Acts 15:9

KJV

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} put {G1252} no {G3762} difference {G1252} between {G3342}{G5037} us {G2257} and {G2532} them {G846}, purifying {G2511} their {G846} hearts {G2588} by faith {G4102}.

Complete Jewish Bible

that is, he made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their heart by trust.

Berean Standard Bible

He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith.

American Standard Version

and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:9 captures Peter's profound declaration at the Jerusalem Council, asserting God's impartial acceptance of both Jewish and Gentile believers. He emphasizes that God made no distinction between them, demonstrating His divine approval by granting the Holy Spirit to Gentiles and purifying their hearts solely through faith, thereby nullifying the necessity of Mosaic Law observance for salvation. This verse stands as a foundational statement for the universal nature of the gospel and salvation by grace through faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 15:9 is a pivotal statement within Peter's address to the Jerusalem Council, which convened to resolve a contentious theological dispute. The preceding verses (Acts 15:1-5) describe the arrival of certain Jewish believers from Judea who insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and adhere to the Law of Moses to be saved. This contention caused "no small dissension and debate" (Acts 15:2). Peter, having been instrumental in the conversion of Cornelius's household (Acts 10), stands up to remind the council of God's direct intervention in bringing Gentiles into the fold without requiring circumcision or adherence to the Law. His argument in verses 7-11 serves as a powerful testimony, setting the stage for James's concluding remarks and the council's ultimate decision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was grappling with its identity as it expanded beyond its Jewish origins. For centuries, Jewish identity was inextricably linked to the covenant of circumcision (Genesis 17:9-14) and adherence to the Mosaic Law, including dietary restrictions and Sabbath observance. The idea that Gentiles could become full members of God's people without adopting these markers was revolutionary and deeply challenging to many Jewish Christians, especially the Pharisees who had converted (Acts 15:5). The cultural chasm between Jews and Gentiles was vast, marked by distinct social customs, religious practices, and a long history of separation. Peter's argument directly confronts these deeply ingrained cultural and religious assumptions, highlighting God's new work in Christ that transcends traditional boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is **Divine Impartiality**, demonstrating that God shows no favoritism based on ethnicity or background, a truth underscored by Peter's experience in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius"). Another critical theme is **Salvation by Faith Alone**, directly challenging the notion that works of the Law are necessary for justification. This aligns with the Pauline emphasis on [grace through faith](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Furthermore, the concept of **Internal Transformation** is central, as the purification is described as occurring in the "hearts" rather than through external rituals, echoing the [New Covenant promise of a transformed heart](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **difference (Greek, _diakrínō'_):** From διά and κρίνω; to separate thoroughly, i.e. (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication, decide), or (reflexively) hesitate. In this context, Peter asserts that God Himself did not "discriminate" or "make a distinction" between Jewish and Gentile believers regarding the reception of the Holy Spirit and salvation, thereby leveling the playing field for all who believe.
* **purifying (Greek, _katharízō'_):** From καθαρός; to cleanse (literally or figuratively). Here, it refers to a spiritual cleansing and moral purification of the inner being, the "hearts." This is not an external, ceremonial purification achieved through human effort or ritual observance, but a profound, internal transformation divinely accomplished through genuine faith.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** From πείθω; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession. This word is crucial, as it identifies the sole means by which God purifies hearts and accepts individuals, whether Jew or Gentile, directly contrasting with reliance on works of the Law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And put no difference between us and them":** This clause highlights God's absolute impartiality. "Us" refers to Jewish believers, and "them" refers to Gentile converts. Peter asserts that God, in His sovereign act of salvation, did not require Gentiles to undergo circumcision or adhere to the Mosaic Law to be accepted into His covenant people, just as He did not require Jewish believers to do so for their salvation in Christ. This declaration directly refutes the claims of the Judaizers who sought to impose these requirements.
* **"purifying their hearts by faith":** This second clause explains *how* God made no difference and *what* He did. The purification is not external or ritualistic, but an internal, spiritual cleansing of the "hearts," the seat of one's will, intellect, and emotion. This profound transformation is accomplished "by faith," meaning that sincere belief and trust in God (and by extension, in Jesus Christ) are the sole instruments through which this divine work of cleansing and acceptance occurs. This emphasizes that salvation is a work of God's grace, received through faith, not earned by human merit or adherence to legalistic requirements.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, setting "us" (Jewish believers) against "them" (Gentile believers) to emphasize God's unified approach to both groups. This highlights the breaking down of traditional barriers. **Metaphor** is evident in the phrase "purifying their hearts," as the heart is not literally cleansed but spiritually transformed and made pure in God's sight. This internal cleansing stands in stark contrast to external, ceremonial purifications. The phrase "by faith" functions as a **Means**, indicating the instrument through which this purification is achieved, underscoring the theological principle of *sola fide*.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 15:9 is a cornerstone for understanding the New Testament's doctrine of salvation and the nature of the church. It unequivocally declares that God's grace extends universally, without ethnic or legalistic prerequisites. The purification of hearts "by faith" underscores the internal, spiritual transformation that defines true conversion, moving beyond outward religious performance to a profound work of God's Spirit. This verse dismantles the walls of division, establishing a new community where all are one in Christ, united not by shared ancestry or adherence to a legal code, but by common faith in a gracious God. It affirms that the Holy Spirit is given to all who believe, regardless of their past, serving as the ultimate sign of God's acceptance.

* [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 15:9 offers timeless truths for believers today, reminding us that God's acceptance is based purely on His grace, received through faith, rather than on our background, achievements, or adherence to man-made rules. This should foster profound humility and gratitude, knowing that our standing before God is not earned but freely given. It calls us to examine our own hearts for any lingering prejudices or tendencies to create "us vs. them" mentalities within the body of Christ. True unity in the church is found in our shared faith in Jesus, transcending all cultural, social, or denominational differences. This verse encourages us to prioritize the internal work of the Spirit in purifying hearts over external religious displays, understanding that genuine transformation flows from a living faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "put a difference" between myself and others, either inside or outside the church, based on external factors rather than shared faith in Christ?**
* **How does understanding that God purifies hearts "by faith" alone deepen my appreciation for His grace and challenge any tendencies toward self-righteousness or legalism in my own life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster greater unity and acceptance within my community, reflecting God's impartial love for all people?**

### FAQ
**What was the "difference" that God did not put between Jews and Gentiles?**

Answer: The "difference" refers to the traditional distinctions and requirements of the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, that some Jewish believers believed were necessary for Gentiles to be saved and fully accepted into God's covenant people. Peter argues that God Himself did not require these external markers for salvation, but rather accepted both Jews and Gentiles equally through faith, as evidenced by His giving the Holy Spirit to uncircumcised Gentiles (as seen in [Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "Acts 10:44-48 - The Holy Spirit Falls on Gentiles")). God's act of "purifying their hearts by faith" demonstrates that the true basis of acceptance is internal spiritual transformation, not external ritualistic adherence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 15:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "purification of hearts by faith" points directly to Christ as the source and object of that faith. Before Christ, purification often involved external rituals and sacrifices, but these were only shadows of the ultimate cleansing that would come through His atoning work. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, making possible a radical, internal purification for all who believe. His death on the cross broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile, creating [one new humanity](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace") in Himself. The impartiality of God, so clearly articulated by Peter, is fully realized in Christ, who is the [Savior of all mankind](/1_timothy/4-10 "1 Timothy 4:10 - God, the Savior of All"), and through whom both Jew and Gentile have [access in one Spirit to the Father](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ"). Thus, Acts 15:9 is a powerful testament to the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work, inviting all to be purified and reconciled to God through faith in Him.

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

Ephesians 3:6

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Galatians 5:6

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Acts 10:28

And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Acts 11:12

And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

1 Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Romans 3:22

Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: