King James Version

What Does Acts 15:6 Mean?

Acts 15:6 in the King James Version says “And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 15:6 · KJV


Context

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.

7

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

8

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The apostles and elders assembled to 'consider this matter' (Greek 'eidon' - to see, examine). This formal council demonstrates the early church's commitment to resolving doctrinal disputes through careful theological reflection, Scripture study, and Spirit-led consensus. The gravity of the assembly shows they recognized this as a defining moment for Christianity's future.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This Jerusalem Council (AD 49) was the first church council in Christian history. It established precedent for addressing theological controversies through representative assemblies of church leadership.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should churches today handle doctrinal controversies and disputes?
  2. What role do councils and assemblies play in maintaining theological unity?
  3. How can we balance individual conscience with corporate church decision-making?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Συνήχθησάν1 of 12

came together

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

δὲ2 of 12

And

G1161

but, and, etc

οἱ3 of 12
G3588

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

ἀπόστολοι4 of 12

the apostles

G652

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

καὶ5 of 12

and

G2532

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

οἱ6 of 12
G3588

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

πρεσβύτεροι7 of 12

elders

G4245

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

ἰδεῖν8 of 12

for to consider

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

περὶ9 of 12

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τοῦ10 of 12
G3588

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

λόγου11 of 12

matter

G3056

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

τούτου12 of 12

this

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)


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 15:6 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 15:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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