Acts 15:17

Authorized King James Version

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅπως

G3704

That

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

ἂν

G302

whatsoever

ἐκζητήσωσιν

G1567

might seek after

to search out, i.e., (figuratively)investigate, crave, demand, (by hebraism) worship

ὁ

G3588

who

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατάλοιποι

G2645

the residue

left down (behind), i.e remaining (plural the rest)

ὁ

G3588

who

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπων

G444

of men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ὁ

G3588

who

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριος

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

πάντα

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#12

ὁ

G3588

who

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

ἔθνη

G1484

the Gentiles

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

#14

ἐπ'

G1909

upon

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#15

οὓς

G3739

whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#16

ἐπικέκληται

G1941

is called

to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)

#17

ὁ

G3588

who

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

ὄνομά

G3686

name

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

#19

μου

G3450

of me

#20

ἐπ'

G1909

upon

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#21

αὐτούς

G846

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

#22

λέγει

G3004

saith

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#23

κύριος

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#24

ὁ

G3588

who

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#25

ποιῶν

G4160

doeth

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#26

ταῦτα

G5023

these things

#27

πάντα

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul