King James Version

What Does Acts 15:7 Mean?

Acts 15:7 in the King James Version says “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good whi... — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

Acts 15:7 · KJV


Context

5

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. rose: or, rose up, said they, certain

6

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

7

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

8

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

9

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'great disputing' at the Jerusalem Council reveals how seriously the early church took theological questions. The debate over Gentile circumcision touched fundamental issues about salvation's basis and the law's role. That the church allowed extensive discussion before resolution shows wisdom in thoroughly addressing controversies rather than quick, superficial decisions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This council (c. AD 49) addressed Christianity's most crucial theological crisis: whether Gentiles must become Jews to be saved. The debate's outcome determined whether Christianity would remain a Jewish sect or become a universal faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance conviction about truth with patience in allowing full discussion of controversial issues?
  2. What does this teach about the importance of thoroughly addressing theological controversies rather than ignoring them?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 35 words
πολλῆς1 of 35

much

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

δὲ2 of 35

And

G1161

but, and, etc

συζητήσεως3 of 35

disputing

G4803

mutual questioning, i.e., discussion

γενομένης4 of 35

when there had been

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἀναστὰς5 of 35

rose up

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

Πέτρος6 of 35

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

εἶπεν7 of 35

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς8 of 35

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς9 of 35

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἄνδρες10 of 35

Men

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἀδελφοί11 of 35

and brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὑμεῖς12 of 35

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἐπίστασθε13 of 35

know

G1987

to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with

ὅτι14 of 35

how that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀφ'15 of 35

ago

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἡμερῶν16 of 35

while

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἀρχαίων17 of 35

a good

G744

original or primeval

18 of 35
G3588

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

θεὸς19 of 35

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐν20 of 35

among

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἡμῖν21 of 35

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ἐξελέξατο22 of 35

made choice

G1586

to select

διὰ23 of 35

by

G1223

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

τοῦ24 of 35
G3588

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

στόματός25 of 35

mouth

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

μου26 of 35

my

G3450

of me

ἀκοῦσαι27 of 35

should hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τὰ28 of 35
G3588

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

ἔθνη29 of 35

that the Gentiles

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

τὸν30 of 35
G3588

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

λόγον31 of 35

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ32 of 35
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίου33 of 35

of the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

καὶ34 of 35

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πιστεῦσαι·35 of 35

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


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 15:7 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 15:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study