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Eventually the entire life is crippled. If the Jews raised under the law could not keep it, why are
they trying to put the Gentiles under it (Galatians 6:13)?

Act 15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved,
even as they.

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we (Jews) shall be saved, even as
they (Gentiles).

It is like Peter is saying, “We Jews, who think we are so smart, should take lessons from these
Gentiles. Let’s observe how they are saved and become spiritual, and follow their example. If
we could not get the law to work for us, why are we trying to put the law on someone who is
successful without it? We are failures trying to instruct successes.

PAUL AND BARNABAS TESTIFY

Act 15:12 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.

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience (the floor) to Barnabas and Paul,
declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by (through) them.

The multitude keeps silent because they are hearing the truth from Peter and had no answer.
In the silence, Paul and Barnabas tell of the missionary journey from which they have just
returned. They tell of the salvations, infillings, church plantings, signs, and miracles which have
come to the Gentiles. This all had occurred without the preaching of the law. It also had
happened to a group of people who have never known the law.

15:12 wonders, teras (ter-as); Compare “teratology,” the science that deals with
unexplainable phenomena. Teras denotes extraordinary occurrences, supernatural
prodigies, omens, portents, unusual manifestations, miraculous incidents portending
the future rather than the past, and acts that are so unusual they cause the observer to
marvel or be in awe. Teras is always in the plural, associated with semeion (signs). Signs
and wonders are a perfect balance for touching man’s intellect, emotions, and will.

JAMES SPEAKS

James, the pastor of the Jerusalem church, carries a lot of authority with the legalistic Jews who
are listening. His words have some effect, but a compromise with legalism will later destroy the
Jerusalem church and neutralize the effect of the knowledge gained at this juncture.

Act 15:13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren,
hearken unto me:

Act 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them
a people for his name.