King James Version

What Does Acts 15:11 Mean?

Acts 15:11 in the King James Version says “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”

Acts 15:11 · KJV

FaithGraceSalvation

Context

9

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

10

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

11

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

12

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

13

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

Read Acts 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they—Peter's statement inverts the expected formula: rather than Gentiles being saved like Jews, Jews are saved like Gentiles—by grace alone, apart from law-keeping. Through the grace (διὰ τῆς χάριτος) emphasizes salvation's unmerited nature; 'Lord Jesus Christ' uses the full title denoting deity, messiahship, and sovereignty. Even as they (καθ' ὃν τρόπον κἀκείνοι) refers to Cornelius and Gentile converts who received the Spirit without circumcision. This leveling statement—Jew and Gentile saved identically by grace through faith—settles the circumcision controversy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's decisive speech at the Jerusalem Council (circa 49 AD), convened to address Pharisaic Christians' demand that Gentile converts be circumcised (v.5). Peter recalled Cornelius' conversion (chapter 10), arguing God gave Gentiles the Spirit 'put no difference between us and them' (v.9). James then cited Amos 9:11-12, and the council decided against requiring circumcision (vv.19-20). This decision enabled Gentile Christianity to flourish.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does grace as the sole basis for salvation eliminate all human boasting?
  2. What modern equivalents to circumcision do Christians add to the gospel of grace alone?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 13

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

διὰ2 of 13

“that through”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χάριτος4 of 13

“the grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

κυρίου5 of 13

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ6 of 13

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ7 of 13

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

πιστεύομεν8 of 13

“we believe”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

σωθῆναι9 of 13

“we shall be saved”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

καθ'10 of 13

“even”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὃν11 of 13
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τρόπον12 of 13

“as”

G5158

a turn, i.e., (by implication) mode or style (especially with preposition or relative prefix as adverb, like); figuratively, deportment or character

κἀκεῖνοι13 of 13

“they”

G2548

likewise that (or those)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 15:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 15:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 3:24Titus 3:4-7Ephesians 2:5-9Titus 2:11Galatians 2:16Romans 6:23

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Acts 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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