King James Version

What Does Acts 15:24 Mean?

Acts 15:24 in the King James Version says “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, say... — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Acts 15:24 · KJV


Context

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,

26

Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The council acknowledges that 'certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls.' The Greek 'anaskeuazō' (subvert, unsettle) shows the destructive nature of false teaching. Importantly, these troublers went out 'to whom we gave no such commandment,' disclaiming any official authorization for their legalism.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

False teachers often claimed apostolic authority they didn't possess. This official repudiation protected Gentile churches from ongoing Judaizing pressure and established that the Jerusalem church supported Gentile freedom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does false teaching 'subvert' souls and undermine faith?
  2. What responsibility do church leaders have to refute error in their name?
  3. How can you discern between authorized teaching and unauthorized imposters?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Ἐπειδὴ1 of 23

Forasmuch as

G1894

since now, i.e., (of time) when, or (of cause) whereas

ἠκούσαμεν2 of 23

we have heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὅτι3 of 23

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τινὲς4 of 23

certain

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐξ5 of 23

from

G1537

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

ἡμῶν6 of 23

us

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐξελθόντες7 of 23

which went out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐτάραξαν8 of 23

have troubled

G5015

to stir or agitate (roil water)

ὑμᾶς9 of 23

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

λόγοις10 of 23

with words

G3056

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

ἀνασκευάζοντες11 of 23

subverting

G384

properly, to pack up (baggage), i.e., (by implication, and figuratively) to upset

τὰς12 of 23
G3588

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

ψυχὰς13 of 23

souls

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

ὑμῶν14 of 23

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

λέγοντες15 of 23

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

περιτέμνεσθαι16 of 23

Ye must be circumcised

G4059

to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise

καὶ17 of 23

and

G2532

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

τηρεῖν18 of 23

keep

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

τον19 of 23
G3588

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

νόμον,20 of 23

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

οἷς21 of 23

to whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐ22 of 23

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

διεστειλάμεθα23 of 23

such commandment

G1291

to set (oneself) apart (figuratively, distinguish), i.e., (by implication) to enjoin


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 15:24 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 15:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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