Acts 15:4
What does Acts 15:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 15:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 15:4 means
Arriving in Jerusalem, Paul, Barnabas, and their companions were warmly received by the whole church—apostles, elders, and congregation. They recounted what God had done through them, not their own achievements. The focus is on divine initiative: God opened doors, confirmed the message, and brought Gentiles to faith. This humble report anchors the council’s deliberations in God’s evident activity rather than in human preference. It reminds the assembly that mission and doctrine are not at odds; right doctrine must account for what God is actually doing by his Spirit through the gospel.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church and the apostles and the elders, and they rehearsed all things that God had done with them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church and the apostles and the elders, and they rehearsed all things that God had done with them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when they came to Jerusalem, they had a meeting with the church and the Apostles and the rulers, and they gave an account of all the things which God had done through them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And having come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly, and the apostles, and the elders, they declared also as many things as God did with them;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and by the apostles and ancients, declaring how great things God had done with them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And being arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly, and the apostles, and the elders, and related all thatGod had wrought with them.
Context
This verse formally sets the council’s stage. The Antioch team stands before those entrusted with leadership in Jerusalem, giving a testimony grounded in recent mission history. The warm reception shows unity despite looming disagreement. Yet, as the next verse reveals, there remains a vocal group insisting on law observance for Gentiles. The council will weigh this claim against God’s deeds just reported and against the Scriptures James will cite.
v.3They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
v.4This passage
v.5But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 John 1:10
If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting:
- Acts 18:27
And when he was minded to pass over into Achaia, the brethren encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him: and when he was come, he helped them much that had believed through grace;
- 2 Corinthians 5:19
to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
- Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him),
- Matthew 10:40
He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
- Acts 21:17
And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
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