Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Acts: Chapter 15]
participle of \ex•geomai\, old verb, to go through or lead out a
narrative of events as in Lu 24:35; Ac 10:8 which see. Three
times (14:27; 15:4,12) Paul is described as telling the facts
about their mission work, facts more eloquent than argument
(Page). One of the crying needs in the churches is fuller
knowledge of the facts of mission work and progress with enough
detail to give life and interest. The signs and wonders which God
had wrought among the Gentiles set the seal of approval on the
work done through (\dia\) Barnabas and Paul. This had been
Peter's argument about Cornelius (11:17). This same verb
(\ex•g•sato\) is used by James in verse 14 referring to Peter's
speech.
15:13 {After they had held their peace} (\meta to sig•sai
autous\). Literally, "after the becoming silent (ingressive
aorist active of the articular infinitive) as to them (Barnabas
and Paul, accusative of general reference)." {James answered}
(\apekrith• Iak•bos\). First aorist passive (deponent)
indicative. It was expected that James, as President of the
Conference, would speak last. But he wisely waited to give every
one an opportunity to speak. The challenge of the Judaizers
called for an opinion from James. Furneaux thinks that he may
have been elected one of the twelve to take the place of James
the brother of John since Paul (Ga 1:19) calls him apostle.
More likely he was asked to preside because of his great gifts
and character as chief of the elders.
15:14 {Hearken unto me} (\akousate mou\). Usual appeal for
attention. James was termed James the Just and was considered a
representative of the Hebraic as opposed to the Hellenistic wing
of the Jewish Christians (Ac 6:1). The Judaizers had doubtless
counted on him as a champion of their view and did later
wrongfully make use of his name against Peter at Antioch (Ga
2:12). There was instant attention when James began to speak.
{Symeon} (\Sume•n\). The Aramaic form of Simon as in 2Pe 2:1.
This little touch would show his affinities with the Jewish
Christians (not the Judaizers). This Aramaic form is used also in
Lu 2:25,34 of the old prophet in the temple. Possibly both
forms (Symeon, Aramaic, and Simon, Greek) were current in
Jerusalem. {How} (\kath•s\). Strictly, "according as," here like
\hos\ in indirect discourse somewhat like the epexegetic or
explanatory use in 3Jo 1:3. {First} (\pr•ton\). Told by Peter
in verse 7. James notes, as Peter did, that this experience of
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