As touching the Gentiles which believe
This is said, to show that the Jews were not offended with Paul, for not insisting upon the circumcision of the believing Gentiles, and their conformity to the ceremonial law; and to remove an objection that Paul might make, that should he comply with this advice, and the believing Gentiles should hear of it, it might be a stumblingblock and a snare to them; who by his example, might think themselves obliged to regard the law: Beza's ancient copy adds, "they have nothing to say to thee"; for as it follows,
we have written and concluded;
some years ago, at a meeting of the apostles, elders, and brethren at Jerusalem, when Paul was present; and of which he reminds him, to prevent any objection of this kind; where it was unanimously agreed on and determined,
that they observe no such things;
as circumcision, and other rites and customs of the law, and particularly the vow of the Nazarite, which Gentiles are free from: hence it is said F21,
``Gentiles have no Nazariteship;''
upon which one of the commentators says F23, if a Gentile vows Nazariteship, the law of the Nazarite does not fall upon him, he is not obliged to it:
save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols,
&c. see ( Acts 15:19 Acts 15:20 Acts 15:28 Acts 15:29 ) .