Acts 15 32

Acts 15:32 kjv

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

Acts 15:32 nkjv

Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.

Acts 15:32 niv

Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.

Acts 15:32 esv

And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.

Acts 15:32 nlt

Then Judas and Silas, both being prophets, spoke at length to the believers, encouraging and strengthening their faith.

Acts 15 verses

Acts 15 32 Meaning

Acts 15:32 describes how Judas and Silas, being prophets, significantly exhorted and strengthened the believers in Antioch with abundant instruction. This verse highlights the practical application of spiritual gifts and authoritative teaching to affirm and solidify the faith of early Christian communities, particularly following the critical decisions of the Jerusalem Council. It underscores the importance of verbal ministry in nurturing and fortifying the church.

Acts 15 32 Context

Acts 15:32 falls immediately after the Jerusalem Council's crucial decision concerning the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith without requiring circumcision or adherence to the entire Mosaic Law. The Council sent Judas (Barsabbas) and Silas from Jerusalem to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, bearing an official letter to clarify the doctrine and reassure the Gentile converts. This verse specifically details the vital role these two chosen prophets played in reinforcing the Council's decree among the Gentile believers in Antioch, providing both spiritual and instructional support after the controversy raised by legalistic believers (Acts 15:1-5). Their ministry served to bring peace, unity, and strength to a community potentially unsettled by false teachings.

Acts 15 32 Word analysis

• Judas (Ἰούδας - Ioudas): This is Judas Barsabbas, a leading man among the brethren in Jerusalem (Acts 15:22). He was chosen specifically by the apostles and elders to convey the Council's decision. His role here is as a trustworthy, authoritative representative, demonstrating the unity between the Jerusalem church and the Gentile believers in Antioch.
• Silas (Σίλας - Silās): A prominent leader in the Jerusalem church, also chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas. Silas later became Paul's missionary companion, often referred to as Silvanus (2 Cor 1:19; 1 Pet 5:12), showing his long-term significance in the early church's spread of the gospel and building up of believers.
• who themselves were prophets (καὶ αὐτοὶ προφῆται ὄντες - kai autoi prophētai ontes): This phrase is critical. `Prophētēs` (prophet) in the New Testament refers not primarily to foretelling the future but to forth-telling God's will and truth. It involves speaking under divine inspiration, for the purpose of edification, encouragement, and consolation (1 Cor 14:3). The presence of the prophetic gift confirms that their message carried divine authority and reassurance, distinguishing their words as more than human wisdom; they were Spirit-inspired.
• exhorted (παρεκάλεσαν - parekalesan): From `parakaleō`, meaning "to call alongside," "to urge," "to encourage," "to comfort," or "to entreat." It implies offering words of comfort, reassurance, and instruction that gently lead listeners towards right belief and conduct. This was especially vital for the Gentile believers who might have felt alienated or confused by conflicting teachings.
• and strengthened (ἐπεστήριξαν - epestērixan): From `epistērizō`, meaning "to make firm," "to establish," or "to confirm." This denotes providing a solid foundation and stability. Beyond comforting, they solidified the believers' understanding and conviction regarding the Council's decrees, ensuring their faith was not wavering but firmly anchored in truth.
• the brothers (τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς - tous adelphous): Refers to the male and female believers within the church at Antioch, the Christian community. It emphasizes the fraternal bond and mutual spiritual standing of all who believed, whether Jewish or Gentile.
• with many words (πολλῷ λόγῳ - pollō logō): This indicates a thorough and substantial ministry of the word. It wasn't a brief or perfunctory message but likely involved extensive teaching, detailed explanations, and fervent affirmations. "Many words" suggests comprehensive teaching that ensured clarity, repetition for emphasis, and profound spiritual impact, rather than just superficial communication.

• Prophetic Exhortation and Strengthening: The combination of `prophets` who `exhorted` and `strengthened` signifies that their ministry was rooted in divine revelation (prophecy), delivered with pastoral care (exhortation), and resulted in firm spiritual grounding (strengthening). This fusion was essential for the theological clarity and spiritual health of the early church.
• Ministry of the Word: The phrase `with many words` emphasizes the central role of spoken teaching and instruction in the edification of the church. The oral communication of divine truth, whether prophetic utterance or authoritative teaching, was the primary means by which believers were established in faith.
• Divine Mandate and Human Agency: The fact that Judas and Silas, themselves prophets, exhorted and strengthened highlights the synergy between God's empowerment (their prophetic gift) and human effort (their dedicated teaching and communication). They were Spirit-filled individuals effectively stewarding their gifts for the benefit of the body of Christ.

Acts 15 32 Bonus section

The role of prophets in the early church, as exemplified by Judas and Silas, extended beyond simple foretelling; it encompassed divinely inspired instruction and application of truth for the present spiritual well-being of the community. They were critical instruments for bringing order, conviction, and a sense of God's presence and affirmation into the congregation, solidifying believers amidst new theological developments and practical challenges. Their authority stemmed not merely from their selection by the apostles but crucially from the Holy Spirit working through their prophetic gift, validating the decisions of the Council and empowering the recipients to stand firm in their new freedom in Christ. This interaction underlines the early church's reliance on both structured apostolic guidance and dynamic charismatic ministry.

Acts 15 32 Commentary

Acts 15:32 reveals a pivotal moment in the early church's development where the decisions made in Jerusalem were effectively transmitted and applied in a local context like Antioch. The presence of Judas and Silas, officially designated messengers and recognized as prophets, underscored the divine authority and spiritual weight behind the Jerusalem Council's resolutions. Their dual ministry of "exhortation" (comfort, encouragement, appeal) and "strengthening" (confirming, establishing) directly addressed the spiritual and emotional needs of the believers, particularly the Gentiles, who were facing doctrinal disputes. "Many words" suggests thorough teaching and repetitive affirmation, necessary for a foundational understanding and deep conviction, providing a powerful demonstration of how spiritual gifts (prophecy) and the robust ministry of the Word lead to unity, stability, and growth within the nascent church. This demonstrates the balanced care provided by true spiritual leadership: speaking God's truth to uplift, reassure, and solidly anchor believers in their faith, countering any confusion or error with clarity and strength.