Acts 15:32

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. AND JUDAS AND SILAS, BEING PROPHETS ALSO THEMSELVES - as well as Paul and Barnabas-that is, inspired teachers (see the notes at Acts 11:27; Acts 13:1), EXHORTED THE BRETHREN WITH MANY WORDS, [ dia (G1223 ) logou (G3056 ) pollou (G4183 ), RATHER, Exhorted the brethren with ma...

− 32._Judeas and Silas. _These two brethren were sent for this cause, that they might also testify the same thing by word which was contained in the letters, and more also; otherwise the apostles would not have sent such short letters concerning so great and weighty a matter; and they would have also spoken somewhat touching the mysteries of faith, and would have made some long exhortation, wherein they would have persuaded them unto the study of godliness. Now, Luke showeth some farther things by them done; to wit, that being furnished with the gift of prophecy, they edify the Church in general, as if he should say, they did not only do their duty faithfully in the cause which was now in hand, but they did also take good and profitable pains in teaching and exhorting the Church And we must note that he saith that they exhorted the Church, because they were prophets; for it is not a thin...

22-35 Being warranted to declare themselves directed by the immediate influence of the Holy Ghost, the apostles and disciples were assured that it seemed good unto God the Holy Spirit, as well as to them, to lay upon the converts no other burden than the things before mentioned, which were necessary, either on their own account, or from present circumstances. It was a comfort to hear that carnal ordinances were no longer imposed on them, which perplexed the conscience, but could not purify or pacify it; and that those who troubled their minds were silenced, so that the peace of the church was restored, and that which threatened division was removed. All this was consolation for which they blessed God. Many others were at Antioch. Where many labour in the word and doctrine, yet there may be opportunity for us: the zeal and usefulness of others should stir us up, not lay us asleep....

Verse 32. _JUDAS AND SILAS, BEING PROPHETS_] That is, being _teachers_ in the Church. This signification of the word _prophet_ we have often already seen. See the notes on Acts 11:27; Acts 13:1. _EXHORTED THE BRETHREN_] To abide steadily attached to God, and to each other, in peace, love, and unity. _AND CONFIRMED_ them.] In the blessed truths they had already received....

BEING PROPHETS - See the notes on Acts 11:27. This evidently implies that they had been preachers before they went to Antioch. What was the precise nature of the office of a prophet in the Christian church it is not easy to ascertain. Possibly it may imply that they were teachers of unusual or remark able ability. Compare the notes on Romans 12:6. CONFIRMED THEM - Strengthened them; that is, by their instructions and exhortations. See the notes on Acts 14:22....

EXPOSITION ACTS 15:1 _Came down … and taught _for _which came down_ …_ taught, _A.V.; _saying _for _and said, _A.V._; custom _(ἔθος) for _manner, _A.V. EXCEPT YE BE CIRCUMCISED, etc. The question thus raised nearly effected the disruption of the Church, and was the most serious controversy that had yet arisen. If the views broached by these Judaean Christians had prevailed, the whole character of Christianity would have been changed, and its existence probably cut short. How great the danger was appears from even Peter and Barnabas having wavered in their opinion. (For St. Paul's treatment of the subject, see Romans 2:25, etc.; 4.;...

AND JUDAS AND SILAS BEING ALSO PROPHETS THEMSELVES,.... As well as Paul and Barnabas, and others, that were at Antioch; see Acts 13:1 and by prophets are meant, not only such who had the gift of foretelling things to come; though such there were, and these might have that gift; but such who were able to explain the prophecies of the Old Testament, give the true sense of the Scriptures, and open them to the edification of others; wherefore having such gifts, they made use of them; Beza's ancient copy adds, "full of the Holy Ghost": AND EXHORTED THE BRETHREN WITH MANY WORDS; which does not so much design the prolixity of their discourses, and the frequency of their ministrations, though they might preach both long and often; as the richness of the matter of them, as the Syriac version suggests, rendering it, "with a rich word"; with copiousness, fulness, and abundance

PROPHETS See (1 Corinthians 14:3) defines the New Testament gift of prophecy....

ACTS 15:32 o;ntej After o;ntej codex Bezae, with its characteristic interest in the Holy Spirit, 310 adds plh,reij pneu,matoj a`gi,ou (“who were themselves prophets _filled with the Holy Spirit_”). ------------------------- 310 See the Western text of Acts 15:7, Acts 15:29; Acts 19:1;...

CHAPTER 15 _ 1. The false teachers from Judea. Paul and Barnabas sent to Jerusalem (Acts 15:1)._ 2. The Council in Jerusalem (Acts 15:6). 3. The Result made known (Acts 15:22). 4. The Consolation brought to Antioch (Acts 15:30). 5. Paul and Barnabas separate (Acts 15:36). A very critical time had now arrived for the church. An important question had to be settled. That Gentiles can be saved and salvation must be extended to the Gentiles had been fully demonstrated. The Apostle of the circumcision, Peter, had been used to prea