Acts 15 15

Acts 15:15 kjv

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

Acts 15:15 nkjv

And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

Acts 15:15 niv

The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:

Acts 15:15 esv

And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

Acts 15:15 nlt

And this conversion of Gentiles is exactly what the prophets predicted. As it is written:

Acts 15 verses

Acts 15 15 Meaning

This verse records Peter’s summation of the prophecy concerning the Gentiles’ salvation. He directly quotes Amos 9:11-12, asserting that this prophecy explicitly foretells God’s inclusion of the Gentiles into His people. This declaration is a pivotal moment in the early church, signifying a unified understanding and acceptance of Gentiles receiving salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, without needing to adhere to Jewish ceremonial laws.

Acts 15 15 Context

This verse occurs during the Jerusalem Council, a crucial meeting of the apostles and elders to address the contentious issue of whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic law. Peter had just shared his powerful testimony of his vision and the experience of preaching the gospel to Cornelius and his household, highlighting God's impartiality. James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, then cites Amos' prophecy as confirmation of God's intent to gather both Jews and Gentiles into His Kingdom. Verse 15, spoken by James, directly presents the prophecy as supporting evidence for their decision. The immediate context is the deliberation and consensus-building amongst the early church leaders, confirming the inclusion of Gentiles on the same footing as Jewish believers through faith in Christ.

Acts 15 15 Word Analysis

• Καὶ (kai): "and." A common conjunctive particle used to link phrases and clauses.
• μετὰ (meta): "after." Indicates a sequence in time.
• τοῦτο (touto): "this." Refers to the preceding events, likely Peter's testimony and the confirmation of the Holy Spirit’s work among Gentiles.
• ἀναστρέψω (anastrephō): "I will return." Signifies coming back, but in a spiritual sense, it implies God’s restoring presence and active involvement.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• οἰκοδομήσω (oikodomēsō): "I will build." Refers to constructing, establishing, and reinforcing.
• πάλιν (palin): "again." Denotes rebuilding or restoring something that had been ruined.
• τὴν (tēn): "the." Definite article.
• σκηνὴν (skēnēn): "tabernacle" (accusative case). Refers to a tent or dwelling, specifically here the royal dwelling or kingdom of David.
• Δαυεὶδ (Daüeid): "David." Refers to King David.
• τὴν (tēn): "the."
• πεπτωκυῖαν (peptōkuian): "fallen" (perfect participle, accusative feminine singular). Emphasizes the ruinous state of David’s kingdom/dynasty.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• τὰ (ta): "the" (neuter plural accusative).
• κατασκευάσω (kataskeuasō): "I will build up" or "I will repair." Implies restoring what is broken or ruined.
• αὐτῆς (autēs): "of it" or "its" (genitive feminine singular). Refers back to the tabernacle of David.
• τὰ (ta): "the" (neuter plural accusative).
• ἐρειπώματα (ereipōmata): "ruins" (neuter plural accusative). Emphasizes the demolished state.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• ἀναστήσω (anastēsō): "I will raise up." Signifies establishing, setting up, or causing to stand again.
• αὐτὴν (autēn): "it" (accusative feminine singular). Refers back to the tabernacle of David.

Word Group Analysis:

• "τὴν σκηνὴν Δαυεὶδ τὴν πεπτωκυῖαν" (tēn skēnēn Daüeid tēn peptōkuian): This phrase means "the tabernacle of David that is fallen." The "tabernacle of David" is a powerful metaphor, referring not to the literal tent of meeting, but to David’s dynasty and kingdom, which had fallen into disrepair and disunity, particularly after the division of the kingdom and the Babylonian exile. The "tabernacle" also evokes the presence of God within David's lineage.
• "καὶ τὰ ἐρειπώματα αὐτῆς τὰ κατασκευάσω" (kai ta ereipōmata autēs ta kataskeuasō): This translates to "and I will build up its ruins." This further emphasizes the restoration of something that was thoroughly broken and in ruins. It speaks to a complete reconstruction.
• "καὶ ἀναστήσω αὐτὴν" (kai anastēsō autēn): "and I will raise it up." This final phrase of the quote underscores the idea of establishing or restoring it to its former prominence, even better than before, a complete revival.

Acts 15 15 Bonus Section

The quote from Amos 9:11-12 is a significant Old Testament prophetic passage used in the New Testament to explain God's redemptive plan for the nations. The concept of the "tabernacle of David" symbolizes a unified people of God, encompassing both Israel and the Gentiles, restored under a Davidic ruler. This imagery highlights continuity between the Old and New Covenants, demonstrating that the Gentile inclusion was not an afterthought but a foreknown and intended part of God’s plan of salvation, foreshadowed from ancient times. The fact that this prophecy is quoted here at such a pivotal council meeting emphasizes the profound shift and reconciliation occurring in God's people.

Acts 15 15 Commentary

James is using the prophecy from Amos to show that God foreknew and intended the inclusion of Gentiles. The rebuilding of "the tabernacle of David" points to the re-establishment of a righteous kingdom and a restored people under a true Davidic King. This King is Jesus Christ. His kingdom, initially confined to Israel, would expand to encompass all nations. The prophecy signifies the reunification of a scattered people and the re-establishment of God’s presence and rule, all fulfilled in the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers united in Christ, is the fulfillment of this prophecy—the renewed and expanded house of David.