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.

ACTS 15:17KJV
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Acts 15:17 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:17 mean?

Acts 15:17 says that God’s purpose is for all people, not just Jews but also non-Jews (“Gentiles”), to seek Him and be called by His name. This verse shows that God’s invitation is open to everyone who turns to Him.

Acts 15:17 is spoken by James to the early church leaders in Jerusalem as they discuss whether Gentile believers must follow Jewish customs. James quotes from the Old Testament to show that God always intended to include Gentiles among His people. The verse emphasizes that God’s plan is bigger than one nation and welcomes all who seek Him.

The Greek behind Acts 15:17

  • “Residue” (λοιπός, loipos): This word means “the rest” or “what is left.” Here, it refers to all people besides Israel, highlighting that God’s concern is for everyone, not just a select group.
  • “Gentiles” (ἔθνη, ethnē): This word means “nations” or “non-Jews.” Its use here stresses that God’s name and blessing are meant for all peoples, not just the Jewish nation.
  • “Upon whom my name is called” (ἐπ’ οὓς ἐπικέκληται τὸ ὄνομά μου, ep’ hous epikeklētai to onoma mou): This phrase means that God claims these people as His own. It points to a relationship where God’s identity is shared with those who seek Him, not just by ancestry but by calling.

Why Acts 15:17 matters

  • Acts 15:17 clears up the idea that only Jews could belong to God’s people, showing that Gentiles are included in God’s promises.
  • The verse supports the decision of the Jerusalem council that Gentile believers do not need to become Jewish or follow all Jewish laws to be accepted by God.
  • It connects the early church’s mission to the larger story of the Bible, showing that welcoming all nations was always part of God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“after” Greek G1567 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 11:50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
  • Romans 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
  • Hebrews 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

“called” Greek G1941 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
  • Acts 26:32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

“That” Greek G3704 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Acts 23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.