Acts 15:7

Authorized King James Version

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πολλῆς

G4183

much

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

συζητήσεως

G4803

disputing

mutual questioning, i.e., discussion

γενομένης

G1096

when there had been

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἀναστὰς

G450

rose up

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

Πέτρος

G4074

Peter

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

εἶπεν

G2036

and said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς

G846

them

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

#10

Ἄνδρες

G435

Men

a man (properly as an individual male)

#11

ἀδελφοί

G80

and brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

#12

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#13

ἐπίστασθε

G1987

know

to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with

#14

ὅτι

G3754

how that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#15

ἀφ'

G575

ago

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#16

ἡμερῶν

G2250

while

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

#17

ἀρχαίων

G744

a good

original or primeval

#18

ὁ

G3588

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

#19

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#20

ἐν

G1722

among

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#21

ἡμῖν

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

#22

ἐξελέξατο

G1586

made choice

to select

#23

διὰ

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#24

τοῦ

G3588

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

#25

στόματός

G4750

mouth

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

#26

μου

G3450

of me

#27

ἀκοῦσαι

G191

should hear

to hear (in various senses)

#28

τὰ

G3588

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

#29

ἔθνη

G1484

that the Gentiles

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

#30

τὸν

G3588

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

#31

λόγον

G3056

the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#32

τοῦ

G3588

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

#33

εὐαγγελίου

G2098

of the gospel

a good message, i.e., the gospel

#34

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#35

πιστεῦσαι·

G4100

believe

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

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Paul