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Acts 15:9

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 15:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.
Acts 15:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter.
7And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that a good while ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8And God, who knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us;
9and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.
10Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in like manner as they.
12And all the multitude kept silence; and they hearkened unto Barnabas and Paul rehearsing what signs and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles through them.
← Acts 15:8Acts 15:10 →
← Full Chapter 15 Acts Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And put no difference between us and them, etc.] Neither in the extraordinary gifts, nor special grace, of the Spirit; giving them the same graces of faith, hope, and love, admitting to the same privileges and immunities of the house of God, and giving them a right and title to the same inheritance of the saints in light, though the one were circumcised, and the other were not. God puts no difference as to matters of religion under the Gospel dispensation between Jews and Gentiles, neither on account of Abraham’s seed, or of circumcision, or of the ceremonial law, or of national adoption; nor would he have any made with respect to conversation, civil or religious; all which Peter knew full…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“put no difference between us and them: purifying their hearts by faith--"Purification" here refers to "sprinkling (of the conscience by the blood of Jesus) from dead works to serve the living God." (See on Co1 6:11). How rich is this brief description of the inward revolution wrought upon the genuine disciples of the Lord Jesus!”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And put no difference ... - Though they had not been circumcised, and though they did not conform to the Law of Moses. Thus, God showed that the observance of these rites was not necessary in order to the true conversion of people, and to acceptance with him. He did not give us, who are Jews, any advantage over them, but justified and purified all in the same manner. Purifying their hearts - Thus, giving the best evidence that he had renewed them, and admitted them to favor with him. By faith - By believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. This demonstrated that the plan on which God was now about to show favor to people was not by external rites and ceremonies, but by a scheme which required faith…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Purifying - This word is repeated from Act 10:15; their hearts - The heart is the proper seat of purity; by faith - Without concerning themselves with the Mosaic law. Acts 15:10”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“put: Act 14:1, Act 14:27; Rom 3:9, Rom 3:22, Rom 3:29, Rom 3:30, Rom 4:11, Rom 4:12, Rom 9:24, Rom 10:11-13; Co1 7:18; Gal 3:28; Gal 5:6; Eph 2:14-22, Eph 3:6; Col 3:11 purifying: Act 10:15, Act 10:28, Act 10:43, Act 10:44; Co1 1:2; Heb 9:13, Heb 9:14; Pe1 1:22 Acts 15:10”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification