Acts 15 35

Acts 15:35 kjv

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Acts 15:35 nkjv

Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Acts 15:35 niv

But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

Acts 15:35 esv

But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Acts 15:35 nlt

Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch. They and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord there.

Acts 15 verses

Acts 15 35 Meaning

Acts 15:35 describes Paul and Barnabas continuing their vital ministry in Antioch following the momentous Jerusalem Council. This verse highlights their unwavering commitment to the foundational Christian tasks of teaching and proclaiming the Gospel, termed "the word of the Lord." It also underscores the collaborative nature of early Christian work, indicating that many other believers were actively involved alongside these prominent apostles. The verse affirms the successful resolution of the conflict concerning Gentile believers by depicting the ongoing, unified advancement of the Christian message.

Acts 15 35 Context

Acts 15:35 is situated immediately after the pivotal Jerusalem Council described in the earlier verses of the chapter. The Council addressed the critical theological dispute regarding the necessity of Gentile converts observing the Mosaic law, particularly circumcision, for salvation. Paul and Barnabas had played a central role in this debate, presenting the evidence of God's work among the Gentiles through their first missionary journey. The Council, led by James, Peter, and other apostles, affirmed salvation by grace through faith, concluding that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised but should abstain from certain practices that could cause offense. The Council's decision, along with a letter explaining it, was brought back to Antioch by Judas and Silas (Acts 15:22-34). Acts 15:35 then serves as a narrative bridge, illustrating the immediate return to proactive ministry in Antioch after this significant theological and administrative victory. Antioch itself was a crucial hub for early Christianity, particularly for Gentile missions, serving as the launching pad for Paul's initial journeys and a strategic center where Jewish and Gentile believers initially integrated. The verse therefore highlights the church's stability and renewed focus on its core mission in the wake of internal resolution, signifying a harmonious period before the later, brief contention between Paul and Barnabas in the subsequent verses.

Acts 15 35 Word analysis

• But (Δὲ - De):
  • Word: A conjunction, marks a continuation or a slight shift.
  • Significance: Here, it connects the previous event (Judas and Silas returning to Antioch with the council's letter) to the ongoing ministry of Paul and Barnabas, showing a direct, continuous flow of activity.
• Paul (Παῦλος - Paulos):
  • Word: The apostle to the Gentiles.
  • Significance: Central figure in Acts and the development of Gentile Christianity. His inclusion here emphasizes his immediate return to ministry, especially after his powerful advocacy for the Gentiles at the Council.
• and Barnabas (καὶ Βαρνάβας - kai Barnabas):
  • Word: Paul's initial missionary partner, known for encouragement.
  • Significance: His continued presence with Paul underscores their unified front in ministry at this point, before their later disagreement (Acts 15:36-41). He was also a key advocate for Gentiles at the Council.
• remained (διέτριβον - dietribon):
  • Word: From διατρίβω, meaning "to spend time, to continue, to remain." Imperfect tense.
  • Significance: The imperfect tense conveys continuous action. They "kept on staying" or "continued spending time" in Antioch. This implies Antioch remained their base of operations and a vital center for their work after the council, reinforcing its importance as a missionary hub.
• in Antioch (ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ - en Antiocheia):
  • Word: Antioch of Syria, the city.
  • Significance: A major metropolis, capital of the Roman province of Syria, and the primary base for early Gentile missions. It was the place where disciples were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). Their presence here confirms its strategic role in spreading the Gospel.
• teaching (διδάσκοντες - didaskontes):
  • Word: Present active participle of διδάσκω (didaskō), "to teach, instruct."
  • Significance: Denotes systematic instruction, discipleship, and deeper theological explanation of Christian truths. It focuses on the internal edification and understanding of believers.
• and preaching (εὐαγγελιζόμενοι - euangelizomenoi):
  • Word: Present middle/passive participle of εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō), "to preach the good news, evangelize."
  • Significance: Refers to the proclamation of the Gospel message to both believers and unbelievers. It's about announcing the good news of salvation through Christ, emphasizing evangelism and outward-focused outreach.
• the word (τὸν λόγον - ton logon):
  • Word: λóγος (logos), "word, message, statement."
  • Significance: Here specifically refers to the Christian message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It represents divine revelation and the core truth taught by the apostles.
• of the Lord (τοῦ Κυρίου - tou Kyriou):
  • Word: Κύριος (Kyrios), "Lord, master, owner."
  • Significance: In this New Testament context, "the Lord" almost universally refers to Jesus Christ. Thus, "the word of the Lord" means the message about Jesus, His life, death, resurrection, and the implications of His lordship. It underscores the divine authority and Christ-centric nature of their message.
• with many others also (σὺν καὶ ἑτέροις πολλοῖς - syn kai heterois pollois):
  • Words-group: This phrase indicates shared ministry.
  • Significance: Highlights the collaborative nature of the early church. Ministry was not solely the domain of a few prominent leaders but involved numerous individuals contributing their gifts. This reflects a healthy, growing church body with shared responsibility and widespread participation in spreading the Gospel. It indicates that the Jerusalem Council's resolution fostered unity and collaboration, rather than creating divisions.

Acts 15 35 Bonus section

This verse subtly showcases a practical example of a "pause, reset, and launch" phase for early Christian missions. After intense theological debate and diplomatic resolution in Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas returned to their operational base in Antioch not with weariness, but with renewed vigor for the same tasks – teaching and preaching. This demonstrates an understanding that intellectual clarity and doctrinal truth, once established (as they were at the Council concerning Gentile inclusion by grace), must directly translate into active, expansive proclamation and internal discipleship. The mention of "many others also" quietly affirms that Antioch was not just a missionary launching pad, but also a mature, thriving Christian community with its own cadre of gifted teachers and evangelists. It foreshadows the broader expansion of the Gospel through numerous, sometimes unnamed, faithful individuals beyond the well-known apostles. This communal effort ensures continuity and sustainability of ministry.

Acts 15 35 Commentary

Acts 15:35 encapsulates the resilient and vibrant nature of the early Christian mission in Antioch following the theological triumph of the Jerusalem Council. Instead of resting on their laurels, Paul and Barnabas immediately plunged back into active ministry, reinforcing the Gospel's integrity by demonstrating consistency in message and method. The dual emphasis on "teaching and preaching" signifies a holistic approach to ministry: proclaiming the good news to unbelievers (preaching) and systematically instructing believers in the faith (teaching), leading to both evangelism and discipleship. Their unwavering commitment to "the word of the Lord"—the divine message centered on Jesus Christ— underscores that despite internal debates, the core truth remained paramount. The crucial addition "with many others also" provides a window into the communal dynamic of the Antioch church. It asserts that ministry was a collective endeavor, not limited to celebrity apostles, embodying the principle that every believer has a part to play in advancing God's kingdom. This period marked a return to productive ministry after resolution, underscoring that theological clarity fuels practical evangelistic and edifying efforts.