Acts 15:16,17 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

After this I will return, &c.— These words are quoted from Amos 9:11-12 according to the reading of the LXX. Bishop Chandler seems very justly to argue, that the Jews understood and admitted the words in the sense that St. James quotes them; or they would not have submitted to his interpretation, considering how strongly they were prejudiced against the consequence that he drew from them. Instead of the residue of men, it is in the Hebrew, the remnant of Edom; one of the nations which were the bitterest enemies to Israel, and a remnant of the most abandoned and profligate idolaters; and if they were to be received into the visible church, the Jews might consequently expect that the other Gentiles would be much more reconciled to Christianity. The Gentiles, upon whom the name of the Lord is called, is a most proper description of those who are converted to the true religion. See the note on Amos 9:11.

Acts 15:16-17

16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.