Bible Strands
Acts 15:7
After much discussion, Peter got up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you that the Gentiles would hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Peter addresses the assembled apostles and elders during the Jerusalem council's deliberation on Gentile inclusion. He speaks immediately after the group finishes its initial debate and requires authoritative clarification.
The words — ἀναστὰς (anastas) means "having risen up," marking Peter's physical transition from listener to speaker. πολλῆς ζητἥσεως (pollēs zētēseōs) literally translates to "of much controversy," describing the preceding debate.
The thread — The theme of divine selection for gospel proclamation echoes Paul's commission to the uncircumcised in Galatians 2:7. The concept of God's sovereign choice among a people also parallels the Davidic covenant in 1 Chronicles 28:4.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that gospel access to Gentiles originated from divine initiative, not human negotiation. It demands acceptance that faith arises from hearing the message, as noted in Romans 10:17.
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
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
Cross-references
- Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
- Galatians 2:7 On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted to preach the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised.
- 1 Chronicles 28:4 Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me out of all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah He chose my father’s household, and from my father’s sons He was pleased to make me king over all Israel.
- Acts 15:2 And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.
- Acts 10:20 So get up! Go downstairs and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them.”
- Acts 10:32 Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, by the sea.’
- Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
- Exodus 4:12 Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”
- Jeremiah 1:9 Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
- Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.