And after they were silent, James responded, saying, “Men, brothers, hear me: Simon recounted how even as at first God oversaw to take a people out from among the nations for His name. And with this agree the Words of the prophets, as it has been written, After these things “I will return and “will build again the tabernacle of David which has fallen,” “and I will build again the things which have been demolished,” and I will set it up, so as the rest of men may seek the Lord, “even all the nations on whom My name has been called, says the Lord, who is doing all these things.” [Amos 9:11, 12] All His works are known to God from eternity. For this reason I judge not to trouble those from the nations turning to God, but to write to them to hold back from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and that strangled, and blood. For in every city from ancient generations Moses has those proclaiming him, having been read in the synagogues on every sabbath.
Acts 15:13-21
- (ABP) And after their quieting, James responded
- (ASV) And after they had held their peace, James answered,
- (BBE) And when they had come to an end, James, answering, said,
- (CEV) After they had finished speaking, James said:
- (CJB) Ya`akov broke the silence to reply.
- (ERV) When they finished speaking, James said,
- (ISV) After Paul and Barnabas had finished speaking, James responded,
- (JUB) And after they had become silent, James answered, saying,
- (KJV) And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying,
- (LITV) And after they were silent, James responded, saying,
- (MSG) The silence deepened; you could hear a pin drop. James broke the silence.
- (Murdock) And after they ceased, James arose and said:
- (NLT) When they had finished, James stood and said,
- (RV) And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying,
- (TLV) After they finished speaking, Jacob answered,
- (TS2009) And after they were silent, Ya‛aqoḇ answered, saying,
It is interesting that when all was said and done James broke the silence. James, the brother of Jesus. James the one who was called “James the Just” and who later go on to lead the church in Jerusalem. Here is one who is rather unexpectedly included in the discussion. Take time to note what he says and what he doesn’t say. I am merely making sure we take time to pay due attention to what Luke records for us that James added to the discussion. It is possible for us to just pass over his contribution and not pay it due attention. Hence my deliberate attempt to ensure we focus on what James had to say, for myself and for your sake.
Take the time to process these nine verses using all the tips I have given you in the Gems or via Deeper Bible. Ask yourself the questions that come to mind. To do this I have deliberately chosen the most Literal Version of the Bible (LITV) to take you closer to what Luke actually wrote. I have chosen verse 13 in a variety of versions to highlight how Luke introduces James. But I haven’t highlighted what he actually said above, apart from giving you the text of the passage in the LITV. Take time to ponder his words and put yourself in the moment.
Take some time to read it through and see what things strike you or stand out to you. I have done this kind of thing before from time to time. Taking something that we could easily skip over and not pay due attention to, and putting the spotlight on it. I am primarily doing it for me but of course including you as well. I am encouraging you to do it with me. Learn how to pause and ponder on elements you likely haven’t pondered on before.
I will give you my input on Monday. Feel free to send me your comments or questions in the intervening days.
Don’t let education get in the way of your learning.
Mark Twain
It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.
Martin van Buren
To say ‘I don’t have time,’ is really saying, ‘I don’t want to.’ or ‘It is not a priority’.
Lao Tzu
If you put a small value on yourself or your time, rest assured that the world will not raise your price.
Anon
I would rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.
Ian Vail