Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Acts 15:21

Μωϋσῆς γὰρ ἐκ γενεῶν�.τ.λ., for Moses of old time (lit. from generations of old) hath in every city, &c. Here we have the reason why these injunctions are to be laid upon the Gentile converts. It is necessary however to take the whole verse into consideration before we can decide on the force of the reason. Laying stress chiefly on the expression ‘from generations of old,’ some have thought that St James’s argument means that the Mosaic ritual having been preached for so long a time and found to be a load too heavy to bear, must now be given up, except in these specified points. Again, the verse has been taken to mean that there was no need for the Christian Church to legislate about the observance of the Mosaic Law other than in these few points, because there was public teaching on the subject everywhere in the Jewish synagogues. Jewish Christians were therefore supplied with guidance, and would be so supplied until by degrees Judaism had entirely given place to Christianity. No doubt the Apostle contemplates the retention by the Jewish Christians of much of their old ritual, and that they would make no breach with the services of the synagogue. But in these enactments, which were apparently only for a time (since St Paul nowhere alludes to them in his Epistles), and to promote peace between Gentiles and Jews, we must remember that the Jews are the persons who have felt offence, and for whose quieting the decree is put forth. The argument of the council seems to be this: We, Jews, may make this concession to the Gentiles without fear. It is not probable that our feelings and prejudices will be interfered with, or the Mosaic Law in its other portions set aside; ‘for Moses,’ &c.

ἀναγινωσκόμενος, being read. On the reading of the Jewish Scriptures in the synagogues, see the Excursus at the end of chap. 13.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Acts 15:21

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