15:8 {5} Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the {f} circumcision for the {g} truth of God, to confirm the promises [made] unto the fathers:
(5) An applying of the example of Christ to the Jews, whom he granted this honour for the promises which he made to their fathers, although they were ever so unworthy, in that he executed the office of a minister among them with marvellous patience: therefore much less ought the Gentiles despise them for certain faults, whom the Son of God esteemed so much.
(f) Of the circumcised Jews, for as long as he lived, he never went out of their midst.
(g) That God might be seen to be true.
15:8 Now I say. Rather, For I say. The work of Christ is given to show the spirit we ought to have.
A minister of the circumcision. Christ became a minister of the circumcision; that is, a Jew, of the seed of Abraham.
For the truth of God. The Scriptures had declared that he would be of the seed of Abraham.
To confirm the promises. Had he not been of the circumcision, the promises would not have applied to him.
15:8 Now I say - The apostle here shows how Christ received us. Christ Jesus - Jesus is the name, Christ the surname. The latter was first known to the Jews; the former, to the gentiles. Therefore he is styled Jesus Christ, when the words stand in the common, natural order. When the order is inverted, as here, the office of Christ is more solemnly considered. Was a servant - Of his Father. Of the circumcision - For the salvation of the circumcised, the Jews. For the truth of God - To manifest the truth and fidelity of God.
15:8-13 Christ fulfilled the prophecies and promises relating to the Jews, and the Gentile converts could have no excuse for despising them. The Gentiles, being brought into the church, are companions in patience and tribulation. They should praise God. Calling upon all the nations to praise the Lord, shows that they shall have knowledge of him. We shall never seek to Christ till we trust in him. And the whole plan of redemption is suited to reconcile us to one another, as well as to our gracious God, so that an abiding hope of eternal life, through the sanctifying and comforting power of the Holy Spirit, may be attained. Our own power will never reach this; therefore where this hope is, and is abounding, the blessed Spirit must have all the glory. All joy and peace; all sorts of true joy and peace, so as to suppress doubts and fears, through the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.
