Acts 15:11
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
διὰ
that through
G1223
διὰ
that through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
2 of 13
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριτος
the grace
G5485
χάριτος
the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
4 of 13
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
πιστεύομεν
we believe
G4100
πιστεύομεν
we believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
8 of 13
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
σωθῆναι
we shall be saved
G4982
σωθῆναι
we shall be saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
9 of 13
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
καθ'
even
G2596
καθ'
even
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
10 of 13
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ὃν
G3739
ὃν
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Romans 3:24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:Titus 2:11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,Galatians 2:16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.2 Corinthians 13:14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 5:15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.1 Corinthians 16:23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.Galatians 1:6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Historical Context
Peter's decisive speech at the Jerusalem Council (circa 49 AD), convened to address Pharisaic Christians' demand that Gentile converts be circumcised (v.5). Peter recalled Cornelius' conversion (chapter 10), arguing God gave Gentiles the Spirit 'put no difference between us and them' (v.9). James then cited Amos 9:11-12, and the council decided against requiring circumcision (vv.19-20). This decision enabled Gentile Christianity to flourish.
Questions for Reflection
- How does grace as the sole basis for salvation eliminate all human boasting?
- What modern equivalents to circumcision do Christians add to the gospel of grace alone?
Analysis & Commentary
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they—Peter's statement inverts the expected formula: rather than Gentiles being saved like Jews, Jews are saved like Gentiles—by grace alone, apart from law-keeping. Through the grace (διὰ τῆς χάριτος) emphasizes salvation's unmerited nature; 'Lord Jesus Christ' uses the full title denoting deity, messiahship, and sovereignty. Even as they (καθ' ὃν τρόπον κἀκείνοι) refers to Cornelius and Gentile converts who received the Spirit without circumcision. This leveling statement—Jew and Gentile saved identically by grace through faith—settles the circumcision controversy.