apostles preached to the Jews, who hated idolatry, they had only to preach the grace of God in
Christ; but when they had to do with the Gentiles, they must set right their mistakes in natural
religion. Compare their conduct and declaration with the false opinions of those who think the
worship of a God, under any name, or in any manner, is equally acceptable to the Lord Almighty.
The most powerful arguments, the most earnest and affectionate addresses, even with miracles, are
scarcely enough to keep men from absurdities and abominations; much less can they, without
special grace, turn the hearts of sinners to God and to holiness.
Verses 19–28
See how restless the rage of the Jews was against the gospel of Christ. The people stoned Paul,
in a popular tumult. So strong is the bent of the corrupt and carnal heart, that as it is with great
difficulty that men are kept back from evil on one side, so it is with great ease they are persuaded
to evil on the other side. If Paul would have been Mercury, he might have been worshipped; but if
he will be a faithful minister of Christ, he shall be stoned, and thrown out of the city. Thus men
who easily submit to strong delusions, hate to receive the truth in the love of it. All who are converted
need to be confirmed in the faith; all who are planted need to be rooted. Ministers' work is to
establish saints as well as to awaken sinners. The grace of God, and nothing less, effectually
establishes the souls of the disciples. It is true, we must count upon much tribulation, but it is
encouragement that we shall not be lost and perish in it. The Person to whose power and grace the
converts and the newly-established churches are commended, clearly was the Lord Jesus, “on whom
they had believed.” It was an act of worship. The praise of all the little good we do at any time,
must be ascribed to God; for it is He who not only worketh in us both to will and to do, but also
worketh with us to make what we do successful. All who love the Lord Jesus, will rejoice to hear
that he has opened the door of faith wide, to those who were strangers to him and to his salvation.
And let us, like the apostles, abide with those who know and love the Lord.
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The dispute raised by Judaizing teachers. (1–6)
The council at Jerusalem. (7–21)
The letter from the council. (22–35)
Paul and Barnabas separate. (36–41)Verses 1–6
Some from Judea taught the Gentile converts at Antioch, that they could not be saved, unless
they observed the whole ceremonial law as given by Moses; and thus they sought to destroy Christian
liberty. There is a strange proneness in us to think that all do wrong who do not just as we do. Their