| Geneva Study Bible {7} Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. (7) James confirms the calling of the Gentiles out of the word of God, in this agreeing with Peter. People's New Testament 15:14 Simeon. Simon Peter. Wesley's Notes 15:14 Simon hath declared - James, the apostle of the Hebrews, calls Peter by his Hebrew name. To take out of them a people for his name - That is to believe in him, to be called by his name. Scofield Reference Notes Margin at the first Lit. for the first time, i.e. in the house of Cornelius. Acts 15:8-11 10:34-48 11:12-18. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 14-17. Simeon-a Hebrew variation of Simon, as in 2Pe 1:1; (Greek), the Jewish and family name of Peter. hath declared how God at the first-answering to Peter's own expression "a good while ago" (Ac 15:7). did visit the Gentiles to take out of them-in the exercise of His adorable sovereignty. a people for his name-the honor of his name, or for His glory. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 15:7-21 We see from the words purifying their hearts by faith, and the address of St. Peter, that justification by faith, and sanctification by the Holy Ghost, cannot be separated; and that both are the gift of God. We have great cause to bless God that we have heard the gospel. May we have that faith which the great Searcher of hearts approves, and attests by the seal of the Holy Spirit. Then our hearts and consciences will be purified from the guilt of sin, and we shall be freed from the burdens some try to lay upon the disciples of Christ. Paul and Barnabas showed by plain matters of fact, that God owned the preaching of the pure gospel to the Gentiles without the law of Moses; therefore to press that law upon them, was to undo what God had done. The opinion of James was, that the Gentile converts ought not to be troubled about Jewish rites, but that they should abstain from meats offered to idols, so that they might show their hatred of idolatry. Also, that they should be cautioned against fornication, which was not abhorred by the Gentiles as it should be, and even formed a part of some of their rites. They were counselled to abstain from things strangled, and from eating blood; this was forbidden by the law of Moses, and also here, from reverence to the blood of the sacrifices, which being then still offered, it would needlessly grieve the Jewish converts, and further prejudice the unconverted Jews. But as the reason has long ceased, we are left free in this, as in the like matters. Let converts be warned to avoid all appearances of the evils which they formerly practised, or are likely to be tempted to; and caution them to use Christian liberty with moderation and prudence. | 
