Acts 15:18
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
2 of 10
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αἰῶνος
the beginning of the world
G165
αἰῶνος
the beginning of the world
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεῷ
unto God
G2316
Θεῷ
unto God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 10
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 3:9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:1 Peter 1:20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,Ephesians 1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:Acts 17:26And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;Numbers 23:19God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?Matthew 13:35That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Historical Context
This appeal to God's eternal decree reflects Jewish theological understanding that God's counsel is immutable. If God predetermined Gentile inclusion, no human tradition can override it.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's eternal plan comfort you in uncertain times?
- What does divine foreknowledge teach about the certainty of God's promises?
- How should God's sovereignty shape our evangelistic efforts?
Analysis & Commentary
God's works have been 'known unto God from the beginning of the world' (Greek 'ap' aiōnos' - from eternity). This affirms God's exhaustive foreknowledge and sovereign plan. Gentile inclusion wasn't an afterthought or plan B - it was God's eternal purpose. This settles the theological question: what God eternally purposed cannot be wrong.