Acts 18

Acts 18:1

There rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees. Men of that sect who, like Paul, had become Christians, but unlike him had retained their Jewish bigotry. Perhaps some of them were Paul’s old friends. They seem to have sprung the controversy when the missionaries gave account of their work (Acts 15:4).

Acts 18:2

The apostles and elders came together. A meeting of the apostles and the elders of Jerusalem was called. It was in the year A.D. 51, about twenty years after the ascension of Christ. One apostle had suffered martyrdom; eleven, including Matthias, remained, though some might have been in distant parts. James, the “brother of the Lord” (Galatians 1:19), though not one of the Twelve, was a chief man now in the Jerusalem church, and is often spoken of by historians as its pastor, or bishop. Though his sentiment decided the question this day, he has been regarded as a leader of the Judaizing Christians. See Galatians 2:12.

Acts 18:3

When there had been much disputing. One side insisted that the Gentiles must keep the law of Moses, the other that they were not under the Mosaic covenant at all. Peter rose. Probably silent until this time. He arose to rehearse his own experiences which had given him new light. A good while ago. Nine or ten years before. For the account of Peter’s conversion of the Gentiles, see Acts 10:9-48 11:4-18.

Acts 18:5

Put no difference between us and them. Accepted them just as he accepted us, and gave the Holy Spirit as a proof to us that he had accepted them. Purifying their hearts by faith. The Jews held that Gentiles were unclean, but Peter declared that faith, the true circumcision, that of the heart, not of the body, purified them into fitness for the ordinances of Christ. Observe Peter’s doctrine: not circumcision of the flesh, but the faith that leads to obedience cleanses from uncleanness.

Acts 18:6

To put a yoke. To impose Jewish obligations on Gentile Christians. The law of Moses was a yoke that neither our fathers nor we were able to bear. So strict in its requirements that none could keep it perfectly.

Acts 18:7

Through the grace of the Lord. This is the hope of both Jew and Gentile, not obedience to the ceremonials of Moses.

Acts 18:8

All the multitude kept silence. After Peter’s reminder of his work among the Gentiles, Paul and Barnabas were probably called on to show whether their work, like Peter’s, showed that God was with them. They therefore gave some account of the miracles that God had wrought by their hands, thereby attesting the Divine favor.

Acts 18:9

James answered, saying. For other references to James see 1 Corinthians 15:7 Galatians 1:19 2:9 and the Epistle of James. He is also mentioned several times in the Gospels, and seems, before the death of Jesus, to have been an unbeliever. It is probable that the speech of Peter, followed by the account given by Paul and Barnabas, convinced him, and led to the views he now expresses.

Acts 18:10

Simeon. Simon Peter.

Acts 18:11

To this agree the words of the prophets. The quotation he gives is from Amos 9:11,12.

Acts 18:12

Build again the tabernacle of David. Restore the splendors of his family in the reign of the Messiah, “the Son of David” (Matthew 1:1 12:23 21:9,15 22:42 Mr 12:35).

Acts 18:13

That the residue of men. The Gentile world. This grand prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles makes no mention of circumcision.

Acts 18:14

Known unto God are all his works. The meaning is that this calling of the Gentiles is a part of the Divine plan known to God from the beginning.

Acts 18:15

Wherefore. Since it is evidently God’s will, “My sentence is, that we do not trouble them”. Sentence. Decision.

Acts 18:16

That they abstain. Four items are mentioned, which are all embraced in the apostolic letter as things forbidden. They were four common customs of the Gentile world, and matters on which there should be a clear understanding. From the pollutions of idols. The first does not mean only to refrain from worshiping idols, or eating meat offered in idol sacrifice, but from all the pollutions of the system of idolatry. Licentiousness and drunkenness received a sanction from religion. See Lecky’s “European Morals”, chap. V., and Conybeare and Howson’s “Paul”, chap. IV. [From] fornication.

Chastity was the exception instead of the rule among Gentiles at this period. [From] things strangled. Because in strangling the blood was retained in the flesh. [From] blood. The use of blood was prohibited by the Mosaic law (Leviticus 17:14 Deuteronomy 12:16,23), and for wise reasons this prohibition was extended to Gentiles. The Roman epicures were wont to drown fowls in wine and then use the flesh. It was a common thing to drink wine mingled with blood. The only way to strike at these savage practices was to prohibit its use.

Acts 18:17

For Moses . . . hath. There are synagogues in every city. The use of blood would shock the Jews who have membership in these.

Acts 18:18

Then pleased it . . . the whole church. All acquiesced in the judgment of James. The church is not before mentioned as taking part. The decisions seem to have been submitted to its voice. To send chosen men. As the messengers of the church at Jerusalem. Judas surnamed Barsabas. Little is known of him to save that he was a prophet (Acts 15:32). Silas. Like Judas, a prophet (Acts 15:32). Well known after this as the companion of Paul. See Acts 16:19,25,29 1 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:19.

Acts 18:19

They wrote [letters]. A letter. Luke gives it, I suppose, verbatim. [Send] greeting. Observe that the greeting is not only from the apostles and elders, but from the church.

Acts 18:21

It seemed good unto us. It seemed good to them to send men, but the decision made “seemed good to the Holy Spirit” (Acts 15:28).

Acts 18:22

Men that have hazarded their lives. The high praise is given to Paul and Barnabas. It is the tribute of the church at Jerusalem to the two men sent from the church at Antioch.

Acts 18:24

Seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us. The decision was inspired.

Acts 18:25

That ye abstain, etc. See PNT Acts 15:20.

Acts 18:27

They rejoiced for the consolation. When they returned and the letter was read to the church at Antioch, it caused great joy.

Acts 18:28

Judas and Silas, being prophets. Inspired speakers. Such speakers were necessary to the church until it had the New Testament for a guide.