KJV: And 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.
YLT: And 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;
Darby: And being arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly, and the apostles, and the elders, and related all that God had wrought with them.
ASV: And 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.
| παραγενόμενοι | Having come |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Middle, Nominative Masculine Plural Root: παραγίνομαι Sense: to be present, to come near, approach. |
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| Ἱεροσόλυμα | Jerusalem |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural Root: Ἱεροσόλυμα Sense: denotes either the city itself or the inhabitants. |
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| παρεδέχθησαν | they were welcomed |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Plural Root: παραδέχομαι Sense: to receive, take up, take upon one’s self. |
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| ἐκκλησίας | church |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: ἐκκλησία Sense: a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly. |
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| ἀποστόλων | apostles |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Plural Root: ἀπόστολος Sense: a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders. |
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| πρεσβυτέρων | elders |
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Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Plural Root: πρεσβύτερος Sense: elder, of age,. |
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| ἀνήγγειλάν | They declared |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural Root: ἀναγγέλλω Sense: to announce, make known. |
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| ὅσα | all that |
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Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Plural Root: ὅσος Sense: as great as, as far as, how much, how many, whoever. |
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| ὁ | - |
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Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| Θεὸς | God |
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Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: θεός Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities. |
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| ἐποίησεν | had done |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular Root: ποιέω Sense: to make. |
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Greek Commentary for Acts 15:4
First aorist passive indicative of παραδεχομαι paradechomai old verb, to receive, to welcome. Here it was a public reception for Paul and Barnabas provided by the whole church including the apostles and elders, at which an opportunity was given to hear the story of Paul and Barnabas about God‘s dealings with them among the Gentiles. This first public meeting is referred to by Paul in Galatians 2:2 “I set before them (αυτοις autois) the gospel, etc.” [source]
The word implies a cordial welcome, which they were not altogether sure of receiving. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 15:4
Bengel argues that this proves a date before the destruction of Jerusalem, but it is probably only John‘s vivid memory. By the sheep gate Supply πυληι pulēi (gate) which occurs with the adjective προβατικη probatikē (pertaining to sheep, προβατα probata) in Nehemiah 3:1, Nehemiah 3:22. A pool A diving or swimming pool (from κολυμβαω kolumbaō to swim, Acts 27:43), old word, only here in N.T. Which is called “The surnamed” (present passive participle, only N.T. example except Acts 15:40 first aorist middle participle επιλεχαμενος epilexamenos). In Hebrew “In Aramaic” strictly as in John 19:13, John 19:17, John 19:20; John 20:16; Revelation 9:11; Revelation 16:16. Bethesda Aleph D L 33 have ετζατα Bethzatha or House of the Olive, while B W Vulg. Memph. have ετσαιδα Bethsaida Having five porches Στοα Stoa was a covered colonnade where people can gather from which Stoic comes (Acts 17:18). See John 10:23; Acts 3:11. Schick in 1888 found twin pools north of the temple near the fortress of Antonia one of which has five porches. It is not, however, certain that this pool existed before a.d. 70 when the temple was destroyed (Sanday, Sacred Sites of the Gospels, p. 55). Some have identified it with the Pool of Siloam (John 9:7), though John distinguishes them. There is also the Virgin‘s Well, called the Gusher, because it periodically bubbles over from a natural spring, a kind of natural siphon. This is south of the temple in the Valley of Kedron and quite possibly the real site. [source]
Rather, were strengthened. Another word is used for established. See Acts 14:22; Acts 15:32, Acts 15:41; Acts 18:23. There is a difference, moreover, between being strengthened and established. See 1 Peter 5:10. [source]
Second aorist active participle of επιτιτημι epitithēmi Not ordination to the ministry, but a solemn consecration to the great missionary task to which the Holy Spirit had called them. Whether the whole church took part in this ceremony is not clear, though in Acts 15:40 “the brethren” did commend Paul and Silas. Perhaps some of them here acted for the whole church, all of whom approved the enterprise. But Paul makes it plain in Philemon 4:15 that the church in Antioch did not make financial contribution to the campaign, but only goodwill. But that was more than the church at Jerusalem would have done as a whole since Peter had been arraigned there for his activities in Caesarea (Acts 11:1-18). Clearly Barnabas and Saul had to finance the tour themselves. It was Philippi that first gave money to Paul‘s campaigns. There were still heathen enough in Antioch, but the church approved the going of Barnabas and Saul, their very best. [source]
First aorist active participle of ματητευω mathēteuō from ματητης mathētēs a learner or disciple. Late verb in Plutarch, to be a disciple (Matthew 27:57 like John 19:38) and then to disciple (old English, Spenser), to make a disciple as in Matthew 28:19 and here. Paul and Barnabas were literally here obeying the command of Jesus in discipling people in this heathen city. They returned to Lystra and to Iconium, and to Antioch (υπεστρεπσαν εις την Λυστραν και εις Ικονιον και εις Αντιοχειαν hupestrepsan eis tēn Lustran kai eis Ikonion kai eis Antiocheian). Derbe was the frontier city of the Roman empire. The quickest way to return to Antioch in Syria would have been by the Cilician Gates or by the pass over Matthew. Taurus by which Paul and Silas will come to Derbe in the second tour (Acts 15:41-16:1), but difficult to travel in winter. But it was necessary to revisit the churches in Lystra, Iconium, Antioch in Pisidia and to see that they were able to withstand persecution. Paul was a Roman citizen though he had not made use of this privilege as yet for his own protection. Against mob violence it would count for little, but he did not hesitate. Paul had been stoned in Lystra, threatened in Iconium, expelled in Antioch. He shows his wisdom in conserving his work. [source]
Derbe was the frontier city of the Roman empire. The quickest way to return to Antioch in Syria would have been by the Cilician Gates or by the pass over Matthew. Taurus by which Paul and Silas will come to Derbe in the second tour (Acts 15:41-16:1), but difficult to travel in winter. But it was necessary to revisit the churches in Lystra, Iconium, Antioch in Pisidia and to see that they were able to withstand persecution. Paul was a Roman citizen though he had not made use of this privilege as yet for his own protection. Against mob violence it would count for little, but he did not hesitate. Paul had been stoned in Lystra, threatened in Iconium, expelled in Antioch. He shows his wisdom in conserving his work. [source]
Late verb (in lxx), in N.T. only in Acts 14:22; Acts 15:32, Acts 15:41, to make more firm, to give additional (επι epi) strength. Each time in Acts the word is used concerning these churches. [source]
First aorist (effective) passive indicative. The church is not named here as in Acts 15:4, but we know from Acts 15:12-22 that the whole church came together this time also along with the apostles and elders. [source]
Present middle participle of εχηγεομαι exēgeomai old verb, to go through or lead out a narrative of events as in Luke 24:35; Acts 10:8 which see. Three times (Acts 14:27; Acts 15:4, Acts 15:12) Paul is described as telling the facts about their mission work, facts more eloquent than argument (Page). One of the crying needs in the churches is fuller knowledge of the facts of mission work and progress with enough detail to give life and interest. The signs and wonders which God had wrought among the Gentiles set the seal of approval on the work done through This same verb (εχηγησατο exēgēsato) is used by James in Acts 15:14 referring to Peter‘s speech. [source]
This verse is not in the Revised Version or in the text of Westcott and Hort, being absent from Aleph A B Vulgate, etc. It is clearly an addition to help explain the fact that Silas is back in Antioch in Acts 15:40. But the “some days” of Acts 15:36 afforded abundant time for him to return from Jerusalem. He and Judas went first to Jerusalem to make a report of their mission. [source]
As he did in the second tour (Acts 15:41, κατεχης epistērizōn compound of this same verb) which see. [source]
Imperfect active of ακουω akouō descriptive of the rapt attention, were listening. Unto Barnabas and Paul (αρναβα και Παυλου Barnaba kai Paulou). Note placing Barnabas before Paul as in Acts 15:25, possibly because in Jerusalem Barnabas was still better known than Paul. Rehearsing Present middle participle of εχηγεομαι exēgeomai old verb, to go through or lead out a narrative of events as in Luke 24:35; Acts 10:8 which see. Three times (Acts 14:27; Acts 15:4, Acts 15:12) Paul is described as telling the facts about their mission work, facts more eloquent than argument (Page). One of the crying needs in the churches is fuller knowledge of the facts of mission work and progress with enough detail to give life and interest. The signs and wonders which God had wrought among the Gentiles set the seal of approval on the work done through This same verb (εχηγησατο exēgēsato) is used by James in Acts 15:14 referring to Peter‘s speech. [source]
So the oldest and best MSS. without τοις αδελποις kai (and) before “brethren.” This punctuation is probably correct and not “elder brethren.” The inquiry had been sent to the apostles and elders (Acts 15:2) though the whole church joined in the welcome (Acts 15:4) and in the decision (Acts 15:22). The apostles and elders send the epistle, but call themselves “brothers to brothers,” Fratres Fratibus Salutem. “The brothers” Greeting (χαιρειν Chairein). The customary formula in the beginning of letters, the absolute infinitive (usually chairein) with the nominative absolute also as in James 1:1; Acts 23:26 and innumerable papyri (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1902f.). [source]
Thus simply and alone Paul began the third mission tour without a Barnabas or a Silas. Went through (διερχομενος dierchomenos). Present middle participle, going through. The region of Galatia and Phrygia See note on Acts 16:6 for discussion of this phrase, here in reverse order, passing through the Galatic region and then Phrygia. Does Luke mean Lycaonia (Derbe and Lystra) and Phrygia (Iconium and Pisidian Antioch)? Or does he mean the route west through the old Galatia and the old Phrygia on west into Asia? The same conflict exists here over the South Galatian and the North Galatian theories. Phrygia is apparently distinguished from the Galatic region here. It is apparently a.d. 52 when Paul set out on this tour. In order (kathexēs). In succession as in Acts 11:4, though the names of the cities are not given. Stablishing As he did in the second tour (Acts 15:41, κατεχης epistērizōn compound of this same verb) which see. [source]
See note on Acts 16:6 for discussion of this phrase, here in reverse order, passing through the Galatic region and then Phrygia. Does Luke mean Lycaonia (Derbe and Lystra) and Phrygia (Iconium and Pisidian Antioch)? Or does he mean the route west through the old Galatia and the old Phrygia on west into Asia? The same conflict exists here over the South Galatian and the North Galatian theories. Phrygia is apparently distinguished from the Galatic region here. It is apparently a.d. 52 when Paul set out on this tour. In order (kathexēs). In succession as in Acts 11:4, though the names of the cities are not given. Stablishing As he did in the second tour (Acts 15:41, κατεχης epistērizōn compound of this same verb) which see. [source]
But Paul passes by another visit to Jerusalem, that in Acts 11:30 when Barnabas and Saul brought alms from Antioch to Jerusalem and delivered them to “the elders” with no mention of the apostles who were probably out of the city since the events in Acts 12 apparently preceded that visit and Peter had left for another place (Acts 12:17). Paul here gives the inside view of this private conference in Jerusalem that came in between the two public meetings (Acts 15:4, 6-29). [source]
Second aorist middle indicative of old word ανατιτημι anatithēmi to put up, to place before, with the dative case. But who were the “them” Just place Acts 15:4. beside the first clause and it is clear: “I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles,” precisely as Luke has recorded. Then came the private conference after the uproar caused by the Judaizers (Acts 15:5). Before them who were of repute (τοις δοκουσιν tois dokousin). He names three of them (Cephas, James, and John). James the Lord‘s brother, for the other James is now dead (Acts 12:1.). But there were others also, a select group of real leaders. The decision reached by this group would shape the decision of the public conference in the adjourned meeting. So far as we know Paul had not met John before, though he had met Peter and James at the other visit. Lightfoot has much to say about the Big Four (St. Paul and the Three) who here discuss the problems of mission work among Jews and Gentiles. It was of the utmost importance that they should see eye to eye. The Judaizers were assuming that the twelve apostles and James the Lord‘s brother would side with them against Paul and Barnabas. Peter had already been before the Jerusalem Church for his work in Caesarea (Acts 11:1-18). James was considered a very loyal Jew. Lest by any means I should be running or had run in vain Negative purpose with the present subjunctive There are plenty of classical parallels. See also 1 Thessalonians 3:5 for both together again. [source]
Admits to filial privileges: acknowledges as his own. Of receiving the word of God, Mark 4:20; of receiving delegates from a body, Acts 15:4; of adopting or approving customs, Acts 16:21. [source]
Probably the companion of Paul known in the Acts as Silas (Acts 15:22, Acts 15:27, Acts 15:32, Acts 15:34, Acts 15:40, etc.), and called Silvanus by Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1. [source]
Peter uses Paul‘s phrase (1 Corinthians 4:1; Romans 8:18) in giving approval to Paul‘s former companion (Acts 15:40).I have written (εγραπσα egrapsa). Epistolary aorist applying to this Epistle as in 1 Corinthians 5:11 (not 1 Corinthians 5:9); 1 Corinthians 9:15; Galatians 6:11; Romans 15:15; Philemon 1:19, Philemon 1:21.Briefly “By few words,” as Peter looked at it, certainly not a long letter in fact. Cf. Hebrews 13:22.Testifying (επιμαρτυρων epimarturōn). Present active participle of επιμαρτυρεω epimartureō to bear witness to, old compound, here alone in N.T., though the double compound συνεπιμαρτυρεω sunepimartureō in Hebrews 2:4.That this is the true grace of God Infinitive ειναι einai in indirect assertion and accusative of general reference “In which (grace) take your stand” (ingressive aorist active imperative of ιστημι histēmi). [source]