Peter’s statement (v 10-11)

Peter’s speech continues: “Since this is the case, why are you putting God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our forefathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.” (1) Peter points out the issues with the claims made by the Judaizers. (a) The Torah is a “yoke” that weighs heavily on the shoulders of believers. (b) It is something that “neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear.” (c) No one can perfectly keep the entire Torah. If one violates even one point, they are guilty of violating the whole law. (d) The oral law is an extended interpretation of the Mosaic Law, making it even more complicated. (e)Forcing Gentiles to undergo circumcision or observe the oral law is placing a “yoke” on them. (2) The claims of the Judaizers amount to testing God. (a) The Greek word for “testing” is “peirazo.” (b) This is the same word Peter used in Acts 5:9 when addressing Sapphira: “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test?…” (c) Since God has saved the Gentiles by grace and through faith, opposing God’s decision is a challenge to His authority and is amounting to testing Him. (3) Peter asserted that the Gentiles were saved in the same way as they were. This was a declaration of liberation from the Law for the Gentiles. This statement marks Peter’s last appearance in the Acts of the Apostles. Thanks to Peter’s contribution, Paul was able to continue his work of evangelizing the Gentiles.

Paul and Barnabas’ testimony (v 12)

“All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles.” (1) Peter’s final statement brought the entire assembly to silence. There was no further debate. (2) The fact that Barnabas is mentioned before Paul may be due to his greater recognition within the Jerusalem church. Barnabas and Paul gave their testimony about the first missionary journey. (a) God had performed many signs and wonders among the Gentiles through them. (b) If God had not approved of unconditional salvation, such things would not have happened. The saints of the New Testament time were freed from the yoke of the Torah and took on a new yoke (the law of Christ). This yoke is easy and light to bear (Matt. 11:28–30).