Act 15:16-18 | RWP | e4.org | I will build again ( ανοικοδομησω ). Here LXX has αναστησω . Compound ( ανα , up or again) of οικοδομεω , the verb used by Jesus in of the general church or kingdom as here which see. The tabernacle of David ( την σκηνην Δαυειδ ), a poetical figure of the throne of David ( ) now "the fallen tent" ( την πεπτωκυιαν ), perfect active participle of πιπτω , state of completion. The ruins thereof ( τα κατεστραμμενα αυτης ). Literally, "the ruined portions of it." Perfect passive participle of καταστρεφω , to turn down. It is a desolate picture of the fallen, torn down tent of David. I will let it up ( ανορθωσω ). Old verb from ανορθοω ( ανα, ορθος ), to set upright. See on of the old woman whose crooked back was set straight.

‏ Acts 15:16-18

I will build again ( ανοικοδομησω ). Here LXX has αναστησω. Compound ( ανα, up or again) of οικοδομεω, the verb used by Jesus in Mt 16:18 of the general church or kingdom as here which see.

The tabernacle of David ( την σκηνην Δαυειδ ), a poetical figure of the throne of David (2Sa 7:12) now "the fallen tent" ( την πεπτωκυιαν ), perfect active participle of πιπτω, state of completion.

The ruins thereof ( τα κατεστραμμενα αυτης ). Literally, "the ruined portions of it." Perfect passive participle of καταστρεφω, to turn down. It is a desolate picture of the fallen, torn down tent of David.

I will let it up ( ανορθωσω ). Old verb from ανορθοω ( ανα, ορθος ), to set upright. See on Lu 3:13 of the old woman whose crooked back was set straight.

That the residue of men may seek after the Lord ( οπως αν εκζητησωσιν ο καταλοιπο των ανθρωπων τον κυριον ). The use of οπως with the subjunctive (effective aorist active) to express purpose is common enough and note αν for an additional tone of uncertainty. On the rarity of αν with οπως in the Koine see Robertson, Grammar, p. 986. Here the Gentiles are referred to. The Hebrew text is quite different, "that they may possess the remnant of Edom." Certainly the LXX suits best the point that James is making. But the closing words of this verse point definitely to the Gentiles both in the Hebrew and the LXX, "all the Gentiles" ( παντα τα εθνη ). Another item of similarity between this speech and the Epistle of James is in the phrase "my name is called" ( επικεκλητα το ονομα μου ) and Jas 2:7. The purpose of God, though future, is expressed by this perfect passive indicative επικεκλητα from επι-καλεω, to call on. It is a Jewish way of speaking of those who worship God.

From the beginning of the world ( απ' αιωνος ). Or, "from of old." James adds these words, perhaps with a reminiscence of Isa 45:21. His point is that this purpose of God, as set forth in Amos, is an old one. God has an Israel outside of and beyond the Jewish race, whom he will make his true "Israel" and so there is no occasion for surprise in the story of God's dealings with the Gentiles as told by Barnabas and Paul. God's eternal purpose of grace includes all who call upon his name in every land and people (Isa 2:1; Mic 4:1). This larger and richer purpose and plan of God was one of the mysteries which Paul will unfold in the future (Ro 16:25; Eph 3:9). James sees it clearly now. God is making it known ( ποιων ταυτα γνωστα ), if they will only be willing to see and understand. It was a great deliverance that James had made and it exerted a profound influence on the assembly.