Devine Scripture

Acts 15:6

What does Acts 15:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 15:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 15:6 means

The apostles and elders assembled to deliberate. This gathering reflects responsible church leadership seeking the Lord’s will together. It recognizes both apostolic authority and the ongoing role of elders in shepherding doctrine and practice. The verse underscores that theological disputes should be weighed in community, not by private opinion or factional pressure. While the outcome will honor freedom for Gentiles, the process also honors order in the church. The council is not inventing a new gospel but discerning what God has already revealed in Christ and by the Spirit’s work among Gentiles, as the testimonies will soon show.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the Apostles and the rulers of the church came together and gave thought to the question.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And there were gathered together the apostles and the elders, to see about this matter,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the apostles and ancients assembled to consider of this matter.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.

Context

Having heard the competing claims, the leaders convene, signaling a serious and prayerful inquiry. This sets the platform for speeches that will appeal to history (Peter’s experience), ongoing mission (Paul and Barnabas), and Scripture (James). The verse functions as a hinge between the statement of the problem and the Spirit-led resolution. Next, Peter rises to speak, drawing on the decisive events recorded earlier in Acts with Cornelius.

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.

v.6This passage

v.7And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that a good while ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 13:17

    Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you.

  • Proverbs 15:22

    Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

  • Acts 21:18

    And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

  • Hebrews 13:7

    Remember them that had the rule over you, men that spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith.

  • Matthew 18:20

    For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

  • Acts 6:2

    And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables.

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