Acts 15:10

8 And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us.

9 He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith.

Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?

11 On the contrary, we believe it is through the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

12 The whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?
KJV
Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
WEB
Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
ASV
Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
DARBY
Now therefore why tempt ye God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
BLB
Now, therefore, why are you⁺ testing God, putting upon the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
ÅB
Hvorfor frister dere da nå Gud ved å legge et åk på disiplenes nakke som hverken våre fedre eller vi var i stand til å bære?
OTB
Så hvorfor tester dere Gud ved å legge på disiplenes nakker et åk som verken våre forfedre eller vi har vært i stand til å bære?
B1930
Hvorfor frister I da nu Gud ved å legge et åk på disiplenes nakke som hverken våre fedre eller vi var i stand til å bære?

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Galatians 5:1

    It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 23:4

    They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

    Read in context
  • Galatians 4:9

    But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

    Read in context
  • Hebrews 9:9

    It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 11:28–30

    Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 4:7

    Jesus replied, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 7:12

    But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.”

    Read in context
  • Exodus 17:2

    So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?”

    Read in context