Acts 15:16
After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
Original Language Analysis
Μετὰ
After
G3326
Μετὰ
After
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἀναστρέψω
I will return
G390
ἀναστρέψω
I will return
Strong's:
G390
Word #:
3 of 18
to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e., remain, live
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκηνὴν
the tabernacle
G4633
σκηνὴν
the tabernacle
Strong's:
G4633
Word #:
7 of 18
a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατεσκαμμένα
the ruins
G2679
κατεσκαμμένα
the ruins
Strong's:
G2679
Word #:
13 of 18
to undermine, i.e., (by implication) destroy
αὐτήν
it
G846
αὐτήν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
Jeremiah 12:15And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.1 Kings 12:16So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.
Historical Context
The Jerusalem Council (c. AD 49-50) addressed whether Gentile converts needed circumcision for salvation. James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, settled the dispute by demonstrating that Amos prophesied Gentile inclusion in the restored Davidic kingdom. His authoritative ruling shaped the church's missionary strategy and prevented a fatal split between Jewish and Gentile believers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does James's interpretation of Amos show that Old Testament promises find fulfillment in Christ's church, not merely ethnic Israel?
- What does this passage teach about using Scripture to resolve theological disputes in the church?
Analysis & Commentary
After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David—James quotes Amos 9:11-12 (LXX) at the Jerusalem Council to justify Gentile inclusion without circumcision. The Greek σκηνήν (skēnēn, tabernacle/tent) refers to David's fallen dynasty. The verb ἀνοικοδομήσω (anoikodomēsō, I will rebuild) emphasizes God's sovereign restoration, not human effort.
Which is fallen down (τὴν πεπτωκυῖαν)—The perfect participle indicates the completed state of David's house after the exile. James argues that Christ's resurrection fulfills this promise, establishing a restored kingdom that now includes Gentiles "upon whom my name is called" (v. 17). This isn't ethnic Israel's political restoration but the Messiah's universal reign through the church, vindicating Peter's report of Gentile conversions (v. 7-11).