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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Acts 15:30 - 15:35
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Act_15:30-35
30So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message. 33After they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brethren in peace to those who had sent them out. 34But it seemed good to Silas to remain there. 35But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching with many others also, the word of the Lord.
Act_15:30 This is another congregational meeting. It shows the significance of the gathered local church.
Act_15:31 This second congregation (i.e., the Gentile church of Antioch) did not see these essentials as negative or restrictive.
Act_15:32 This verse defines the thrust of NT prophecy. It is primarily the preaching of the gospel and its application; who knows, maybe it is NT evidence for long sermons! See Special Topic: NT Prophecy at Act_11:27.
Act_15:33 "in peace" This NASB translation is awkward. See NKJV or NRSV for a clearer way to translate this verse. This may reflect the Hebrew good-bye, Shalom (i.e., "peace", BDB 1022). This is a further way of showing the full support of the Jerusalem church and her leadership.
Act_15:34 This verse is not included in the Greek manuscripts P74, à , A, B, E, nor the Vulgate Latin translation. It is also omitted by NRSV, TEV, NJB, and NIV. It is in a modified form in the other uncial Greek manuscripts (i.e., C and D). It is probably not originally part of Acts. UBS4 rates its exclusion as "certain" (A).
Act_15:35 This verse shows how many other first century preachers and teachers we moderns know nothing about. The NT is so selective in its witness about the lives of the other Apostles and other missionaries and preachers. God knows! Acts is not interested in biographies.