This letter was a noble document and fitted for its immediate purpose, but it does not apply directly to us, as the circumstances which called it forth have long since passed away. It was explicit in denying that the rite of circumcision was needful for salvation. It bore ample testimony to the character and work of the two great missionaries whose action had been impugned. It denounced the false teachers whose intrusion had broken the peace of the Church, and laid down the principles which had been embodied in James' speech. Notice the conjunction of the Holy Spirit with the persons who issued this letter, Acts 15:28. Here is convincing proof that the Spirit of God is a person; that He presides in the Church; and that He is willing to become our guide and teacher whenever we are perplexed.
The arrival of Judas and Silas, attesting by their presence the importance that the mother church attached to the question at issue, and the reading of the letter, brought great relief to the believers at Antioch, and a blessed season of teaching and preaching ensued.
It is unpleasant to see the contention between the two leaders over John Mark, but God overruled it for good and Paul could later write to Timothy, "Take Mark and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering," 2 Timothy 4:11, r.v. [source]
Chapter Summary: Acts 15
1Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision 5The apostles consult about it, 22and send their determination by letters to the churches 36Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together, 39disagree, and travel different ways
Greek Commentary for Acts 15:27
Who themselves also shall tell you the same things by word of mouth [και αυτους δια λογου απαγγελλοντας τα αυτα] Literally, “they themselves also by speech announcing the same things.” The present participle, as here, sometimes is used like the future to express purpose as in Acts 3:26 ευλογουντα eulogounta after απεστειλεν apesteilen and so here απαγγελλοντας apaggellontas after απεσταλκαμεν apestalkamen (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1128). Judas and Silas are specifically endorsed (perfect active indicative of αποστελλω apostellō) as bearers of the epistle who will also verbally confirm the contents of the letter. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 15:27
Acts 15:32Being themselves also prophets [και αυτοι προπηται οντες] As well as Paul and Barnabas and like Agabus (Acts 11:27-30), for-speakers for Christ who justify the commendation in the letter (Acts 15:27) “with many words” (δια λογου πολλου dia logou pollou), “with much talk,” and no doubt with kindly words concerning the part played at the Conference by Paul and Barnabas. [source]
Acts 16:4The decrees [τα δογματα] Old word from δοκεω dokeō to give an opinion. It is used of public decrees of rulers (Luke 2:1; Acts 17:7), of the requirements of the Mosaic law (Colossians 2:14), and here of the regulations or conclusions of the Jerusalem Conference. Silas was with Paul and his presence gave added dignity to the passing out of the decrees, a charter of Gentile freedom, since he was one of the committee from Jerusalem to Antioch (Acts 15:22,Acts 15:27,Acts 15:32). Which had been ordained (τα κεκριμενα ta kekrimena). Perfect passive articular participle of κρινω krinō to judge, emphasizing the permanence of the conclusions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. For to keep This present active infinitive likewise accents that it is a charter of liberty for continual living, not a temporary compromise. [source]
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Σίλας
Sense: a Roman citizen, the companion of the apostle Paul on several of his missionary journeys.
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀγγέλλω
Sense: to bring tidings (from a person or a thing), bring word, report.
Greek Commentary for Acts 15:27
Literally, “they themselves also by speech announcing the same things.” The present participle, as here, sometimes is used like the future to express purpose as in Acts 3:26 ευλογουντα eulogounta after απεστειλεν apesteilen and so here απαγγελλοντας apaggellontas after απεσταλκαμεν apestalkamen (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1128). Judas and Silas are specifically endorsed (perfect active indicative of αποστελλω apostellō) as bearers of the epistle who will also verbally confirm the contents of the letter. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 15:27
As well as Paul and Barnabas and like Agabus (Acts 11:27-30), for-speakers for Christ who justify the commendation in the letter (Acts 15:27) “with many words” (δια λογου πολλου dia logou pollou), “with much talk,” and no doubt with kindly words concerning the part played at the Conference by Paul and Barnabas. [source]
Old word from δοκεω dokeō to give an opinion. It is used of public decrees of rulers (Luke 2:1; Acts 17:7), of the requirements of the Mosaic law (Colossians 2:14), and here of the regulations or conclusions of the Jerusalem Conference. Silas was with Paul and his presence gave added dignity to the passing out of the decrees, a charter of Gentile freedom, since he was one of the committee from Jerusalem to Antioch (Acts 15:22, Acts 15:27, Acts 15:32). Which had been ordained (τα κεκριμενα ta kekrimena). Perfect passive articular participle of κρινω krinō to judge, emphasizing the permanence of the conclusions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. For to keep This present active infinitive likewise accents that it is a charter of liberty for continual living, not a temporary compromise. [source]
Probably the companion of Paul known in the Acts as Silas (Acts 15:22, Acts 15:27, Acts 15:32, Acts 15:34, Acts 15:40, etc.), and called Silvanus by Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1. [source]