Acts 15:33

And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. AND AFTER THEY HAD TARRIED THERE A SPACE, [ chronon (G5550)], or 'some time;' but how long cannot with certainty be determined, THEY WERE LET GO IN PEACE, [ met' (G3326) eireenees (G1515)] - 'with peace,' the customary parting salutation, though in this case at least it would be no formality, FROM THE BRETHREN UNTO THE APOSTLES - or (as appears to be the true reading), 'to those that had sent them' [ pros (G4314) tous ...

− 33._They were let go in peace. _That is, when they departed, the brethren, in taking their leave of them, did wish them well, as friends use to do. And there is _synecdoche _in this member; because the one of the two did only return to Jerusalem. And in the text there is a correction added immediately, that it seemed good to Silas to tarry there; but when Luke joineth them both together, his meaning is only to declare that the Church was quiet before they thought upon any returning. At length he addeth that Paul and Barnabas, so long as they were at Antioch, gave themselves to teaching, and did continue in this work, − (158) and yet did they give place to many more. − (159) Whereby it appeareth, that they had all one and the same desire without grudging, − (160) so that they joined hand in hand to do good; though it seemeth tha

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 33. _THEY WERE LET GO_] That is, both had liberty to depart; but Silas chose to stay a little longer with the brethren....

A SPACE - For some time. THEY WERE LET GO IN PEACE - An expression implying that they departed with the affectionate regard of the Christians to whom they had ministered, and with their highest wishes for their prosperity, 1 Corinthians 16:11; 2 John 1:10. UNTO THE APOSTLES - At Jerusalem. Many mss., however, instead of “unto the apostles,” read “unto those who had sent them.” The sense is not materially different....

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 AFTER THEY HAD TARRIED THERE A SPACE,.... How long is not certain; the Arabic version renders it "a year"; and it is probable enough, they might stay there so long, till things were thoroughly settled, which were thrown into great disorder and confusion, by the pleaders for circumcision: THEY WERE LET GO IN PEACE; that is, they were dismissed, and went away with the leave and consent of the church; who returned them thanks for the service and good offices they had done them, and wished them all peace, prosperity, and happiness, both in soul and body, and great success in their ministrations wherever they went: and as they were dismissed in peace, they left the church in perfect peace; an end being put to the controversy about circumcision, which was raised among them; and the members of the church being agreed in their sentiments, and heartily united in their affections to one anoth...

ACTS 15:33 pro.j tou.j avpostei,lantaj auvtou,j Instead of pro.j tou.j avpostei,lantaj auvtou,j (î74 a A B C D vg copsa, bo _al_) the Textus Receptus, following H L P S many minuscules syrp, h copbo arm ethro Bedeacc. to Greek mss, reads pro.j tou.j avposto,louj. The latter appears to be a deliberate alteration introduced by copyists in order to bring the apostolate into greater prominence....

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

EVENTS AT ANTIOCH. At Antioch on the arrival of the party, everything is quiet and decorous: there is no mention of the disturbers of Acts 15:1; the impression is given that the authority of the Mother Church was decisive to all. They rejoiced apparently on account of the freedom given from unnecessary restrictions to the Gentile members. The prophets held long discourses, as prophets were expected to do (_Didaché,_ 10:7, 11, 1 Thessalonians 5:19 f.). The prophets are sent back to Jerusalem; D and other authorities in Acts 15:34 (omitted in RV) account for the inconsistency with Acts 15:40 by saying that Silas chose to stay there and