Acts 15:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

James was bishop of the Jerusalem Church, and for this reason he speaks last. Here what was said is fulfilled: "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established" (Mt 18:16). Consider also his prudence. He confirms his word by new teachers and by the ancient prophets, since he could not point to any event as Peter or Paul could. It was well ordered that this took place through those who did not intend to remain in Jerusalem. James, who instructed them, was not subject to them, though he was not separated from their opinion. What, then, does he say? "Men and brethren, listen to me. Simon has declared." Some say that this James is the same man whom Luke mentions in Lk 5:10. Others understand another man of the same name.

“James answered, saying.” This James was the bishop; therefore he speaks afterward. Notice his wisdom also: he confirms his word both by a new testimony and by Old Testament prophecies.

When the hearts of all had thus been prepared, the Apostle James, the brother of the Lord, began to speak. Because he strictly observed the law, he was held in great respect even among the Jews, and his voice could all the more find trust in this matter. He concluded the council with a proposal intended to mediate between the disputing sides.

Finally, the speech of James, who supported what Peter and Paul had said by prophecies from the Old Testament, confirmed the triumph of truth over prejudice.

Then the Apostle James, the brother of the Lord, rose. Because of the strictness of his life, he enjoyed high reverence even among the Jews.

When Barnabas and Paul had finished their account, they fell silent, and the assembly also remained silent. Their accounts no longer provoked objections and disputes, as they had in the earlier assembly, verses 4-5. Then James began to speak. This was undoubtedly James, the brother of the Lord, Acts 12:17 and note. He was the head of the Jerusalem Church, appointed bishop of Jerusalem by the Lord Himself. He himself was a strict observer of the law. For his strict fulfillment of the law he received the name "the Just" (Eusebius, Church History 2.23). His speech had a decisive effect. As he said, so they acted. His speech is divided into two parts. In the first, verses 14-18, he confirms the words of the Apostle Peter by the prophetic word, and therefore fully agrees with him. In the second, verses 19-21, he expresses his opinion on how the question of the relation of Gentile Christians to the law of Moses should be resolved.

The speech of the Apostle James, the first bishop of Jerusalem, is brief, yet deeply substantial and powerful. First he makes a remarkable reference to the speech of the Apostle Peter. Namely, God had foreordained that peoples of God should be formed even from the Gentiles. He expressed this less sharply by replacing it with the words "a people for His name," which essentially means the same thing. Then he confirms the truth of the Apostle Peter's words by citing prophecy. Finally, he makes the corresponding proposal to the Council, which accepts it. "James was bishop of the Jerusalem Church, and therefore he speaks last," writes Saint John Chrysostom. "Consider his prudence.