Acts 15:13

13 When they finished, James spoke up. "Brothers," he said, "listen to me.

Acts 15:13 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 15:13

And after they had held their peace
Meaning not the multitude, but Paul and Barnabas; when they had finished their account, and had done speaking:

James answered;
or rose up, as the Syriac version reads, he stood up and began to speak. This was James the son of Alphaeus, one of the twelve apostles, sometimes called the brother of the Lord; for the other James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John, was dead, being killed by Herod, ( Acts 12:2 ) but this was the brother of Jude, and the same that wrote the epistle that bears his name: whether he was now bishop or pastor of the church at Jerusalem, is not certain; nor whether he was president in this council; the speeches made in it do not appear to be directed to him: he began his oration thus,

saying, men and brethren, hearken to me;
the titles he uses, and the manner of desiring audience, were what were common with the Jews; see ( Acts 2:14 Acts 2:22 Acts 2:29 ) ( 7:2 ) .

Acts 15:13 In-Context

11 No! We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus. Those who aren't Jews are saved in the same way."

12 Everyone became quiet as they listened to Barnabas and Paul. They were telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done through them among non-Jews.

13 When they finished, James spoke up. "Brothers," he said, "listen to me.

14 Simon Peter has explained to us how God first showed his concern for those who aren't Jews. He chose some of them to be his very own people.

15 The prophets' words agree with that. They say,