King James Version

What Does Acts 15:13 Mean?

Acts 15:13 in the King James Version says “And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:” — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:”

Acts 15:13 · KJV

Peace

Context

11

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

12

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

13

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

14

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

15

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

Read Acts 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
James (the Lord's brother and Jerusalem church leader) rose to give the decisive judgment. His leadership role shows the transition from Peter's early prominence to James's position as head of the Jerusalem church. The Greek 'apekrithē' (answered) implies authoritative pronouncement. James would synthesize Peter's testimony, Paul's report, and scriptural evidence into a binding decision.

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Historical & Cultural Context

James the Just, Jesus' half-brother, had become a believer after the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:7) and emerged as the Jerusalem church's primary leader. His reputation for piety gave him credibility with Jewish Christians.

Reflection Questions

  1. What qualities should characterize those who lead theological discussions?
  2. How did God prepare James for this crucial leadership moment?
  3. What role does godly leadership play in resolving church conflicts?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Μετὰ1 of 12

“after”

G3326

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

δὲ2 of 12

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸ3 of 12
G3588

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

σιγῆσαι4 of 12

“peace”

G4601

to keep silent (transitively or intransitively)

αὐτοὺς5 of 12

“they had held their”

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

ἀπεκρίθη6 of 12

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

Ἰάκωβος7 of 12

“James”

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

λέγων,8 of 12

“saying”

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

Ἄνδρες9 of 12

“Men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἀδελφοί10 of 12

“and brethren”

G80

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

ἀκούσατέ11 of 12

“hearken”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

μου12 of 12

“unto me”

G3450

of me

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 15:13 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 15:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 12:17Galatians 2:12Galatians 2:9James 1:1Acts 21:18Acts 2:29

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