King James Version

What Does Acts 15:23 Mean?

Acts 15:23 in the King James Version says “And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren w... — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Acts 15:23 · KJV


Context

21

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

22

Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

23

And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

24

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

25

It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The letter addresses 'the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia,' affirming their full status as brothers despite not being circumcised. The formal greeting emphasizes unity in Christ transcending ethnic boundaries. This written decree would prevent future Judaizers from claiming Jerusalem's authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Antioch, Syria's capital, was Christianity's first major Gentile center. Cilicia (including Tarsus, Paul's hometown) had churches planted during his early ministry. These regions formed the base for Gentile Christianity's expansion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the gospel create genuine brotherhood across cultural boundaries?
  2. What does it mean to be united in Christ despite different backgrounds?
  3. How can churches today foster unity amid diversity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
γράψαντες1 of 26

And they wrote

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

διὰ2 of 26

letters by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

χειρὸς3 of 26

them

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτῶν4 of 26
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

τάδε,5 of 26

after this manner

G3592

the same, i.e., this or that one (plural these or those); often used as a personal pronoun

τοῖς6 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἀπόστολοι7 of 26

The apostles

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

καὶ8 of 26

and

G2532

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

τοῖς9 of 26

which

G3588

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

πρεσβύτεροι10 of 26

elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

καὶ11 of 26

and

G2532

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

τοῖς12 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἀδελφοῖς13 of 26

brethren

G80

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

τοῖς14 of 26

which

G3588

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

κατὰ15 of 26

in

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τοῖς16 of 26

which

G3588

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

Ἀντιόχειαν17 of 26

Antioch

G490

antioch (antiochia), a place in syria

καὶ18 of 26

and

G2532

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

Συρίαν19 of 26

Syria

G4947

syria (i.e., tsyria or tyre), a region of asia

καὶ20 of 26

and

G2532

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

Κιλικίαν21 of 26

Cilicia

G2791

cilicia, a region of asia minor

ἀδελφοῖς22 of 26

brethren

G80

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

τοῖς23 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἐξ24 of 26

are of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἐθνῶν25 of 26

the Gentiles

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

χαίρειν26 of 26

send greeting

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well


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 15:23 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 15:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study