Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Acts 15:18

"Saith the Lord, who maketh these things known from of old." — Acts 15:18 (ASV)

The interpretation of v.18 is notoriously difficult. Many (such as NIV) understand the clause as part of a conflated biblical citation that extends from v.16 through v.18, probably alluding to Isa 45:21. It seems better, however, to interpret the words here as a comment by James to this effect: We cannot be in opposition to the express will of God, as evidenced by Peter’s testimony and the prophets’ words—but only God himself knows for certain how everything fits together and is to be fully understood!