Acts 15:11

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

But {G235} we believe {G4100} that through {G1223} the grace {G5485} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} we shall be saved {G4982}, even {G2596}{G3739} as {G5158} they {G2548}.

No, it is through the love and kindness of the Lord Yeshua that we trust and are delivered — and it’s the same with them.”

On the contrary, we believe it is through the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in like manner as they.

Commentary

Acts 15:11 is a pivotal statement delivered by the Apostle Peter during the Jerusalem Council, a landmark event for the early Christian church. This verse encapsulates the core message of salvation by grace, a doctrine that would become fundamental to Christian theology.

Context

The book of Acts chronicles the spread of the early church. In Acts chapter 15, a significant theological debate arises: must Gentile converts to Christianity be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be saved? Some Jewish believers, known as Judaizers, insisted on these requirements. Peter, drawing from his experience with Cornelius (detailed in Acts 10), argues against imposing such burdens. His speech, culminating in verse 11, champions the idea that God had already demonstrated His acceptance of Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, without requiring adherence to Jewish customs.

Key Themes

  • Salvation by Grace: The central message is that salvation is not earned through human effort, adherence to laws, or religious rituals, but is a free gift received "through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ." This concept of salvation by grace through faith is a cornerstone of New Testament teaching.
  • Equality in Christ: The phrase "even as they" refers to Jewish believers. Peter asserts that both Jews and Gentiles are saved by the same means—God's unmerited favor through Jesus Christ. This revolutionary declaration broke down ethnic and religious barriers, affirming that all who believe are equal in God's sight, a theme echoed in Galatians 3:28.
  • The Centrality of Jesus Christ: The Lord Jesus Christ is presented as the sole source and mediator of this saving grace. Salvation is inextricably linked to His person and His finished work on the cross.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "grace" is charis (χάρις), signifying unmerited favor, kindness, or a gift freely given without expectation of return. It emphasizes that salvation is entirely God's initiative and provision, not something humanity can achieve.
  • "Saved" comes from the Greek sōthēsometha (σωθησόμεθα), which means to be delivered, preserved, made whole, or rescued from danger (in this context, from sin and its consequences).

Practical Application

Acts 15:11 continues to resonate today, offering profound implications for faith and practice:

  • Freedom from Legalism: This verse stands as a powerful reminder that no amount of good works, religious observance, or adherence to human traditions can earn salvation. It liberates believers from the burden of trying to prove themselves worthy before God.
  • Unity in the Church: By declaring that both Jews and Gentiles are saved by the same grace, the verse promotes unity and mutual acceptance within the diverse body of Christ. It underscores that our common ground is not our background or practices, but our shared salvation in Jesus.
  • Humility and Gratitude: Recognizing salvation as a gift of grace fosters humility and deep gratitude towards God. It shifts the focus from what we do for God to what God has done for us through Christ, leading to a life of responsive obedience and worship. This truth is foundational to understanding God's character and our relationship with Him, as explored in Romans 3:24.
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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

  • Romans 3:24 (14 votes)

    Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

  • Titus 3:4 (10 votes)

    But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

  • Titus 3:7 (10 votes)

    That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

  • Titus 2:11 (8 votes)

    ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

  • Ephesians 2:5 (7 votes)

    Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

  • Ephesians 2:9 (7 votes)

    Not of works, lest any man should boast.

  • Galatians 2:16 (7 votes)

    Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.