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Acts 15

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

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?

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

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.

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

What does Acts 15:32 mean?

Explanation

[Acts 15:32] speaks about two figures, Judas and Silas, who played an instrumental role in the early Christian community. They are referred to as prophets, suggesting they were seen as individuals who carried a divinely inspired message.

The verse indicates that their primary role during this instance was to "exhort the brethren with many words, and confirm them." This means that they encouraged and strengthened the faith of the believers through their speeches and possibly through teaching, reminding them of the truths of the Christian faith and perhaps addressing any uncertainties or disputes that may have arisen within the community.

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Historical Context

This verse is situated within the context of the Council of Jerusalem, which is dated around AD 50.

The council was a significant meeting held by the early Christian leaders to decide on the requirements for Gentile converts to Christianity.

The key issue was whether non-Jewish converts to Christianity needed to follow Jewish Law, including practices like circumcision.

The apostles and elders, including prominent figures like Peter and James, decided that Gentile Christians were not bound by the entire Mosaic law.

Judas and Silas were sent along with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to communicate the council's decision ([Acts 15:22-35](/new-testament/acts/15/22/what-does-acts-15-22-mean)).

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the role of prophets like Judas and Silas in the early church is an indication of the continuation of the prophetic tradition within the New Testament.

Prophets in the Christian context were seen as individuals who spoke under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, providing guidance and encouragement to the community.

Their work was not only predictive but also pastoral, focusing on building up the body of faith.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse suggest the importance of spiritual encouragement and strengthening one another's faith within any community.

Modern believers can take inspiration from the actions of Judas and Silas to provide support, speak words of edification, and confirm the faith of fellow Christians, especially in times of doubt or difficulty.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."
Acts 15:22 - “Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; [namely], Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:”
Ephesians 4:11-12 - "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"

Language Study

The key words in Acts 15:32 can be explored through their Greek origins:

"Prophets" (Greek: προφῆται, prophētai): in this context suggests not just future-tellers, but those who speak under divine inspiration.
"Exhorted" (Greek: παρακαλοῦντες, parakalountes): means to call to one's side, to encourage, to comfort, and to instruct.
"Confirmed" (Greek: ἐπεστήριζον, epestērizon): means to establish firmly, to strengthen, or to make steadfast.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, prophets were common figures who communicated messages from the divine. In Greek traditions, oracles played somewhat similar roles, providing divine guidance.

However, the Judeo-Christian prophets are distinct in their ethical monotheism and their roles within a specific religious community rather than a universal or state function.

Scientific Perspectives

There is little to connect Acts 15:32 directly with scientific inquiry, as the primary focus is on historical and theological implications.

However, the psychological impact of words of encouragement and the social dynamics of how communities respond to authoritative figures like prophets could be explored through social science disciplines.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians provide insights into Acts 15:32:

John Calvin noted the importance of prophets like Judas and Silas for the encouragement of the church and the confirmation of the gospel message.
Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the unity that prophets helped to foster within the early church, bridging divisions that arose from cultural and doctrinal disputes.
Modern commentaries often highlight the crucial role of Judas and Silas in conveying the decisions of the Jerusalem Council and ensuring the inclusion of the Gentiles into the Christian community without stringent adherence to Jewish Law.

Acts 15

Acts 15

What does Acts 15:32 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 15:32 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?