Acts 15:28

“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, etc.] By various things they had reason doubtless to conclude, that they were under the influence and direction of the Holy Ghost in this affair; as by the spirit of prayer that was among them; by that power and energy with which many of them spoke on this occasion, and that so agreeable to the word of God; and by that unanimity with which they came into the advice given. With respect to the form here used, compare (<131302>1 Chronicles 13:2) and the Targum on it, which renders the words thus; “if it be beautiful before you, and acceptable before the Lord, let us send, etc.” It follows here, to lay upon you no greater burden than these…”

“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, &c.--The One, inwardly guiding to and setting His seal on the decision come to: the other, the external ecclesiastical authority devoutly embracing, expressing, and conveying to the churches that decision:--a great principle this for the Church in all time. to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things . . . from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well--The whole language of these prohibitions, and of Act 15:20-21, implies that they were designed as concessions to Jewish feelings on the part of the Gentile converts, and not as things which were all of unchanging obligation. The only cause for hesitation arises from…”

“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost - This is a strong and undoubted claim to inspiration. It was with special reference to the organization of the church that the Holy Spirit had been promised to them by the Lord Jesus, Matthew 18:18-20; John 14:26. No greater burden - To impose no greater restraints to enjoin no other observances. See the notes on Acts 15:10. Than these necessary things - Necessary: (1) In order to preserve the peace of the church. (2) To conciliate the minds of the Jewish converts, Acts 15:21. (3) In their circumstances particularly, because the crime which is specified - licentiousness was one to which all early converts were especially exposed. See the notes on Acts…”

“These necessary things - All of these were necessary for that time. But the first of them was not necessary long; and the direction concerning it was therefore repealed by the same Spirit, as we read in the former Epistle to the Corinthians. Acts 15:29”

“it: Joh 16:13; Co1 7:25, Co1 7:40, Co1 14:37; Th1 4:8; Pe1 1:12 greater: Mat 11:30, Mat 23:4; Rev 2:24 Acts 15:29”