towards material possessions in Canada, where people are not content with just food and clothing. He suggests that God sometimes uses natural disasters and economic problems to get people's attention and remind them of their need for Him. The speaker emphasizes the decline of evangelicalism in Canada and expresses concern about the increasing crime rates in cities like Winnipeg. He also shares a personal story of a millionaire who experienced a spiritual transformation after being broken by God. The sermon concludes with a reminder to prioritize God's business above personal pursuits, citing biblical references.
Eternity to Eternity 06 Genesis 1:9
By Joseph Balsan7871:02:54GenesisGEN 1:9ISA 46:9MAT 6:33ACT 15:18ACT 20:7ROM 8:281CO 16:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of completion and the finished work of Jesus on the cross. He shares the story of Hudson Taylor, who initially had doubts about God and the Bible but had a transformative experience while reading a gospel leaflet. The preacher then goes on to explain the six days of reconstruction in Genesis, highlighting how God brought light into the chaotic creation and separated the waters. The sermon emphasizes the significance of Jesus' cry, "It is finished," and prompts listeners to reflect on what was truly finished on the cross.
Holy Spirit
By G.W. North4681:33:45Holy SpiritACT 2:4ACT 8:5ACT 8:17ACT 11:15ACT 11:17ACT 15:8ACT 15:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the truth of God's word and its impact on our lives. They reference the story of a mother in the Bible who questioned why there was conflict within her, highlighting the struggle between our fleshly desires and our spiritual nature. The speaker explains that Jesus laid down his life not only as an atonement for sin, but also so that we can have access to a glorious life in him. They emphasize the need to go to the root of the matter and deal with the truth in order to find healing, deliverance, and a deeper experience with the Holy Spirit. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and treating each person of the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost) as God in their own right.
The Second Coming 04 God's Program for Future
By Stan Ford41452:24PSA 38:3MAT 6:33ACT 15:18In this sermon, the preacher urges the audience to accept God's salvation and let go of their burden of sin. He emphasizes the urgency of accepting salvation and questions if there is anything in the world worth being damned for. The preacher also mentions that salvation is not limited to educated or sophisticated individuals, but even those in the wilderness will come before God. He shares a story about a man who almost missed a train but managed to jump into the carriage just in time, relating it to the importance of not delaying in accepting God's salvation.
Of the Internal Acts and Works of God; and of His Decrees in General.
By John Gill0Divine DecreesGod's SovereigntyPRO 16:4ISA 14:24ISA 28:29DAN 4:35MAT 10:29JHN 5:17ACT 15:18ROM 9:11EPH 1:9HEB 6:17John Gill expounds on the internal acts and works of God, emphasizing that God's decrees are eternal, sovereign, and immutable. He explains that God's internal acts, which include His purposes and decrees, are essential to understanding His nature and operations. These decrees encompass all things that come to pass, from creation to individual destinies, and are rooted in God's wisdom and sovereignty. Gill highlights that God's decrees are not influenced by external factors and ultimately serve to glorify Him. The sermon calls believers to recognize the depth of God's plans and the assurance that His purposes will be fulfilled.
The New Thing Which Is Old
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's FaithfulnessDivine ReactionsGEN 22:16PSA 24:1ACT 15:18HEB 4:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that while God continually initiates new things throughout history, these 'new' actions are actually rooted in His eternal purpose and original design. He illustrates this through biblical examples, showing how God's reactions to humanity's deviations lead to renewed revelations and the restoration of His rights. From Abel's sacrifice to the remnant in Babylon, Sparks highlights that God's plan is unwavering, and He will always find a faithful remnant to fulfill His purpose. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God will continue to react and restore, even amidst spiritual decline, as seen in the New Testament with figures like Zacharias, Mary, and Simeon. Ultimately, Sparks reassures that God's commitment to His original intention remains steadfast, and He will always seek those who align with His will.
Work Prepared
By Thomas Bradbury0PRO 24:27ISA 42:21ZEC 4:7JHN 17:4ACT 15:181CO 3:11EPH 1:5EPH 5:25HEB 9:111PE 2:5Thomas Bradbury preaches on the profound spiritual teachings found in the Book of Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine guidance and understanding through the Holy Spirit to grasp the true meaning of Solomon's proverbs. He delves into the revelation of Christ throughout the book, from His eloquent speech to His role in the everlasting covenant of grace, highlighting the central theme of the testimony of Jesus in Proverbs. Bradbury explores the divine order of the books written by Solomon in the Bible, from Proverbs to Ecclesiastes to the Song of Solomon, illustrating the journey from understanding moral maxims to the realization of vanity and the ultimate joy found in Christ's love and salvation.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning - As if he had said, This is not a new counsel of God: he had purposed, from the time he called the Israelites, to make the Gentiles partakers of the same grace and mercy; and ultimately to destroy those rites and ceremonies which separated them from each other. He therefore has sent the Gospel of his Son, proclaiming equally peace to him that is afar off, the Gentiles, and to him that is nigh, the Jews. The whole of this verse is very dubious: the principal part of it is omitted by the most ancient MSS., and Griesbach has left γνωϚα απ' αιωνος doubtful, and has thrown εϚι τῳ Θεῳ παντα τα εργα αὑτου out of the text. Of the former clause, Professor White, in his Crisews, says, "forsitan delenda," "probably these words should be blotted out." And of the latter clause he says, "certissime delenda," "most assuredly these should be blotted out." Supposing the whole to be genuine, critics have labored to find out the sense. Some very learned men, and particularly Schleusner, contend that the word γνωϚα, from γινωσκειν, to know, should be understood here in the same sense in which ידא yada is in many parts of the Old Testament, which not only signifies to know, but to approve, love, etc. They therefore would translate the passage thus: All the works of God are ever dear unto him. And, if so, consequently we might naturally expect him to be merciful to the Gentiles, as well as to the Jews; and the evidence now afforded of the conversion of the Gentiles is an additional proof that all God's works are equally dear to him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning--He who announced these things so long before, and He who had now brought them to pass, were one and the same; so that they were no novelty.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Known unto God are all his works,.... These are the words of James, and not of Amos; all the things which God does in the church and in the world, they were all foreknown and predetermined by him: from the beginning of the world; or from eternity; even all his works of creation, providence and grace: the Alexandrian copy, and Beza's most ancient copy, and the Vulgate Latin version, read in the singular number, "his work"; the work of the conversion of the Gentiles; this was fixed and resolved on by God in eternity; he knew it would be, because he had determined it should be; and accordingly he foretold it, and spoke of it in various periods of time before it came to pass; and therefore it should not be looked upon as some new and strange thing, that was never known, spoken or heard of: and this holds true of every other work of God, and agrees with what the Jews sometimes say (z), that "every work which is renewed in the world, the holy blessed God has commanded (or ordered) it from the day the world was created.'' (z) Zohar in Exod. fol. 78. 2. Vid. ib. in Lev. fol. 25. 4.