John Calvin Commentary Acts 15:21

"For Moses from generations of old hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath." — Acts 15:21 (ASV)

For Moses hath. This passage, in my judgment, has been poorly expounded and interpreted in a contrary sense.

For interpreters think that James added this because it was superfluous to prescribe anything for the Jews, who were very familiar with the doctrine of the law, as it was read to them every Sabbath day. They extract this meaning: "Let us be content to require these few things from the Gentiles, who are not accustomed to bear the yoke of the law. As for the Jews, they have Moses, from whom they may learn more."

Some also infer from this passage that circumcision, with its related practices, should be observed even today among the Jews. But they reason unsoundly and unskillfully, even if the interpretation I have just described were true.

But James had a very different meaning. Namely, he teaches that ceremonies cannot be abolished so quickly, as it were, at a single stroke. This was because the Jews had for a long time been familiar with the doctrine of the law, and Moses had his preachers.

Therefore, it was necessary for them to secure harmony for a short time, until the liberty obtained through Christ might gradually become more evident.

This is what is said in the common proverb: that it was fitting for the old ceremonies to be buried with some honor. Those who are skilled in the Greek language will know that I changed that final clause, When he is read every Sabbath-day in the synagogues, for good reason, to avoid ambiguity.