Acts 13 15

Acts 13:15 kjv

And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

Acts 13:15 nkjv

And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on."

Acts 13:15 niv

After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak."

Acts 13:15 esv

After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it."

Acts 13:15 nlt

After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it."

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 15 Meaning

After the synagogue liturgy, which included readings from the Old Testament Scriptures, the leaders of the synagogue invited Paul and Barnabas, who were distinguished visitors, to share an uplifting message or instruction with the congregation. This invitation reflected a customary practice in synagogues, providing an opportunity for respected individuals to address the assembly with a word of spiritual edification.

Acts 13 15 Context

Acts 13 begins the account of Paul's first missionary journey, accompanied by Barnabas and John Mark. After being sent out by the Holy Spirit from Antioch (Syria), they first travelled to Cyprus, proclaiming the Gospel. From Cyprus, they sailed to Perga in Pamphylia and then moved inland to Pisidian Antioch. It was a customary practice for Jewish travelers and distinguished visitors to be welcomed into the synagogue on the Sabbath, often being offered the opportunity to speak after the regular scripture readings. This verse specifically details this crucial moment in their visit to Pisidian Antioch, setting the stage for Paul's pivotal sermon, which is the first extensive recording of his missionary preaching to a Jewish audience. Historically, synagogues served as community centers not just for worship but also for discussion, and visitors known to be learned could be invited to contribute, creating an open forum for dialogue following the formal reading of the Torah and Prophets.

Acts 13 15 Word analysis

• After the reading: (Gr. meta tēs anagnōseōs – μετὰ τῆς ἀναγνώσεως). This refers to the structured, public reading of Scripture that was a central part of the weekly Sabbath synagogue service. The plural often indicates multiple sections read.
• from the Law: (Gr. tou nomou – τοῦ νόμου). Specifically refers to the Pentateuch, the first five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), which formed the core of Jewish instruction and faith.
• and the Prophets: (Gr. kai tōn prophētōn – καὶ τῶν προφētῶν). Refers to the second major section of the Hebrew Scriptures (Nevi'im), including both historical books (e.g., Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings) and prophetic books (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the Twelve Minor Prophets). The combination of "the Law and the Prophets" served as a comprehensive term for the entire body of inspired Hebrew Scripture known to the Jews.
• the synagogue rulers: (Gr. hoi archisynagōgoi – οἱ ἀρχισυνάγωγοι). These were respected lay leaders, not necessarily priests, who were responsible for the administration of the synagogue, ensuring the services ran smoothly, maintaining order, and inviting speakers. There could be multiple rulers in a synagogue.
• sent word to them: (Gr. apesteilan pros autous – ἀπέστειλαν πρὸς αὐτούς). Indicates a formal invitation extended through messengers. It highlights the respect shown to Paul and Barnabas as esteemed visitors.
• “Brothers,”: (Gr. Andres adelphoi – Ἄνδρες ἀδελφοί). A common and polite address used among Jewish men, signaling fraternity and respect within the community of faith. Paul frequently uses this address when speaking to Jewish audiences.
• if you have any word: (Gr. ei estin tis logos – εἴ ἐστιν τις λόγος). This phrase signifies an open invitation to share a discourse, message, or teaching. It indicates a readiness to hear from individuals with something edifying to contribute.
• of encouragement: (Gr. paraklēseōs – παρακλήσεως). This is a rich Greek term. While often translated as "encouragement," it encompasses a broader meaning: exhortation, comfort, appeal, consolation, or even instruction. In a synagogue setting, it denotes an edifying message designed to stir the hearers towards a more faithful life or a deeper understanding of Scripture. It suggests a message that is comforting, inspiring, and challenging.
• for the people: (Gr. pros ton laon – πρὸς τὸν λαόν). Refers to the assembled congregation, encompassing both native-born Jews and God-fearers (Gentiles who worshiped the God of Israel without full conversion to Judaism).
• say on: (Gr. legate – λέγετε). A polite imperative, effectively saying "Please speak," "Proceed," or "We invite you to share."

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "After the reading from the Law and the Prophets,": This phrase emphasizes the Jewish liturgical context. It demonstrates that the early Christian message was rooted in and presented immediately following the established sacred texts, suggesting continuity and fulfillment rather than a complete break. This was the spiritual meal that preceded Paul’s word, setting a foundation.
• "the synagogue rulers sent word to them, saying,": This highlights the orderly and authoritative nature of the invitation. It wasn't a casual call but a formal request from those responsible for the assembly, legitimizing Paul and Barnabas's subsequent opportunity to speak.
• "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say on.”: This specific phrasing underscores the welcoming and open nature of synagogue worship to guest speakers, especially those recognized as devout or learned. It allowed for the dynamic presentation of teaching and instruction, crucial for the spread of the Gospel message. The request for a "word of encouragement" was an open door for the Spirit-inspired proclamation of Christ as the fulfillment of the very scriptures just read.

Acts 13 15 Bonus section

The open-platform nature of the ancient synagogue provided a powerful missional template for the early church. Unlike temple worship, which was priestly and ritualistic, synagogue worship was community-centric and focused on instruction and communal prayer. This democratic aspect allowed for greater participation, making it an ideal place for Paul to initially present the Gospel, not as a radical departure but as the fulfillment of existing Jewish hope and prophecy. The fact that the synagogue leaders explicitly asked for a word of "encouragement" (paraklēsis) indicates their expectation of an edifying and beneficial message for the congregation, unaware that it would set in motion a profound theological discourse leading many to faith in Christ and establishing a pattern for the nascent Christian mission within Jewish communities across the Roman world.

Acts 13 15 Commentary

Acts 13:15 is a pivotal verse, marking the initiation of Paul’s public preaching on his first missionary journey to an influential Jewish audience. It highlights the established order of synagogue worship, where the reading of the Law and Prophets formed the foundation of the weekly service. This sequence was strategic for the apostles, as it prepared the hearers for the message of the Gospel by grounding it in the familiar Old Testament Scriptures. The synagogue rulers, by extending an invitation for a "word of encouragement" (paraklēseōs), provided Paul and Barnabas a unique and culturally appropriate platform. This was not merely an act of hospitality; it represented divine providence orchestrating an opening for the Gospel to be proclaimed. The term paraklēsis itself suggests a message of comfort, exhortation, and edification, aligning perfectly with the Gospel’s capacity to comfort those yearning for redemption, challenge hearts to repentance, and build up the faith of those who believe. This setting allowed Paul to demonstrate how Jesus was the Messiah promised in the very scriptures just read, initiating a powerful evangelistic and discipleship ministry.