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Book of Acts - Chapter 15 - Verse 17

15:17
That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

Meaning

The verse "That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things." emphasizes the inclusive nature of God's plan for salvation throughout the Bible. In this verse, God is highlighting His desire for all people, both Jews and Gentiles, to seek after Him. The term "the residue of men" refers to those who remain or are left behind, indicating that there is a remnant who will seek the Lord. The mention of Gentiles here signifies that God's plan extends beyond just the Jewish people, but to all nations. By calling upon His name, Gentiles are invited to be part of God's kingdom and receive salvation. The verse ultimately points to God as the one who is in control and orchestrates all things for the purpose of drawing all people to Himself. This message of inclusivity and salvation for all is a central theme that runs throughout the Bible, culminating in the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the concept of the inclusion of the Gentiles into the kingdom of God is highlighted. The phrase "upon whom my name is called" signifies that Gentiles, who were originally considered outside of God's covenant, are now being included as part of His chosen people. This demonstrates God's inclusive nature, showing that His plan of salvation is for all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity. The word "Gentiles" itself refers to non-Jewish individuals, emphasizing the universal reach of God's love and grace. The verse also speaks of the call for all people, including Gentiles, to seek after the Lord. This highlights the importance of personal faith and seeking a relationship with God, showing that salvation is available to anyone who earnestly seeks Him.

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