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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 15:34 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 15:34, "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still," occurs within the context of the early Christian church grappling with the integration of Gentile converts.

The verse describes the decision of Silas, a leading member of the Christian community, to remain in Antioch after the Jerusalem Council.

While the verse is rather straightforward in its literal meaning, detailing a personal decision by Silas, the deeper significance lies in the implication of his choice.

Silas' decision to stay indicates a commitment to the church in Antioch and its mission to promote unity among Jewish and Gentile believers.

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Historical Context

Acts 15:34 is set against the backdrop of the Jerusalem Council, which took place around 50 AD.

This council was convened to discuss whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to observe Jewish Law, particularly circumcision.

The Apostles and church elders, including James and Peter, decided that Gentiles did not have to follow the strict Jewish ceremonial laws.

They sent Judas Barsabbas and Silas to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas to communicate this groundbreaking decision, which emphasized faith in Jesus Christ over adherence to the entire Jewish Law.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse underscores the principle of individual calling and service within the church.

Silas, recognizing the needs of the community in Antioch and discerning his role, chooses to stay.

This action is seen as a response to the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Different interpretations could argue that Silas was upholding the apostolic mission, fostering church unity, or simply demonstrating obedience to a personal conviction.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to seek discernment and be responsive to the needs of their community.

It's a call to recognize where one can be most effective in service and to commit to that path even when it may lead to personal sacrifice or an extended period of service.

Cross-References

Acts 15:32: "And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them."
Acts 15:40: "And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God."
Acts 16:25: "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them."
1 Thessalonians 1:1: "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Language Study

The phrase "pleased Silas to abide there still" can be dissected to understand the original language nuances.

The word "pleased" translates from the Greek 'edoke' (ἔδοξεν), which implies that it seemed good or was resolved by Silas.

"Abide" (ἐπιμεῖναι) implies remaining, dwelling, or continuing, suggesting a deliberate decision to stay for an extended period.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Greco-Roman culture, decisions of personal duty and commitment were often seen in the context of stoic philosophy, which emphasized duty and reason. Silas’ decision to stay, despite the mission being accomplished, resonates with this cultural ideal of duty.

In contrast to other religious interpretations of the time, early Christianity placed strong emphasis on community and the individual's role within it, a concept which can be seen in the actions of Silas.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings but does relate to psychology and sociology in the context of group dynamics and leadership.

Silas' decision could be studied under the phenomena of social commitment and the impact of individual roles on group cohesion and function.

Commentaries

Commentators have various takes on Acts 15:34.

Some suggest that Silas' decision reflects the gravity and importance of the decree from the Jerusalem Council and the need to ensure proper understanding and implementation among the Gentile believers.

Others view Silas as an integral figure in the early church whose presence would have lent authority and continuity to the teachings being established in Antioch.

Moreover, it is also mentioned that this verse could have been an addition by later scribes and did not appear in all manuscript traditions, which raises discussions on textual variations in scriptural transmission.

Acts 15

Acts 15

What does Acts 15:34 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 15:34 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?