Acts 15 34

Acts 15:34 kjv

Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

Acts 15:34 nkjv

However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.

Acts 15 verses

Acts 15 34 Meaning

Acts 15:34 is widely considered a textual interpolation, meaning it is not present in the earliest and most reliable Greek manuscripts. Its inclusion in later manuscripts (such as those forming the basis of the King James Version) likely stems from a scribal attempt to smooth over a perceived narrative discrepancy concerning Silas. If this verse were authentic, it would indicate that Silas chose to remain in Antioch after Judah (Barsabbas) had returned to Jerusalem with the news from the Council.

Acts 15 34 Context

Acts chapter 15 documents the foundational Jerusalem Council, convened to resolve the significant theological question of whether Gentile converts to Christianity must be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law (Acts 15:1-5). Following earnest deliberation and testimonies from Peter, Barnabas, and Paul, James presented the Council's consensus, affirming salvation by grace through faith for Gentiles without imposing circumcision (Acts 15:6-21). To deliver this authoritative decision and pastoral guidance to the churches, particularly in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, the apostles and elders dispatched Paul and Barnabas along with two prominent leaders from Jerusalem, Judas Barsabbas and Silas (Acts 15:22). These messengers journeyed to Antioch, delivered the letter, and, through their prophetic gifts, powerfully encouraged and strengthened the Gentile believers (Acts 15:30-32). Acts 15:33 states that after spending a period of time, Judas and Silas were sent back with blessings to Jerusalem. The disputed verse, Acts 15:34, often appears immediately after this, intending to clarify Silas's status before Paul chooses him as a companion for the second missionary journey in Acts 15:40.

Acts 15 34 Word analysis

It is imperative to state upfront that Acts 15:34 is not found in the earliest and most authoritative Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. Its appearance in later textual traditions (such as the Byzantine text-type, upon which the King James Version is largely based) is generally attributed to a scribal addition for the purpose of narrative harmonization. The analysis below reflects the words as they appear in versions that include this verse, consistently underscoring its non-original textual status.

• Notwithstanding (KJV) / However (more modern rendering in versions containing the verse)

  • Greek: If present, this word would derive from a conjunction like δέ (de), which can mean "but," "and," or "however," often used to indicate a contrast or transition.
  • Significance: This particle (or an adverbial phrase expressing a similar sentiment) functions to mark Silas's action as an exception to what just preceded it—the departure of Judas (and implicitly Silas) back to Jerusalem in Acts 15:33. It establishes a narrative shift concerning Silas.
  • Literary Detail: The usage suggests a deliberate differentiation between Silas's course of action and that of his companion, setting him apart for subsequent events in the narrative.

• it pleased / it was resolved for

  • Greek: The underlying phrase in manuscripts that contain the verse is typically similar to ἔδοξεν δὲ (edoxen de), meaning "but it seemed good," or "it was resolved." While ἔδοξεν is used elsewhere for corporate decisions (e.g., Acts 15:22, the Council's decision), its application here to Silas's individual choice emphasizes a purposeful and deliberate intention on his part.
  • Significance: This expression implies Silas made a conscious decision, possibly guided by divine providence, to remain in Antioch, which providentially positions him for his next ministry role.

• Silas (Σιλᾶς / Silâs)

  • Significance: Silas is identified in Acts 15:22 as a "leading man among the brethren" and a "prophet" (Acts 15:32). He played a crucial role in validating and delivering the Jerusalem Council's decrees. He subsequently became Paul's trusted companion on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). His staying in Antioch makes him immediately available for this crucial mission.
  • Connection: Silas is also known as Silvanus, and he co-authored several of Paul's letters (e.g., 1 Thess 1:1, 2 Thess 1:1, 2 Cor 1:19) and worked with Peter (1 Pet 5:12).

• to abide there still / to remain there

  • Greek: ἐπιμεῖναι αὐτοῦ (epimeinai autou) — ἐπιμεῖναι means "to remain," "to stay longer," or "to persist"; αὐτοῦ means "there" (referring to Antioch).
  • Significance: This phrase is critical as it provides the explicit statement that Silas did not return to Jerusalem with Judas, thus preparing the ground for his immediate joining of Paul in Acts 15:40 without an awkward break in continuity. Antioch was a major center for missionary activity (Acts 11:26; 13:1), and Silas's extended stay would be strategically advantageous for further Gospel proclamation.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still": This full phrase, in its textual form, aims to resolve a potential narrative "problem" or perceived inconsistency. While Acts 15:33 implies both Judas and Silas were "sent back," Paul's decision to take Silas with him in Acts 15:40 suggests Silas must have still been in Antioch. This inserted verse, therefore, functions as a harmonizing statement, explaining Silas's availability by asserting his volitional choice to extend his stay. It maintains the flow of the narrative regarding Paul's subsequent actions and Silas's role as his indispensable companion.

Acts 15 34 Bonus section

The presence of Acts 15:34 in some biblical traditions underscores crucial principles in biblical scholarship, particularly in textual criticism:

• Textual Evidence and Priority: The omission of this verse in the earliest and most consistently reliable Greek manuscripts (like Codex Sinaiticus, Vaticanus, and Alexandrinus) demonstrates the principle of textual priority given to older and geographically diverse witnesses. Its appearance largely in the Byzantine text-type highlights variations that developed in later transmission history.
• Scribal Motivations for Interpolations: Scribes, in their diligent work, sometimes felt compelled to clarify or harmonize what they perceived as ambiguities or abrupt transitions in the narrative. Acts 15:34 is a classic example of a harmonizing interpolation, smoothing over the abrupt transition between Silas being "sent back" and then immediately chosen by Paul. These additions, while understandable in their intent, are distinguished from the original text through careful critical analysis.
• Integrity of Scripture: Instances like Acts 15:34 demonstrate the meticulous and painstaking work of textual critics in preserving the integrity of God's Word. While minor textual variants exist, they do not impact any core doctrine of the Christian faith. The consistency across the vast majority of biblical manuscripts for essential truths is a powerful testament to divine preservation. The existence of these variants, and our ability to identify them, strengthens rather than weakens confidence in the Bible's reliability as God's revelation.

Acts 15 34 Commentary

Acts 15:34 is widely recognized as a non-original addition to the biblical text. The vast majority of the oldest and most reliable Greek manuscripts omit this verse. Modern translations (such as ESV, NIV, NASB, NET) exclude it, sometimes including a footnote to acknowledge its presence in other, later manuscripts. The verse, "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still," most likely arose from a scribal desire to bridge a perceived gap in the narrative of Acts. After Judas and Silas are "sent back" to Jerusalem in verse 33, Paul almost immediately chooses Silas as his companion for his next missionary journey in verse 40. This verse (v. 34) provides a smooth explanation for Silas's continuing presence in Antioch, reconciling a narrative leap that might otherwise confuse a reader. While textually non-original, it attempts to clarify the providential disposition of Silas to be available for Paul's indispensable second missionary journey, serving to clarify his immediate post-Jerusalem Council status within the unfolding apostolic mission.