Acts 15:14
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
Original Language Analysis
ἐξηγήσατο
hath declared
G1834
ἐξηγήσατο
hath declared
Strong's:
G1834
Word #:
2 of 15
to consider out (aloud), i.e., rehearse, unfold
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐπεσκέψατο
did visit
G1980
ἐπεσκέψατο
did visit
Strong's:
G1980
Word #:
7 of 15
to inspect, i.e., (by implication) to select; by extension, to go to see, relieve
ἐξ
out of
G1537
ἐξ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐθνῶν
the Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
10 of 15
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
λαὸν
them a people
G2992
λαὸν
them a people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
11 of 15
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
ἐπὶ
for
G1909
ἐπὶ
for
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
James references Peter's experience with Cornelius (Acts 10, circa AD 40), the watershed moment when God first officially brought Gentiles into the church. This event preceded the current council by nearly a decade.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's election of a people from all nations fulfill His redemptive plan?
- What is the relationship between the church and Israel in God's purposes?
- How should the church's multi-ethnic composition shape our worship and witness?
Analysis & Commentary
James uses Peter's Hebrew name 'Simeon,' emphasizing continuity with Jewish faith while acknowledging Gentile inclusion. He summarizes Peter's account of God's visitation to 'take out of them a people for his name.' The Greek 'laos' (people) - previously reserved for Israel - now includes Gentiles. This demonstrates that the church, not ethnic Israel, is God's chosen people in the New Covenant.