Acts 15 13

Acts 15:13 kjv

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

Acts 15:13 nkjv

And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren, listen to me:

Acts 15:13 niv

When they finished, James spoke up. "Brothers," he said, "listen to me.

Acts 15:13 esv

After they finished speaking, James replied, "Brothers, listen to me.

Acts 15:13 nlt

When they had finished, James stood and said, "Brothers, listen to me.

Acts 15 verses

Acts 15 13 Meaning

Acts 15:13 describes a pivotal moment at the Jerusalem Council where James, a prominent leader of the church, stands to speak. It signifies a transition from passionate debate and personal testimonies to a solemn moment of decisive leadership. James's address signals the highly anticipated resolution to the contentious issue of Gentile salvation and the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the need for respectful attention to his forthcoming judgment.

Acts 15 13 Context

Acts chapter 15 records the Jerusalem Council, a crucial event in the early church's history. The preceding verses (1-12) set the stage: a dispute arises in Antioch concerning Gentile converts and the requirement for circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law to be saved. Paul and Barnabas are sent to Jerusalem to resolve this issue with the apostles and elders. Peter has just given a powerful testimony, affirming that God has given the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles without requiring circumcision and that salvation is by grace through faith for both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 15:7-11). Barnabas and Paul then recounted the signs and wonders God had performed among the Gentiles through their ministry (Acts 15:12), confirming God's approval of their work. At this point, following these powerful and Spirit-filled testimonies, a deep silence falls upon the assembly, indicating the end of the initial speeches and debates. James, known for his wisdom, deep knowledge of the Jewish law, and prominent leadership role in the Jerusalem church (often seen as its primary shepherd), rises to speak, poised to offer the decisive and conciliatory judgment. His intervention is a pivotal moment intended to bring resolution and unity.

Acts 15 13 Word analysis

• After they had finished speaking (μετὰ δὲ τὸ σιγῆσαι - meta de to sigēsai):
  • μετὰ (meta): "After," indicating sequence in time.
  • δὲ (de): A connecting particle, often "but" or "and," signaling a shift.
  • τὸ σιγῆσαι (to sigēsai): The infinitive form of "to be silent," implying a state of silence or cessation of speech. The article to emphasizes "the act of silence."
  • Significance: This phrase emphasizes the end of all prior speeches and arguments, creating an atmosphere of expectation. It implies a moment of hushed reverence and attentiveness, signifying that the floor is now open for a crucial and potentially final declaration, moving from passionate debate to receptive listening.
• James (Ἰάκωβος - Iakōbos):
  • The Greek form of the Hebrew name Jacob.
  • Significance: This refers to James the brother of Jesus, who was a leader and influential figure in the Jerusalem church, mentioned as one of its "pillars" (Gal 2:9). His leadership position made his forthcoming words highly authoritative and decisive in the early church. His background as a devout Jew, strict in observing the Law yet having seen the resurrected Christ, uniquely positioned him to bridge the divide between Jewish and Gentile believers.
• stood up (ἀναστὰς - anastas):
  • From the verb ἀνίστημι (anistēmi), meaning "to stand up," "to arise."
  • Significance: This physical act of standing in an assembly often indicates preparation for making a formal or authoritative statement, especially when rendering judgment or making a significant proposal. It commands attention and signals seriousness and readiness to lead.
• and said (εἶπεν - eiped):
  • Simple past tense of "to say" or "to speak."
  • Significance: A straightforward introduction to James's address.
• Brothers (ἄνδρες ἀδελφοί - andres adelphoi):
  • ἄνδρες (andres): "Men" (plural), here often used as an address for an assembly including both men and women, similar to "people" or "friends."
  • ἀδελφοί (adelphoi): "Brothers" or "siblings."
  • Significance: A common and respectful form of address among believers in the early church, emphasizing familial unity and shared faith despite ongoing disagreements. It underscored a sense of community, appealing for harmony rather than continued division.
• listen to me (ἀκούσατέ μου - akousate mou):
  • ἀκούσατέ (akousate): Imperative verb, "listen," "hear." It is a direct command.
  • μου (mou): Possessive pronoun "my" (in the genitive case, here meaning "to me").
  • Significance: This is not merely an invitation but an authoritative request for attentive and serious consideration of what he is about to say. It indicates that his ensuing statement will be crucial, offering a resolution or definitive judgment that demands full heed from all present.

Acts 15 13 Bonus section

• The posture of standing to speak (ἀναστὰς) was a customary practice for judicial or authoritative declarations in both Jewish and Greco-Roman public assemblies, further underscoring the solemnity and significance of James's address.
• James's unique position as both a leader of the Jewish Christian faction and brother of Jesus allowed him to act as a crucial mediator, bridging the theological divide with a solution rooted in prophetic Scripture and sensitive to both Jewish tradition and Gentile freedom in Christ.
• The immediate silence (mentioned in Acts 15:12 implicitly concluding Paul and Barnabas's report, and re-emphasized by "after they had finished speaking") highlights the high level of anticipation and the recognized weight of James's forthcoming words. The assembly recognized that his pronouncement would be definitive.
• This verse sets the stage for James's demonstration of judicial wisdom, which includes recalling Peter's testimony, interpreting prophetic scripture (Amos 9:11-12), and proposing practical resolutions that both honor God's call to Gentiles and show sensitivity to Jewish Christian consciences.

Acts 15 13 Commentary

Acts 15:13 marks the moment James assumes leadership at the Jerusalem Council after testimonies from Peter, Barnabas, and Paul concerning God's work among Gentiles. His rising signifies an imminent, authoritative resolution to the intense debate regarding Gentile inclusion and the Law. James, recognized as the presiding figure and the brother of Jesus, wields significant spiritual and historical authority within the early church. His initial address, "Brothers, listen to me," is a concise, yet powerful, call to attention. It acknowledges the deeply felt emotions and theological arguments that preceded it while signaling a shift towards wisdom, order, and a Spirit-led verdict. His statement is carefully crafted to unify a diverse assembly of Jewish and Gentile believers, moving them towards a common, Spirit-inspired understanding of the Gospel and practical Christian living. This act prevents a major schism, preserving the unity and mission of the nascent church.