Acts 15:10

Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Peter addresses the Jerusalem council, challenging those who demand Gentile converts submit to Mosaic customs. He speaks during the formal debate over whether faith in Christ requires adherence to the Law.

The words — The Greek ζυγὸν (zugon) means "a yoke," and πειράζετε (peirazete) translates as "are you testing." Peter directly links testing God to imposing a burdensome obligation that neither he nor their ancestors could carry.

The thread — This yoke imagery parallels Jesus’ condemnation of Pharisaic burdens in Matthew 23:4 and Paul’s warning against returning to a yoke of slavery in Galatians 5:1. The pattern of abandoning known truth for weak principles also surfaces in Galatians 4:9.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to identify any added requirements that contradict salvation by grace through faith. It commands the rejection of legalistic systems that replace trust in Christ with unkeepable human standards.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Cross-references

Matthew 23:4 They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 4:9 But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Hebrews 9:9 It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper.
Isaiah 7:12 But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.”
Matthew 4:7 Jesus replied, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Exodus 17:2 So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?”
Hebrews 3:9 where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works.
Galatians 4:1 What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything.