| Geneva Study Bible {11} For it seemed good to the {n} Holy Ghost, and {o} to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these {p} necessary things; (11) That is a lawful council, which the Holy Spirit rules. (n) First they made mention of the Holy Spirit, so that it may not seem to be any man's work. (o) Not that men have any authority of themselves, but to show the faithfulness that they used in their ministry and labour. (p) This was no absolute necessity, but in respect of the state of that time, so that the Gentiles and the Jews might live together more peaceably, with less occasion to quarrel. People's New Testament 15:28 Seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us. The decision was inspired. Wesley's Notes 15:28 These necessary things - All of these were necessary for that time. But the first of them was not necessary long; and the direction concerning it was therefore repealed by the same Spirit, as we read in the former Epistle to the Corinthians. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 28, 29. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, &c.-The One, inwardly guiding to and setting His seal on the decision come to: the other, the external ecclesiastical authority devoutly embracing, expressing, and conveying to the churches that decision:-a great principle this for the Church in all time. to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things . from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well-The whole language of these prohibitions, and of Ac 15:20, 21, implies that they were designed as concessions to Jewish feelings on the part of the Gentile converts, and not as things which were all of unchanging obligation. The only cause for hesitation arises from "fornication" being mixed up with the other three things; which has led many to regard the whole as permanently prohibited. But the remarks on Ac 15:20 may clear this (see on [2026]Ac 15:20). The then state of heathen society in respect of all the four things seems the reason for so mixing them up. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 15:22-35 Being warranted to declare themselves directed by the immediate influence of the Holy Ghost, the apostles and disciples were assured that it seemed good unto God the Holy Spirit, as well as to them, to lay upon the converts no other burden than the things before mentioned, which were necessary, either on their own account, or from present circumstances. It was a comfort to hear that carnal ordinances were no longer imposed on them, which perplexed the conscience, but could not purify or pacify it; and that those who troubled their minds were silenced, so that the peace of the church was restored, and that which threatened division was removed. All this was consolation for which they blessed God. Many others were at Antioch. Where many labour in the word and doctrine, yet there may be opportunity for us: the zeal and usefulness of others should stir us up, not lay us asleep. | 
