Acts 15:31
What does Acts 15:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 15:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 15:31 means
When the letter was read, the believers rejoiced because it brought encouragement. The decree relieved anxious consciences, affirming Gentile believers as full members of God’s family without the burden of the law. It also offered practical guidance to preserve fellowship. True doctrine consoles: it protects the weak, corrects the troubled, and focuses hearts on Christ’s grace. Joy is the right response when the gospel’s freedom is upheld and the Spirit’s work recognized. The decree did not lower God’s standards; it clarified the path of holiness and unity under the new covenant.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And after reading it, they were glad of its comfort.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they having read, did rejoice for the consolation;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And having read it, they rejoiced at the consolation.
Context
This positive reception confirms the council’s pastoral wisdom. Rather than dividing the church, the decision heals and strengthens it. The following verses show Judas and Silas, themselves prophets, further exhorting and confirming the believers. Their presence embodies the unity promised in the letter and deepens the church’s stability.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 3:3
for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:
- Acts 15:1
And certain men came down from Judæa and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
- Acts 15:10
Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
- Acts 16:5
So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
- Galatians 2:4
and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
- Galatians 5:1
For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.
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