King James Version

What Does Acts 15:4 Mean?

Acts 15:4 in the King James Version says “And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declare... — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

Acts 15:4 · KJV


Context

2

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

3

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

4

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

5

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. rose: or, rose up, said they, certain

6

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Jerusalem church, apostles, and elders received them warmly and heard their report of 'all things that God had done with them.' The passive construction emphasizes God as the primary actor in missions. This reception contrasts with the Judaizers' hostile reception, showing that official church leadership supported the Gentile mission.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This formal reception before the Jerusalem church leadership (circa AD 49) included James (Jesus' half-brother), Peter, John, and other elders. Jerusalem remained the mother church and center of early Christianity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should missionary reports emphasize God's work rather than human achievement?
  2. What does this reception teach about proper relationships between church leaders?
  3. How can churches today better receive and celebrate cross-cultural ministry reports?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
παραγενόμενοι1 of 22

when they were come

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

δὲ2 of 22

And

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰς3 of 22

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰερουσαλὴμ4 of 22

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

ἀπεδέχθησαν5 of 22

they were received

G588

to take fully, i.e., welcome (persons), approve (things)

ὑπὸ6 of 22

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῆς7 of 22
G3588

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

ἐκκλησίας8 of 22

the church

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

καὶ9 of 22

and

G2532

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

τῶν10 of 22
G3588

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

ἀποστόλων11 of 22

of the apostles

G652

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

καὶ12 of 22

and

G2532

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

τῶν13 of 22
G3588

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

πρεσβυτέρων14 of 22

elders

G4245

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

ἀνήγγειλάν15 of 22

they declared

G312

to announce (in detail)

τε16 of 22

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ὅσα17 of 22

all things

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

18 of 22
G3588

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

θεὸς19 of 22

that God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐποίησεν20 of 22

had done

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

μετ'21 of 22

with

G3326

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

αὐτῶν22 of 22

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


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 15:4 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 15:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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