What is the meaning of Acts 15:18? that - The tiny word points back to the promise just quoted: “so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name” (Acts 15:17). - James is highlighting exactly “that” outcome—the inclusion of Gentiles—spoken by the Lord through Amos 9:11-12. - The Lord Himself ties His rebuilding work to a definite result, not a vague wish. • Genesis 12:3 shows the same “that” purpose: “in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” • Isaiah 49:6 affirms, “I will also make You a light for the nations.” - The word anchors the discussion: God’s plan has an identifiable objective, and it is unfolding before their eyes. have - “Have” reminds us the plan already exists in God’s mind; He is not improvising. • Isaiah 46:9-10: “I declare the end from the beginning… My purpose will stand.” • 2 Corinthians 1:20: “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” - What God has purposed, He considers as good as done. That certainty steadies believers who face opposition or confusion. been - “Been” signals continuity; God’s redemptive agenda runs like a seamless thread through history. • Psalm 90:2: “From everlasting to everlasting You are God.” • Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” - The gospel to the Gentiles is not a recent theological trend but rooted in God’s unchanging nature. known - God not only ordains His works; He makes them “known.” • John 13:19: “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.” • Romans 16:25-26 speaks of “the revelation of the mystery… now made known to all the nations.” - By revealing His intentions ahead of time, the Lord builds faith and silences doubters. Scripture itself becomes the surest commentary on current events. for - The preposition hints at purpose and reach—God did this “for” mankind’s salvation, not merely for an ethnic subset. • Genesis 22:18: “All nations on earth will be blessed through your offspring.” • Romans 15:9: “so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy.” - The Jerusalem Council therefore rejects any man-made barrier that would contradict God’s own universal purpose. ages - Finally, “ages” stretches our vision from the present debate back into eternity. • Ephesians 3:9-11 speaks of “the mystery hidden for ages… according to the eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus.” • Colossians 1:26: “the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.” - God’s blueprint spans the whole sweep of time; what seems new on earth is simply the latest chapter in an age-old story written by an eternal Author. summary Acts 15:18 wraps up James’s quotation with a six-word reminder that the inclusion of Gentiles is no afterthought. “That” identifies the specific promise, “have” and “been” stress its settled reality, “known” declares God’s open disclosure, “for” points to a gracious purpose, and “ages” stretches the timeline back into eternity. The verse assures believers that the gospel going to every nation was scripted by God Himself long before any human council met, and what He has made known, He will unfailingly bring to pass. |
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