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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Acts 15:1–5

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
AND certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

25 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 1

  1. Galatians 5:6Rank 1 from verse 1
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    6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

  2. Acts 15:5Rank 2 from verse 1
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    5But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

  3. Colossians 2:8Rank 3 from verse 1
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    8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

  4. 1 Corinthians 7:18–19Rank 4 from verse 1
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    18Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

    19Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

  5. Galatians 2:11–14Rank 5 from verse 1
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    11But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

    12For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

    13And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

    14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

From verse 2

  1. Acts 15:22–23Rank 1 from verse 2
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    22Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

    23And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

  2. Acts 15:6–7Rank 2 from verse 2
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    6¶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

    7And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

  3. Galatians 2:1–2Rank 3 from verse 2
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    1THEN fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

    2And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

  4. 2 Corinthians 11:5Rank 4 from verse 2
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    5For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

  5. Acts 11:30Rank 5 from verse 2
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    30Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

From verse 3

  1. Acts 14:27Rank 1 from verse 3
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    27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

  2. Acts 21:5Rank 2 from verse 3
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    5And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

  3. 1 Corinthians 16:11Rank 3 from verse 3
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    11Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

  4. 1 Corinthians 16:6Rank 4 from verse 3
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    6And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

  5. Acts 11:18–19Rank 5 from verse 3
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    18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

    19¶ Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

From verse 4

  1. Acts 14:27Rank 1 from verse 4
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    27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

  2. Acts 15:12Rank 2 from verse 4
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    12¶ Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

  3. Acts 15:3Rank 3 from verse 4
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    3And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

  4. Acts 21:17Rank 4 from verse 4
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    17And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

  5. Romans 15:18Rank 5 from verse 4
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    18For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

From verse 5

  1. Galatians 5:1–3Rank 1 from verse 5
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    1STAND fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

    2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

    3For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

  2. Acts 15:1Rank 2 from verse 5
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    1AND certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

  3. Philippians 3:5–8Rank 3 from verse 5
    Open

    5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

    6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

    7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

    8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

  4. Acts 15:24Rank 4 from verse 5
    Open

    24Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

  5. Acts 21:20Rank 5 from verse 5
    Open

    20And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Acts 15:1

COMBINED MEANING

certain

↗

1. A particular person, thing, place, time, amount, or number not named or not further specified; also some members or portion of a group. 2. Sure, settled, true, reliable, or known beyond doubt.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

brethren

↗

1. Persons of the same people, tribe, community, or shared service who are regarded or addressed as brothers. 2. Persons regarded as brothers by reason of faith or another spiritual relation. 3. Male siblings or other male relatives.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

except

↗

Sense 1: Unless; with the exclusion of; apart from. Sense 2: To exclude or leave out. Sense 3: To object or take exception.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

circumcised

↗

Sense 1: Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of circumcise, meaning to cut off the foreskin as the commanded sign of the covenant. Sense 2: Figuratively, to remove hardness or uncleanness of heart.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

after

↗

1. Later than or following in time or order. 2. Behind. 3. In pursuit of.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

saved

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of save, meaning to rescue, deliver, preserve, keep alive, heal, recover, or bring safely through.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Acts 15:2

COMBINED MEANING

small

↗

1. Little or limited in size, amount, number, extent, strength, power, rank, or importance. 2. Fine or minute; broken or ground into small particles. 3. In “no small,” considerable or great. 4. In “small cattle,” sheep and goats, as distinguished from oxen or larger cattle.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

dissension

↗

Strong disagreement, contention, strife, or conflict that separates persons into opposing sides.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

determined

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of determine, meaning to decide or render judgment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

certain

↗

1. A particular person, thing, place, time, amount, or number not named or not further specified; also some members or portion of a group. 2. Sure, settled, true, reliable, or known beyond doubt.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

should

↗

A verb expressing duty, propriety, expectation, intention, purpose, condition, appointed outcome, or a future event viewed from another time or statement.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

apostles

↗

1. Persons sent or commissioned as messengers, including apostles of Christ or of the Lamb. 2. Persons who claim or present themselves as apostles without being true apostles.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

about

↗

1. Around or near in place, position, or movement; on every side, in a circuit, from place to place, or turned from one direction or state toward another. 2. Approximately in number, measure, distance, or time. 3. Concerning, occupied with, or engaged in a matter. 4. On the point of, intending, or attempting an action.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Acts 15:3

COMBINED MEANING

on

↗

1. At, upon, or in contact with the named place, object, side, or time. 2. Toward, against, concerning, depending upon, or directed to the named person or thing. 3. Forward or continuing; in joined expressions such as go on, put on, and lay hold on, the other words supply the particular action.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

church

↗

Sense 1: An assembly or congregation belonging to God or Christ. Sense 2: In passages identifying the church with Christ's body, the body of which Christ is the head.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

passed

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of pass, meaning to go by, through, over, or beyond; to happen, cease, or be transferred.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

caused

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of cause, meaning to make something happen.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

joy

↗

Sense 1: Gladness, delight, or rejoicing. Sense 2: To rejoice, delight, or be glad.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

brethren

↗

1. Persons of the same people, tribe, community, or shared service who are regarded or addressed as brothers. 2. Persons regarded as brothers by reason of faith or another spiritual relation. 3. Male siblings or other male relatives.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Acts 15:4

COMBINED MEANING

received

↗

Past-tense or past-participial form of receive (to take, accept, admit, welcome, or obtain).

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

church

↗

Sense 1: An assembly or congregation belonging to God or Christ. Sense 2: In passages identifying the church with Christ's body, the body of which Christ is the head.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

apostles

↗

1. Persons sent or commissioned as messengers, including apostles of Christ or of the Lamb. 2. Persons who claim or present themselves as apostles without being true apostles.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

declared

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of declare, meaning to make known, tell, announce, proclaim, explain, show, or state plainly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Acts 15:5

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

rose

↗

1. A flowering plant or its flower. 2. Arose or stood up.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

certain

↗

1. A particular person, thing, place, time, amount, or number not named or not further specified; also some members or portion of a group. 2. Sure, settled, true, reliable, or known beyond doubt.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

sect

↗

A group distinguished by a particular religious or philosophical opinion.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

believed

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of believe. Sense 1: To accept as true on testimony or evidence; to be persuaded. Sense 2: To trust or place confidence in.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

circumcise

↗

Sense 1: To cut off the foreskin as the commanded sign of the covenant. Sense 2: Figuratively, to remove hardness or uncleanness of heart.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

command

↗

Sense 1: To order or direct with authority. Sense 2: An authoritative order, charge, or commandment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

keep

↗

To guard, watch, protect, preserve, secure, retain, possess, hold, maintain, support, tend, manage, observe, obey, fulfil, celebrate, continue in, refrain from, or remain faithful to a person, place, trust, command, promise, way, time, or thing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

law

↗

Sense 1: An authoritative rule, command, ordinance, instruction, standard, or body of requirements. Sense 2: The writings containing such instruction. Sense 3: A governing principle, power, regular order, or civil rule. Sense 4: In family compounds, relationship by marriage.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

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1AND certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

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2When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

Selected passage

3And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Selected passage

4And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

Selected passage

5But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

Selected passage

6¶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

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