Acts 15:10

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Now {G3568} therefore {G3767} why {G5101} tempt ye {G3985} God {G2316}, to put {G2007} a yoke {G2218} upon {G1909} the neck {G5137} of the disciples {G3101}, which {G3739} neither {G3777} our {G2257} fathers {G3962} nor {G3777} we {G2249} were able {G2480} to bear {G941}?

So why are you putting God to the test now by placing a yoke on the neck of the talmidim which neither our fathers nor we have had the strength to bear?

Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?

Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Commentary

Acts 15:10 (KJV) is a pivotal statement made by the Apostle Peter during the Jerusalem Council, a crucial gathering to address the integration of Gentile believers into the early Christian church. This verse encapsulates the core argument against burdening new converts with the full weight of the Mosaic Law.

Context

The early church faced a significant theological challenge: whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law to be saved. Certain Jewish believers, identified as Pharisees, insisted that this was necessary (Acts 15:5). Peter, drawing on his own experience with Cornelius (Acts 10), powerfully argues that God had already shown His acceptance of Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He had to Jews. His statement in Acts 15:10 directly challenges the idea of imposing the Law as a condition for salvation, highlighting its human impossibility.

Key Themes

  • Salvation by Grace through Faith: Peter's argument underscores that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by adherence to legalistic requirements. He explicitly states in the following verse, "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." This aligns with Paul's later teachings on justification by faith, not by works.
  • The Burden of the Law: The "yoke" metaphorically represents the Mosaic Law, particularly its ceremonial and dietary aspects, which proved to be an unbearable burden for both Jews and Gentiles alike. Peter acknowledges that even their ancestors and contemporaries were unable to perfectly fulfill its demands, revealing the Law's purpose was not to provide salvation but to expose sin (Romans 3:20).
  • God's Sovereignty and Acceptance: By saying "why tempt ye God," Peter implies that to demand adherence to the Law for Gentile salvation is to question God's clear demonstration of accepting them purely by faith. God had already poured out His Spirit on them, signifying His approval.

Linguistic Insights

The term "yoke" (Greek: zygos) vividly describes a heavy burden or oppressive servitude. It was commonly used in Jewish literature to refer to the Law. Jesus Himself spoke of a "yoke" in Matthew 11:30, but in contrast, He described His yoke as "easy" and His burden as "light," signifying the freedom and rest found in following Him by grace, rather than the burdensome legalism of human tradition.

Practical Application

Acts 15:10 remains highly relevant today, reminding believers to guard against adding human-made rules or traditions as conditions for salvation or genuine Christian experience. It challenges any teaching that suggests works, rituals, or specific cultural practices are necessary to earn God's favor or prove one's faith. The emphasis should always be on the finished work of Christ and the sufficiency of God's grace. This verse encourages a focus on the liberating truth of the Gospel, promoting unity among diverse believers based on shared faith in Jesus, rather than divisive legalisms.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 5:1

    ¶ Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

  • Matthew 23:4

    For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay [them] on men's shoulders; but they [themselves] will not move them with one of their fingers.

  • Galatians 4:9

    But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

  • Hebrews 9:9

    Which [was] a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

  • Matthew 11:28

    Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

  • Matthew 11:30

    For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.

  • Isaiah 7:12

    But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.
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