King James Version

What Does Acts 13:15 Mean?

Acts 13:15 in the King James Version says “And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethre... — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

Acts 13:15 · KJV


Context

13

Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

14

But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

15

And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

16

Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

17

The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After the reading of the law and the prophets (μετὰ δὲ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν, meta de tēn anagnōsin tou nomou kai tōn prophētōn)—synagogue worship followed prescribed liturgy: the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), prayers, Torah reading (continuous lectionary), prophetic reading (haftarah), and exposition. Paul's opportunity came during the exposition portion, after Scripture had been publicly read. The law and prophets encompassed Israel's entire canonical Scripture, providing Paul's textual foundation for preaching Christ.

Word of exhortation (λόγος παρακλήσεως, logos paraklēseōs)—the technical term for synagogue exposition/homily. The noun παρακλήσεως (paraklēseōs, from παρακαλέω, 'to come alongside, encourage, exhort') indicates more than information-transfer: authoritative application calling for response. Paul's sermon (vv. 16-41) demonstrates apostolic παρακλήσεως—rehearsing salvation history, declaring Christ's fulfillment, calling for faith-response.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century synagogue worship maintained continuity with Second Temple Judaism while adapting to diaspora contexts. The invitation to visiting teachers reflected Judaism's high regard for Torah exposition and expectation that learned visitors would contribute insight. Synagogue rulers (ἀρχισυνάγωγοι, archisynagōgoi) managed worship order and extended speaking invitations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the structured progression from Scripture reading to exposition model sound preaching methodology today?
  2. What does the phrase 'word of exhortation' teach about preaching's purpose—not merely informing but calling people to respond?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
μετὰ1 of 27

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

δὲ2 of 27

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τὴν3 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνάγνωσιν4 of 27

the reading

G320

(the act of) reading

τοῦ5 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμου6 of 27

of the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

καὶ7 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν8 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προφητῶν9 of 27

the prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

ἀπέστειλαν10 of 27

sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

οἱ11 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχισυνάγωγοι12 of 27

the rulers of the synagogue

G752

director of the synagogue services

πρὸς13 of 27

for

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτοὺς14 of 27

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

λέγετε15 of 27

say on

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἄνδρες16 of 27

Ye men

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἀδελφοί17 of 27

and brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

εἴ18 of 27

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἐστιν19 of 27

ye have

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

λόγος20 of 27

any word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἐν21 of 27
G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν22 of 27
G5213

to (with or by) you

παρακλήσεως23 of 27

of exhortation

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace

πρὸς24 of 27

for

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν25 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαόν26 of 27

the people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

λέγετε27 of 27

say on

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 13:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 13:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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