Acts 15:32
What does Acts 15:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 15:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 15:32 means
Judas and Silas, being prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. Their prophetic ministry likely included teaching, exhortation, and Spirit-led application of the gospel to the church’s situation. After confusion and conflict, such ministry was vital to rebuild trust and resolve lingering questions. Strengthening here means fortifying faith and perseverance, equipping the congregation to live out the decree in love. The personal presence of these Jerusalem leaders demonstrated solidarity with Antioch and helped knit together the church across regions.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, gave teaching to the brothers and made them strong in the faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Judas also and Silas, being themselves also prophets, through much discourse did exhort the brethren, and confirm,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, with many words comforted the brethren and confirmed them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with much discourse, and strengthened them.
Context
This follows the joyful reception of the letter. Not content with a document alone, God provides gifted men to apply the truth pastorally. After some time of ministry, Judas and Silas will be sent back in peace to those who had commissioned them, signaling the restoration of harmony and the success of the council’s mission.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:12
Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
- 1 Corinthians 1:8
who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be unreproveable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 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 2:17
And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams:
- Acts 15:22
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
- Acts 15:41
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
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