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Verse Takeaways
1
God's Plan Isn't New
Commentators unanimously explain that James's statement emphasizes a crucial point: the inclusion of the Gentiles was not a sudden change or a new idea. It was part of God's eternal plan, known to Him "from of old." This assured the early church that God was fulfilling His ancient promises, not abandoning them for something strange or innovative.
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Book Overview
Acts
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Acts 15:18
18th Century
Theologian
Known unto God, and so on. (See Barnes on Acts 1:24).
The meaning of this verse, in this context, is this. God sees everything futu…
AT Robertson
On Acts 15:18
From the beginning of the world (απ' αιωνος). Or, "from of old." James adds these words, perhaps with a reminiscence of Isa 45:21.…
Charles Ellicott
On Acts 15:18
19th Century
Bishop
Known to God are all his works (Acts 15:18).—The better manuscripts give “all His work”—that is, the great wo…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 15:18
The interpretation of v.18 is notoriously difficult. Many (such as NIV) understand the clause as part of a conflated biblical citation that extends…
John Calvin
On Acts 15:18
16th Century
Theologian
Known from the beginning. This is a preemptive point, intended to dispel the animosity that might have arisen from the novelty of the situ…
John Gill
On Acts 15:18
17th Century
Pastor
Known unto God are all his works
These are the words of James, and not of Amos; all the things which God does in the…
Matthew Henry
On Acts 15:7–21
17th Century
Minister
We see from the words purifying their hearts by faith, and the address of Saint Peter, that justification by faith and sanctification by t…