Acts 15:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when there had been {G1096} much {G4183} disputing {G4803}, Peter {G4074} rose up {G450}, and said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Men {G435} and brethren {G80}, ye {G5210} know {G1987} how that {G3754} a good {G744} while {G2250} ago {G575} God {G2316} made choice {G1586} among {G1722} us {G2254}, that the Gentiles {G1484} by {G1223} my {G3450} mouth {G4750} should hear {G191} the word {G3056} of the gospel {G2098}, and {G2532} believe {G4100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After lengthy debate, Kefa got up and said to them, “Brothers, you yourselves know that a good while back, God chose me from among you to be the one by whose mouth the Goyim should hear the message of the Good News and come to trust.

Berean Standard Bible

After much discussion, Peter got up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you that the Gentiles would hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:7 records a pivotal moment at the Jerusalem Council where, after intense debate regarding the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, the Apostle Peter rises to deliver a decisive testimony. He reminds the gathered apostles and elders of God's sovereign choice to use him, a Jewish apostle, to bring the gospel message to the Gentiles, enabling them to hear and believe without requiring adherence to the Mosaic Law. This historical precedent, rooted in divine initiative, served as a foundational argument for the universal scope of salvation through faith in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the critical narrative of [the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"), which convened to address a profound theological and practical dispute within the early church. The preceding verses (Acts 15:1-6) detail the arrival of certain Jewish believers from Judea who insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and observe the Law of Moses to be saved, directly contradicting the gospel preached by Paul and Barnabas. This contention led to "much disputing" (Acts 15:7), highlighting the gravity of the issue that threatened to fracture the nascent Christian movement along ethnic and theological lines. Peter's intervention, following this initial period of intense debate, marks a turning point in the council's deliberations, shifting the focus from human argument to divine revelation and historical precedent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was predominantly Jewish, emerging from a rich heritage of Mosaic Law, temple worship, and covenant identity. The inclusion of Gentiles, especially without requiring circumcision and adherence to Jewish customs, presented an unprecedented challenge to deeply ingrained cultural and religious norms. Circumcision, in particular, was the physical sign of the Abrahamic covenant, distinguishing Israel from the nations. For many Jewish believers, it was inconceivable that Gentiles could fully participate in God's covenant people without adopting this foundational mark of Jewish identity. This tension reflected the broader historical divide between Jews and Gentiles, marked by centuries of separation and distinct religious practices. The council's decision would set a precedent for the future mission and identity of the church, determining whether it would remain a sect within Judaism or become a universal movement open to all.
* **Key Themes:** Peter's speech in [Acts 15:7-11](/acts/15-7-11 "Acts 15:7-11 - Peter's Testimony at the Jerusalem Council") powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty** in the spread of the gospel, emphasizing that God, not human preference or tradition, orchestrates the inclusion of all peoples. Peter explicitly states that "God made choice among us," underscoring His active role. This leads directly to the theme of the **Inclusion of Gentiles** into the covenant community, a radical departure from traditional Jewish exclusivity, affirming that salvation is not limited by ethnicity or adherence to ceremonial law. Peter's testimony also reinforces the central New Testament theme of **Salvation by Grace Through Faith**, as he recounts how Gentiles heard the gospel "by my mouth" and "believe," implying that their acceptance by God was based solely on faith in Christ, not on works of the Law. This aligns with the theological framework articulated by Paul in epistles like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith") and [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith"). Finally, Peter's personal experience with Cornelius, detailed in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius"), serves as a crucial **Apostolic Witness** and irrefutable evidence of God's acceptance of uncircumcised Gentiles, providing the necessary authority and precedent for the council's deliberations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Disputing (Greek, _syzētēsis'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to seek together" or "to discuss," this noun refers to "mutual questioning" or "discussion." In this context, it signifies a fervent and intense debate, underscoring the gravity and contention surrounding the issue of Gentile inclusion. It points to a period of earnest, perhaps even heated, theological reasoning and argument among the apostles and elders before Peter's intervention.
* **Made choice (Greek, _eklégomai'_):** This verb, meaning "to select" or "to choose out," is in the middle voice, emphasizing God's active, deliberate, and sovereign decision. Peter's use of this word highlights that the outreach to the Gentiles through his ministry was not a random event or a human initiative, but a specific, intentional act of divine election and purpose. It underscores God's ultimate authority in directing the course of salvation history.
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** This term refers to a "race" or "tribe," and specifically in the New Testament, it denotes a foreign, non-Jewish people, often implying a pagan background. Its use here is crucial, as it identifies the very group whose status within the new covenant community is being debated. Peter's testimony affirms God's direct and intentional inclusion of these "nations" into the family of faith, without requiring them to become Jewish proselytes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when there had been much disputing":** This opening phrase immediately sets the scene, indicating a significant period of intense and perhaps contentious discussion among the apostles and elders. The issue at hand—whether Gentiles needed to be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law to be saved—was not trivial but deeply divisive, leading to considerable theological and practical argument.
* **"Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren":** Peter's action of "rising up" signifies his intention to speak with authority and to bring a definitive word to the assembly. His address, "Men and brethren," is a respectful and communal form of address, acknowledging the shared faith and fellowship of those gathered, despite the disagreement. It signals his intention to speak as one among them, yet with the weight of his apostolic experience.
* **"ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us":** Peter appeals to their collective memory and shared understanding of past events. The phrase "a good while ago" refers to the significant period since his encounter with Cornelius (Acts 10). Crucially, he attributes the initiative not to himself or any human design, but to God, who "made choice" among the apostles to use him for a specific purpose. This immediately elevates the discussion from human opinion to divine decree.
* **"that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe":** This clause reveals the specific purpose of God's choice: for the Gentiles to hear the "word of the gospel" through Peter's preaching and, as a result, to "believe." This highlights the essential elements of salvation: the proclamation of the good news (the gospel), its reception through hearing, and the response of faith. It implicitly argues that if God Himself enabled Gentiles to believe and receive salvation through hearing the gospel, then imposing additional requirements like circumcision would be contrary to His revealed will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Apostolic Authority** is evident in Peter's action of "rising up" and addressing the council, signaling his intention to speak with the weight of his experience as a leading apostle. His opening address, "Men and brethren," is a form of **Rhetorical Appeal** that seeks to unite the audience in shared understanding before presenting his argument. The core of his statement is a **Historical Recounting**, where Peter appeals to a specific past event (his ministry to Cornelius) as irrefutable evidence of God's will. This historical precedent functions as a powerful form of **Argument by Example**, demonstrating God's direct intervention and approval of Gentile inclusion without circumcision. Furthermore, the emphasis on "God made choice" underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, framing the entire event as part of God's overarching plan rather than a human innovation or concession. This invocation of divine agency lends immense weight to Peter's testimony, aiming to resolve the "much disputing" by appealing to a higher, unquestionable authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 15:7 stands as a monumental declaration of God's universal redemptive plan, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. Peter's testimony, rooted in his direct experience of God's Spirit falling upon uncircumcised Gentiles, fundamentally reorients the early church's understanding of salvation. It affirms that God's covenant promises, once seemingly confined to Israel, are now openly extended to all humanity through faith in Jesus Christ, without the prerequisite of adherence to the Mosaic Law. This pivotal moment underscores the New Covenant's emphasis on an inward transformation of the heart by the Spirit, rather than outward adherence to ritualistic practices. It foreshadows the global mission of the church, demonstrating that God's desire is for all nations to hear and believe the gospel, forming one new humanity in Christ.

* [Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "Acts 10:44-48 - The Holy Spirit Falls on Gentiles")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - One New Humanity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's powerful testimony in Acts 15:7 serves as a profound reminder for the church in every age: God's redemptive work is expansive, inclusive, and often challenges our preconceived notions and traditions. Just as the early church grappled with the radical inclusion of Gentiles, we too must continually examine whether our practices, doctrines, or cultural assumptions create unnecessary barriers to the gospel. This verse calls us to humbly discern God's active leading in our time, recognizing that His Spirit continues to move in unexpected ways, bringing people from diverse backgrounds into His kingdom. It encourages us to prioritize the core message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, ensuring that human-made requirements do not overshadow the simplicity and power of the gospel. Furthermore, it models a healthy approach to theological disagreement: engaging in "much disputing" with integrity and passion, but ultimately seeking divine wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and the testimony of God's work, leading to unity and clarity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "disputing" or divisions exist within the church today that might be hindering the spread of the gospel?**
* **How does Peter's emphasis on "God made choice" challenge our human-centric approaches to ministry and evangelism?**
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, be adding extra requirements for people to "belong" in our Christian communities, beyond simple faith in Christ?**
* **How can we, like Peter, humbly share our experiences of God's work to help guide and unite the church in difficult conversations?**

### FAQ
**What was the "much disputing" about that preceded Peter's speech?**

Answer: The "much disputing" refers to the intense theological debate at the Jerusalem Council concerning whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be saved. Certain Jewish believers, particularly those from the party of the Pharisees (Acts 15:5), insisted that these Old Covenant requirements were necessary for salvation and full inclusion in God's people. This was a direct challenge to the gospel preached by Paul and Barnabas, who had been seeing many Gentiles come to faith without adopting these practices.

**Why was Peter's testimony so crucial in resolving the debate?**

Answer: Peter's testimony was crucial because he had direct, undeniable experience of God's sovereign initiative in bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. His encounter with Cornelius's household (detailed in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius")) demonstrated that God had poured out the Holy Spirit on uncircumcised Gentiles, signifying their full acceptance and salvation, even before their baptism. This divine confirmation, witnessed by Peter and others, provided irrefutable proof that God Himself had "made choice" for the Gentiles to hear and believe the gospel by faith alone, without the need for circumcision or adherence to the Mosaic Law. His apostolic authority and personal witness carried immense weight, shifting the council's focus from human tradition to divine revelation.

**Does this verse imply that the Mosaic Law is no longer relevant for believers?**

Answer: Acts 15:7, in conjunction with the broader outcome of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:19-21), indicates that Gentile believers are not bound by the ceremonial and ritualistic aspects of the Mosaic Law, such as circumcision, for salvation or acceptance. The council affirmed salvation by grace through faith in Christ. While the moral principles of the Law remain relevant as expressions of God's character and will, the ceremonial aspects that distinguished Israel from the nations were superseded by Christ's fulfillment. The focus shifted to the gospel of Christ as the sole means of salvation, accessible to all, Jew and Gentile alike, through faith. This liberation from the ceremonial law allowed the gospel to spread unhindered to the entire world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 15:7, with Peter's powerful declaration, stands as a profound testament to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's eternal purposes. Peter's recounting of God's choice to bring the gospel to the Gentiles through his mouth directly points to Jesus Christ as the universal Savior, the one who breaks down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). The "word of the gospel" that the Gentiles heard and believed is none other than the good news of salvation accomplished through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, a message intended for "all the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). This event at the Jerusalem Council, sparked by Peter's testimony, validates the New Covenant reality where salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus, not by adherence to the Law, perfectly aligning with Paul's consistent message in his epistles (e.g., [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Christ's work on the cross made it possible for people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" to be redeemed and brought into God's family ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Nation")), fulfilling ancient prophecies of a Messiah who would be a light to the Gentiles ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light for the Gentiles")). Peter's testimony in Acts 15:7 thus celebrates the liberating truth that in Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, but all are one in Him ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")), united by faith in the Lamb of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 10:17

So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10:18

But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

Galatians 2:7

But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as [the gospel] of the circumcision [was] unto Peter;

Galatians 2:9

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

1 Chronicles 28:4

Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah [to be] the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make [me] king over all Israel:

1 Chronicles 28:5

And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

Acts 15:2

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.