doctrine was very discouraging. Wise and good men desire to avoid contests and disputes as far as
they can; yet when false teachers oppose the main truths of the gospel, or bring in hurtful doctrines,
we must not decline to oppose them.
Verses 7–21
We see from the words “purifying their hearts by faith,” and the address of St. Peter, that
justification by faith, and sanctification by the Holy Ghost, cannot be separated; and that both are
the gift of God. We have great cause to bless God that we have heard the gospel. May we have that
faith which the great Searcher of hearts approves, and attests by the seal of the Holy Spirit. Then
our hearts and consciences will be purified from the guilt of sin, and we shall be freed from the
burdens some try to lay upon the disciples of Christ. Paul and Barnabas showed by plain matters
of fact, that God owned the preaching of the pure gospel to the Gentiles without the law of Moses;
therefore to press that law upon them, was to undo what God had done. The opinion of James was,
that the Gentile converts ought not to be troubled about Jewish rites, but that they should abstain
from meats offered to idols, so that they might show their hatred of idolatry. Also, that they should
be cautioned against fornication, which was not abhorred by the Gentiles as it should be, and even
formed a part of some of their rites. They were counselled to abstain from things strangled, and
from eating blood; this was forbidden by the law of Moses, and also here, from reverence to the
blood of the sacrifices, which being then still offered, it would needlessly grieve the Jewish converts,
and further prejudice the unconverted Jews. But as the reason has long ceased, we are left free in
this, as in the like matters. Let converts be warned to avoid all appearances of the evils which they
formerly practised, or are likely to be tempted to; and caution them to use Christian liberty with
moderation and prudence.
Verses 22–35
Being warranted to declare themselves directed by the immediate influence of the Holy Ghost,
the apostles and disciples were assured that it seemed good unto God the Holy Spirit, as well as to
them, to lay upon the converts no other burden than the things before mentioned, which were
necessary, either on their own account, or from present circumstances. It was a comfort to hear that
carnal ordinances were no longer imposed on them, which perplexed the conscience, but could not
purify or pacify it; and that those who troubled their minds were silenced, so that the peace of the
church was restored, and that which threatened division was removed. All this was consolation for
which they blessed God. Many others were at Antioch. Where many labour in the word and doctrine,
yet there may be opportunity for us: the zeal and usefulness of others should stir us up, not lay us
asleep.
Verses 36–41
Here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no less than Paul and Barnabas, yet
made to end well. Barnabas wished his nephew John Mark to go with them. We should suspect
ourselves of being partial, and guard against this in putting our relations forward. Paul did not think
him worthy of the honour, nor fit for the service, who had departed from them without their