Acts 16:4
What does Acts 16:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 16:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 16:4 means
As Paul’s team travels city to city, they deliver the decrees ordained by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. These directives, shaped by the Spirit-guided council, safeguard the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers and provide practical guidance for fellowship. The missionaries do not act independently; they honor church-wide discernment and authority. This public transmission spreads clarity and calms controversies that had troubled churches. By submitting their mission to shared apostolic instruction, Paul and his companions model a humble, connected ministry that builds trust. The decrees also affirm that salvation rests in Jesus, while urging Gentile believers to avoid practices that would wound Jewish brethren.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And as they went on their way through the cities, they delivered them the decrees to keep which had been ordained of the apostles and elders that were at Jerusalem.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And as they went on their way through the cities, they delivered them the decrees to keep which had been ordained of the apostles and elders that were at Jerusalem.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And on their way through the towns, they gave them the rules which had been made by the Apostles and the rulers of the church at Jerusalem, so that they might keep them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And as they were going on through the cities, they were delivering to them the decrees to keep, that have been judged by the apostles and the elders who <FI>are<Fi> in Jerusalem,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And as they passed through the cities, they delivered unto them the decrees for to keep, that were decreed by the apostles and ancients who were at Jerusalem.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And as they passed through the cities they instructed them to observe the decrees determined on by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.
Context
Verse 4 follows Timothy’s circumcision and explains the team’s concurrent commitment to the Jerusalem Council’s decisions. This shows that missionary flexibility (verse 3) coexists with doctrinal firmness. The outcome of this faithful delivery appears in verse 5: the churches are strengthened and grow. The context emphasizes that unity and clarity in teaching bear fruit, setting a healthy foundation before the narrative turns to the Spirit’s redirection of their travel plans in verses 6–10.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 11:30
which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
- Acts 15:6
And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter.
- Acts 15:2
And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and questioning with them, the brethren appointed that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
- Acts 15:28
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:
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