Acts 15:30-35

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 15:22-35

We have here the result of the consultation that was held at Jerusalem about the imposing of the ceremonial law upon the Gentiles. Much more, it is likely, was said about it than is here recorded; but at length it was brought to a head, and the advice which James gave was universally approved and agreed to nemine contradicente?unanimously; and letters were accordingly sent by messengers of their own to the Gentile converts, acquainting them with their sentiments in this matter, which would be... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 15:22-35

15:22-35 Then the apostles and the elders together with the whole Church took a decision to choose men from their number and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas who is called Barsabas and Silas, men who were leaders among the brethren, and they sent a written message by their hand. "The apostles and the elders, brethren, to the brethren from the Gentiles who are throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia--greetings. We have heard that some who came from us have... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:30

So when they were dismissed ,.... That is, Paul and Barnabas, with Judas and Silas, by the apostles, elders, and church at Jerusalem: they came to Antioch ; or "came down to Antioch", as the Alexandrian copy, the Vulgate Latin, and Ethiopic versions read, agreeably to Acts 15:1 and when they had gathered the multitude together ; the whole church, which consisted of many members; the company, or congregation of the faithful, as the Arabic version renders it: and as Paul and Barnabas... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:31

Which when they had read ,.... That is, when the brethren of the church at Antioch had read the letter delivered to them; for not Paul and Barnabas, or Judas and Silas, who were sent with it, read it, but the brethren to whom it was sent, as was proper. They rejoiced for the consolation , or "exhortation", as the word may be rendered, which was given them in the letter, to abstain from the above things, without being burdened with any other; and they rejoiced that there was such an... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:32

And Judas and Silas being also prophets themselves ,.... As well as Paul and Barnabas, and others, that were at Antioch; see Acts 13:1 and by prophets are meant, not only such who had the gift of foretelling things to come; though such there were, and these might have that gift; but such who were able to explain the prophecies of the Old Testament, give the true sense of the Scriptures, and open them to the edification of others; wherefore having such gifts, they made use of them; Beza's... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:33

And after they had tarried there a space ,.... How long is not certain; the Arabic version renders it "a year"; and it is probable enough, they might stay there so long, till things were thoroughly settled, which were thrown into great disorder and confusion, by the pleaders for circumcision: they were let go in peace ; that is, they were dismissed, and went away with the leave and consent of the church; who returned them thanks for the service and good offices they had done them, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:34

Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still ,.... Though he had leave to go, and was actually dismissed with Judas; and doubtless intended to have gone with him, but for some reason or another he changed his mind, and thought fit to continue at Antioch some time longer: and the design of Providence in it seems to have been this; that he might be a companion with the Apostle Paul in his travels among the Gentiles, as he afterwards was, and was very useful to him. This verse is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:35

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch ,.... As well as Silas: teaching and preaching the word of the Lord; the Gospel of Christ; not the word of men, but the word of the Lord, of which he is both the author and subject: this they preached in season, and out of season, with power, purity, plainness, and faithfulness. And many others also ; who either came along with them from Jerusalem, when they brought the letter from thence, or were here before; who came hither upon the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:31

They rejoiced for the consolation - It was not a matter of small moment to have a question on which such stress was laid decided by an apostolic council, over which the Spirit of God presided. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:32

Judas and Silas, being prophets - That is, being teachers in the Church. This signification of the word prophet we have often already seen. See the notes on Acts 11:27 ; Acts 13:1 . Exhorted the brethren - To abide steadily attached to God, and to each other, in peace, love, and unity. And confirmed them - In the blessed truths they had already received. read more

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