Acts 15:7

Acts 15:7. And when there had been much disputing. ‘Questioning' or ‘debating' would better represent the Greek word translated ‘disputing.' It can easily be conceived that the mixed assembly contained many earnest advocates, both of the old Jewish party, and of what may be termed the new Gentile school of Christians. These had each their arguments to urge. The older apostles, Peter and John, supported by the powerful influence of James, well known and honoured by the most rigorous Hebrew Christians, with great moderation and wisdom arranged a common platform, on which the extreme men of both parties might act in unison, and together carry on the weighty work of their Divine Master.

Peter rose up, and said unto them. Only those speeches are reported which closed the debate, and which evidently expressed the general feeling of the majority of the Council. Peter's words, of course, were exceedingly weighty, as the deliberate expression of opinion of one who had ever stood high in the Master's friendship and confidence, and who, from the very first, had occupied a leading position among the brethren. There is no doubt that the burning ardour of Paul, and his marked success in the work, had influenced in no small degree the warm-hearted and enthusiastic Peter. It must have been a great effort for the older apostle, bound by so many Hebrew prejudices, to have pleaded so warmly, so generously, for Gentile freedom.

The noble self-denial which Peter showed, the brave and independent position which he took no this momentous occasion, and which probably cost him much of his influence among the stricter Jewish Christians, must be reckoned among the famous apostle's chiefest titles to honour.

A good while ago. Better rendered ‘from ancient days.' Peter's reminder was a grave rebuke to the extreme Pharisee party, who probably had forgotten the case of Cornelius, referred to by the apostle, which had taken place some eight or ten years before.