Quoting the Prophets (v 15-18)

The salvation of the Gentiles was first accomplished through Peter, so it was not something initiated by the Antioch church. However, human experiences must be examined for their validity in light of Scripture. The Jerusalem Council required biblical confirmation regarding the salvation of the Gentiles. James, therefore, quoted from the Old Testament prophets to reach a conclusion. “The words of the Prophets agree with this, just as it is written.” (1) The Old Testament prophecy foretells that Gentiles would be saved independently of Judaism. Here, as the phrase “the words of the prophets” is in the plural form, it indicates that this is a theme found in multiple prophetic writings, with the Book of Amos being cited as a representative example. (2) Nowhere in the Twelve Minor Prophets is it written that “Gentiles must become Jews to be saved.” “After these things I will return, And I will rebuild the fallen tabernacle of David, And I will rebuild its ruins, And I will restore it, so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,’ says the Lord, who makes these things known from long ago.” This is a quotation from Amos 9:11–12. (1) “After these things” (in that day) refers to the period following the Great Tribulation. (2) “The fallen tabernacle of David” (NASB2020), should be translated as “shelter” just as in Amos or “booth,” for better understanding. The phrase “the shelter of David” is a metaphorical expression referring to the Davidic kingdom. In 2 Kings 25:7, the shelter of David had fallen, but it will be rebuilt. This is a prophecy of the restoration of the Davidic kingdom. (3) The restoration of the Davidic kingdom will take place in the Messianic Kingdom, in which many Gentiles who seeks the Lord will exist. Let’s summarize James’ key points. (1) The salvation of the Gentiles, first experienced by Peter, was foretold in Scripture. (2) The Book of Amos prophesies the restoration of the Davidic kingdom in the Messianic Kingdom. (3) When the Messianic Kingdom is established on earth, there will be many Gentile believers. (4) Amos prophesied that Gentiles would be saved as Gentiles, without becoming Jews. (5) Therefore, it is not surprising that Gentiles are being saved even before the Messianic Kingdom is fulfilled. (6) The salvation of the Gentiles has been part of God’s plan from long ago. God chose the Jewish people as the means to bring salvation to all of humanity. The salvation of the Gentiles was part of God’s plan from the very beginning. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, people are saved by grace, through faith. This principle is universal. We have been saved by grace, through faith. Hallelujah!