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Acts 15:9
Verse
Context
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Put no difference between us and them - Giving them the Holy Spirit, though uncircumcised, just as he had given it to us who were circumcised: an evident proof that, in the judgment of God, circumcision was no preparation to receive the Gospel of Christ. And as the purification of the heart by the Holy Spirit was the grand object of the religion of God, and that alone by which the soul could be prepared for a blessed immortality, and the Gentiles had received that without circumcision, consequently, the shadow could not be considered of any worth, now the substance was communicated.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
put no difference between us and them: purifying their hearts by faith--"Purification" here refers to "sprinkling (of the conscience by the blood of Jesus) from dead works to serve the living God." (See on Co1 6:11). How rich is this brief description of the inward revolution wrought upon the genuine disciples of the Lord Jesus!
John Gill Bible Commentary
And put no difference between us and them,.... Neither in the extraordinary gifts, nor special grace, of the Spirit; giving them the same graces of faith, hope, and love, admitting to the same privileges and immunities of the house of God, and giving them a right and title to the same inheritance of the saints in light, though the one were circumcised, and the other were not. God puts no difference as to matters of religion under the Gospel dispensation between Jews and Gentiles, neither on account of Abraham's seed, or of circumcision, or of the ceremonial law, or of national adoption; nor would he have any made with respect to conversation, civil or religious; all which Peter knew full well: nor has he made any difference in his eternal choice of persons to eternal salvation, on any of the above accounts, having ordained Gentiles to eternal life as Jews, who in consequence of it believe in Christ; nor in redemption, Christ having redeemed by his blood men out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation; nor in the effectual calling, for they that were called in the first times of the Gospel, were not of the Jews only, but of the Gentiles also, to whom the Gospel was alike sent, and made effectual to saving purposes: these shared in the same blessings of pardon, justification, and adoption; their sins were forgiven through the same blood, their persons were justified by the same righteousness, and they were taken into the same family, and were no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens of the saints, and of the household of God; having the same access to God, being built on the same foundation, enjoying the same privileges, and having the same hope of eternal glory. Purifying their hearts by faith; which was done by implanting faith in them, and leading that faith to the blood of Christ, which cleanses from all sin, original and actual, with which men are defiled; for faith has not this efficacy in itself, but as it has to do with the blood of Jesus: and this spiritual purification being what answered to circumcision, made that unnecessary; for this is the circumcision of the heart, of which the other was only typical. The hearts of men are filthy, and need purifying; they are originally polluted with sin; this is the case of all men; and this defilement reaches to all the members of the body, and the faculties of the soul; and especially the heart is the seat of this impurity, which God only can cleanse: he promises to do it, and does do it; and he only can do it, men cannot; for though, they are exhorted to it, in order to make them sensible of their pollution, and their need of cleansing, that they may apply where it is to be had, yet it is not in their power to effect it; to make a clean heart is a creation work, which is peculiar to God: the heart cannot be purified, neither by ceremonial ablutions, nor by works of moral righteousness, nor by humiliations and tears, nor by submission to Gospel ordinances, as water baptism, but only by the grace of God, and the blood of Christ; which the Spirit of God sprinkles upon the heart, and which faith looks to and deals with, and so it is freed from an evil conscience; and this blessing the believing Gentiles enjoyed in common with the believing Jews.
Acts 15:9
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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Clean Heart
By Ernest O'Neill1.8K38:36PSA 51:10EZK 36:26MAT 6:33MAT 15:19ACT 15:9ROM 12:21JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of swearing and its implications. He acknowledges that even though using mild swear words may not seem too evil, it is still wrong according to Jesus' teachings. The speaker emphasizes that the cleansing of the heart comes through faith in the Holy Spirit, rather than through external actions or attempts to change one's thoughts and feelings. He also highlights the prevalence of sin in the world and the importance of recognizing and avoiding sinful acts, thoughts, and words. The sermon references Acts 15:8-9 to support the idea that the Holy Spirit cleanses the heart through faith.
Ernest O'neill's Testimony
By Ernest O'Neill1.2K38:40PSA 51:10MAT 5:6MAT 5:8ACT 15:9ROM 3:23ROM 6:23ROM 7:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hungering for the word of God and being fully committed to it. He shares his personal experience of struggling with sin and realizing the need for obedience to God. The speaker highlights the significance of believing in the Bible and understanding the consequences of sin. He also briefly mentions his background and upbringing in a working-class family and his involvement in the Methodist Church.
Repentance, Forgiveness, and the Gift of the Spirit
By John Piper72837:14Book Of ActsACT 2:38ACT 10:43ACT 13:38ACT 15:9In this sermon, the speaker addresses the mistaken belief that water baptism is necessary for the forgiveness of sins. He emphasizes that the good news of the text is that even murderers of the Son of God can be forgiven and receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The speaker challenges the audience to consider if they have done something worse than killing Jesus and highlights the need for forgiveness. The answer to this need is found in verse 38, which calls for repentance and belief in Jesus who loved and gave himself for us.
The Purifying Blood
By Leonard Ravenhill8549:14The Blood of ChristPurityBlood Of ChristMAT 5:8JHN 14:6ACT 15:9ROM 12:12CO 5:17EPH 1:7HEB 4:14HEB 9:141PE 1:181JN 1:7Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of the purifying blood of Jesus, highlighting that true life is not found in material possessions but in spiritual purity and obedience to God. He reflects on the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers towards a deeper understanding of faith and love, urging them to embrace the narrow path that leads to eternal life. Ravenhill also discusses the eternal priesthood of Christ, who intercedes for believers, ensuring their spiritual growth and purity in a world filled with challenges. He encourages the congregation to recognize their identity in Christ and the power of His blood to cleanse and sustain them in their journey of faith.
Freedom From Self
By Ernest O'Neill0MRK 7:21JHN 14:16ACT 15:9ROM 6:6ROM 8:71CO 12:8GAL 5:17GAL 5:22Ernest O'Neill preaches on the search for blessedness and the struggle with inward sin that hinders our spiritual growth. He emphasizes the need for honesty in examining our hearts and the gradual decline in zeal and devotion that many Christians experience over time. O'Neill highlights the distinction between outward sins and inward sin, pointing to the importance of surrendering our 'old self' to God for complete sanctification and freedom from self. He encourages believers to have faith in God's work in their lives and to fully consecrate themselves, allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse their hearts and guide them into a deeper relationship with God.
Those Spots Which a Christian Finds in His Own Heart
By Thomas Brooks0Purification from SinFaithPSA 51:7ZEC 13:1ACT 15:9ROM 6:14EPH 1:7COL 1:14HEB 9:141PE 1:181JN 1:7REV 1:5Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true faith purifies the heart from sin, likening faith to a diligent housekeeper that not only identifies sin but also actively cleanses it. He illustrates that faith engages Christ's strength to combat sin, transforming the struggle into a divine battle where God fights against sin on behalf of the believer. Brooks highlights that reliance on personal resolutions is futile without Christ, and true victory over sin comes through faith in His power and the application of His blood. He concludes that the only remedy for the spots of sin in a Christian's heart is the cleansing power of Christ's blood, applied through faith.
Epistle 133
By George Fox0MAT 5:4ACT 15:91CO 8:11CO 13:6EPH 2:81TI 1:42TI 2:24HEB 11:6JAS 2:171JN 5:4JUD 1:20George Fox preaches about the importance of walking in wisdom, gentleness, meekness, thirst for righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, mourning, peacemaking, and enduring persecution for righteousness' sake as outlined in the Beatitudes. He emphasizes that love is essential for edification and that living faith, which is a gift from God, brings victory over the world, purifies the heart, and pleases God. Fox reminds the listeners that being in covenant with God through faith and love brings peace, while rejecting the light condemns individuals and puts them out of the covenant.
Personal Holiness
By A.W. Pink0Personal HolinessGenuine FaithISA 61:10MAT 5:8MAT 16:24ACT 15:9PHP 2:5COL 3:12TIT 1:1HEB 11:8HEB 12:141PE 1:15A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of personal holiness for believers, arguing that our fall in Adam has tainted our nature, necessitating reconciliation and renewal to see the Lord. He stresses that true holiness is not merely imputed through Christ but must be evident in the believer's life, as genuine faith produces a heart that grieves over impurity and leads to obedience. Pink warns against the deception of believing one can have faith without personal holiness, asserting that such faith is lifeless and fruitless. He calls for a transformation of the inner man, aligning our actions with God's will, and highlights that true discipleship requires self-denial and conformity to Christ's example. Ultimately, Pink asserts that without personal holiness, one cannot claim to truly know God.
A Clean Church
By Seth Rees0PSA 51:10PRO 4:23MAL 3:2MAT 3:11MAT 5:8ACT 15:91CO 3:13JAS 4:81PE 1:22Seth Rees preaches on the purification of hearts by faith, emphasizing that holiness is a state achieved through the experience of entire sanctification by the Holy Ghost. This sanctifying process is symbolized by the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire, cleansing the heart intrinsically. The Pentecostal fire is necessary to purify the soul from all impurities, doubts, and unbelief, bringing a bracing and invigorating spiritual atmosphere.
Preach It Definitely and Specifically
By Arthur Vess0ACT 15:9ROM 6:61TH 5:23HEB 11:61JN 4:18Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of seeking a second definite work of grace, stressing the instantaneous blessing that comes with it. He highlights the need for eradication and death to the old sinful nature, emphasizing the crucifixion of the old man to live a life free from sin. Vess underscores the necessity of meeting God's conditions for Him to meet our needs, pointing out that faith is essential for purification and sanctification. He encourages using clear and specific Scriptural terms like 'sanctification,' 'Holy Ghost,' 'eradication,' 'carnality,' 'second blessing,' and 'perfect love' to help believers understand and receive this transformative experience.
Epistle 49
By George Fox0Living in God's LightUnity in FaithLUK 1:33JHN 3:19ACT 15:9ROM 14:171CO 14:33EPH 1:13EPH 4:7HEB 12:9George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the life and power of God, which teaches self-denial and keeps believers from strife and deceit. He encourages the faithful to remain in the light, where actions can be judged by the pure spirit, and to cultivate a deep fear of the Lord that leads to love and unity among one another. Fox warns against confusion and actions contrary to the light, urging believers to serve diligently and to wait for the power of God to transform their earthly nature. He reassures them that through faith and the spirit of promise, they can witness the eternal kingdom of God filled with love, joy, and peace. Ultimately, he calls for unity and growth in God's grace as they gather together in His name.
John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 20
By John Wesley0GraceServanthoodMAT 19:30MRK 10:32LUK 18:31ACT 15:9John Wesley explains the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, emphasizing that God's kingdom operates on principles of grace rather than human expectations. He highlights that many Jews may be rejected while Gentiles are accepted, and that those who are last in conversion may be first in the kingdom of heaven. Wesley also addresses the misconception of entitlement among the first called, illustrating that God's generosity is not bound by human standards. He concludes by affirming that true greatness in God's kingdom comes through servanthood and sharing in Christ's sufferings.
The Second Crisis as Cleansing
By Charles Ewing Brown0ACT 15:9ROM 7:51CO 3:1GAL 5:171JN 1:7Charles Ewing Brown preaches about the doctrine of inbred sin in believers and the need for a second work of grace, entire sanctification, to cleanse believers from the remains of the carnal mind. He emphasizes that this belief, rooted in Wesleyan theology, is supported by the New Testament and has historical significance in Protestant religious faiths. Brown highlights the ongoing struggle between the flesh and the spirit in the hearts of believers, pointing to the scriptural evidence that supports the existence of inbred sin even after regeneration.
Questions/answers About the Holy Spirit
By James Blaine Chapman0ZEC 4:6JHN 16:13ACT 15:9ROM 8:91TI 1:5James Blaine Chapman delves into various questions regarding the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of relying on the Spirit's power rather than worldly resources, the significance of not grieving the Holy Spirit through continuous sin or rejection, and the understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in the lives of believers. He clarifies the use of terms like 'Holy Ghost' and 'Holy Spirit,' highlighting their interchangeable nature and the importance of accurately conveying their meaning. Chapman also addresses the concept of Christian perfection, distinguishing between perfection in love and the perfection of state, and the necessity of obedience and faith in God's work in believers' lives.
The Difference Between Legal and Gospel Mortification
By Ralph Erskine0ACT 15:9ROM 6:6ROM 7:24ROM 8:132CO 5:14GAL 6:14Ralph Erskine delves into the distinctions between legal and gospel mortification, emphasizing that gospel mortification stems from principles like the Spirit of God, faith in Christ, and the love of Christ, while legal mortification arises from legalistic principles such as seeking praise, self-righteousness, fear, and natural conscience. The believer fights against sin using grace's weapons like the blood of Christ and the promises of the covenant, while the legalist relies on law-based promises and threats. The object of mortification differs as the legalist focuses on external sins, whereas the believer targets the root of sin, seeking to overcome original corruption.
Errors Respecting Entire Sanctification
By Samuel Alexander Danford0JHN 15:2ACT 15:91CO 3:12CO 2:112CO 7:1GAL 5:171TH 5:232TH 2:13HEB 9:141JN 2:20Samuel Alexander Danford refutes several misconceptions about sanctification: that it cannot take place until death, that it is by works and not by the blood of Christ applied through faith, that it is identical with the new birth, that inbred sin can be outgrown without the Holy Spirit's work, and that sanctification cannot be certified by consciousness or attested by the Sanctifier Himself.
Things That Accompany Salvation
By Aaron Hills0MAT 5:6LUK 11:13JHN 16:33ACT 2:36ACT 3:8ACT 15:9HEB 6:9Aaron Hills preaches on the profound meaning of 'SALVATION', highlighting how it reverses the process of sin and transforms one's destiny by bringing repentance and a life centered on Christ. Full salvation is described as a continuous hunger for righteousness and a cleansing of the heart from sin through the outpouring of Christ's Spirit. This sermon emphasizes that with salvation comes power to be a witness for Christ, power to do great exploits, a burden for souls, trials that refine faith, and a deep concern for advancing the kingdom of God and glorifying Jesus.
Cleansing Through the Blood
By Andrew Murray0CleansingRedemptionPSA 51:2ZEC 13:1MAT 5:8ACT 15:92CO 7:1TIT 2:14HEB 9:14HEB 10:221JN 1:71JN 1:9Andrew Murray emphasizes the transformative power of the blood of Jesus in his sermon 'Cleansing Through the Blood.' He explains that while the blood brings reconciliation and pardon for sin, it also provides a deeper cleansing from the pollution of sin, which affects our inner being. Murray highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between guilt and pollution, and how true cleansing involves an inward change that allows believers to experience the fullness of God's salvation. He encourages believers to seek knowledge, desire purity, separate from unclean things, and exercise faith in the blood's power to achieve this cleansing. Ultimately, he calls for a continual reliance on the blood of Christ to maintain a pure heart and conscience.
Living Without a Clean Heart (Galatians 5)
By Ernest O'Neill0PRO 4:23EZK 36:26MAT 15:18JHN 14:23ACT 9:17ACT 15:9JAS 4:171JN 1:81JN 3:9Ernest O'Neill preaches about the importance of having a clean heart before God, emphasizing that all sins, whether in thoughts, emotions, or words, stem from the heart. He explains that stealing someone's reputation, resentment, and other sins all originate from the heart, as Jesus taught. O'Neill highlights the need for continual repentance, refusing to accept sin as normal, and seeking the Holy Spirit to cleanse and dwell within, leading to a life of victory over sin and alignment with God's will.
The Beatitudes the Sixth Beatitude
By A.W. Pink0Spiritual DiscernmentPurity of Heart1SA 16:7PSA 51:6EZK 36:26MAT 5:8ACT 15:9ROM 5:12CO 5:17TIT 3:51JN 1:7A.W. Pink expounds on the sixth Beatitude, 'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God,' emphasizing that true purity of heart is not about sinlessness but about a sincere and genuine relationship with God. He critiques the false notion of complete eradication of sin in believers, pointing out that even the greatest saints struggled with sin. Pink explains that purity involves a transformation of character through regeneration, leading to a heart aligned with God's will. The promise of seeing God is both a present spiritual discernment and a future hope of intimate communion with Him. Ultimately, the pure in heart are those whose affections are set on God, leading to a deeper understanding and fellowship with Him.
Matthew 5:1-10. Christ Begins His Sermon on the Mount by Pronouncing the Beatitudes.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 16:11PSA 17:15MAT 5:1ACT 15:9Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the Beatitudes, emphasizing that true happiness and blessings come from God's presence and likeness, not from earthly possessions or status. He explains that to be happy, one must strive for holiness and receive graces such as humility, meekness, mercy, and love of peace-making through prayer and faith. Mortimer highlights the importance of true Christian virtues like meekness, mercy, and peacemaking, showing that these qualities stem from a heart transformed by God's grace. He shares a story of reconciliation between ministers as an example of how Christians should strive to make peace and unite hearts. Lastly, he discusses the purity of heart, explaining that faith in Christ purifies the heart and leads to a desire for holiness, reassuring penitent sinners of God's comforting promise.
Heart Purity
By A.W. Pink0Spiritual DiscernmentHeart PurityPSA 17:15PSA 51:6EZK 36:26MAT 5:8ACT 15:91CO 13:92CO 5:17TIT 3:5HEB 10:221JN 1:8A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of heart purity in his sermon, explaining that true purity does not equate to sinlessness but rather reflects a sincere and genuine relationship with God. He critiques the false notion of complete eradication of sin in believers, highlighting that even the greatest saints struggled with sin. Pink asserts that the 'pure in heart' are those who have undergone regeneration and possess a heart transformed by God's grace, allowing them to see God both now and in the future. He encourages self-examination of one's motives and affections, urging believers to seek a deeper communion with God. Ultimately, the sermon reveals that the promise of seeing God is both a present reality and a future hope for the pure in heart.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Put no difference between us and them - Giving them the Holy Spirit, though uncircumcised, just as he had given it to us who were circumcised: an evident proof that, in the judgment of God, circumcision was no preparation to receive the Gospel of Christ. And as the purification of the heart by the Holy Spirit was the grand object of the religion of God, and that alone by which the soul could be prepared for a blessed immortality, and the Gentiles had received that without circumcision, consequently, the shadow could not be considered of any worth, now the substance was communicated.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
put no difference between us and them: purifying their hearts by faith--"Purification" here refers to "sprinkling (of the conscience by the blood of Jesus) from dead works to serve the living God." (See on Co1 6:11). How rich is this brief description of the inward revolution wrought upon the genuine disciples of the Lord Jesus!
John Gill Bible Commentary
And put no difference between us and them,.... Neither in the extraordinary gifts, nor special grace, of the Spirit; giving them the same graces of faith, hope, and love, admitting to the same privileges and immunities of the house of God, and giving them a right and title to the same inheritance of the saints in light, though the one were circumcised, and the other were not. God puts no difference as to matters of religion under the Gospel dispensation between Jews and Gentiles, neither on account of Abraham's seed, or of circumcision, or of the ceremonial law, or of national adoption; nor would he have any made with respect to conversation, civil or religious; all which Peter knew full well: nor has he made any difference in his eternal choice of persons to eternal salvation, on any of the above accounts, having ordained Gentiles to eternal life as Jews, who in consequence of it believe in Christ; nor in redemption, Christ having redeemed by his blood men out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation; nor in the effectual calling, for they that were called in the first times of the Gospel, were not of the Jews only, but of the Gentiles also, to whom the Gospel was alike sent, and made effectual to saving purposes: these shared in the same blessings of pardon, justification, and adoption; their sins were forgiven through the same blood, their persons were justified by the same righteousness, and they were taken into the same family, and were no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens of the saints, and of the household of God; having the same access to God, being built on the same foundation, enjoying the same privileges, and having the same hope of eternal glory. Purifying their hearts by faith; which was done by implanting faith in them, and leading that faith to the blood of Christ, which cleanses from all sin, original and actual, with which men are defiled; for faith has not this efficacy in itself, but as it has to do with the blood of Jesus: and this spiritual purification being what answered to circumcision, made that unnecessary; for this is the circumcision of the heart, of which the other was only typical. The hearts of men are filthy, and need purifying; they are originally polluted with sin; this is the case of all men; and this defilement reaches to all the members of the body, and the faculties of the soul; and especially the heart is the seat of this impurity, which God only can cleanse: he promises to do it, and does do it; and he only can do it, men cannot; for though, they are exhorted to it, in order to make them sensible of their pollution, and their need of cleansing, that they may apply where it is to be had, yet it is not in their power to effect it; to make a clean heart is a creation work, which is peculiar to God: the heart cannot be purified, neither by ceremonial ablutions, nor by works of moral righteousness, nor by humiliations and tears, nor by submission to Gospel ordinances, as water baptism, but only by the grace of God, and the blood of Christ; which the Spirit of God sprinkles upon the heart, and which faith looks to and deals with, and so it is freed from an evil conscience; and this blessing the believing Gentiles enjoyed in common with the believing Jews.