King James Version

What Does Acts 16:4 Mean?

Acts 16:4 in the King James Version says “And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.”

Acts 16:4 · KJV

Salvation

Context

2

Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

3

Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

4

And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

5

And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily .

6

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders (τὰ δόγματα τὰ κεκριμένα)—Paul and his companions disseminated the Jerusalem Council decisions (Acts 15:1-29) throughout the churches. The Greek dogmata refers to authoritative decrees or ordinances, the same word used for imperial edicts (Luke 2:1). The perfect participle kekrimena ("having been decided") emphasizes the binding, settled nature of these apostolic judgments.

This verse demonstrates the early church navigating the transition from Judaism to Christianity. The decrees freed Gentile believers from circumcision while maintaining ethical standards and fellowship unity. Paul's mission was not merely evangelistic but ecclesial—establishing churches under apostolic authority. Which were at Jerusalem anchored the decision in the mother church, showing the unity and catholicity of the early Christian movement despite its rapid expansion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written circa AD 50-52, this passage describes Paul's second missionary journey shortly after the Jerusalem Council (AD 49). Luke emphasizes how the apostolic decree resolved the circumcision controversy, allowing the church to expand without requiring Gentile converts to become Jewish proselytes. This administrative unity was crucial for the mission to the nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the church today balance theological unity with cultural diversity in the same way the Jerusalem Council did?
  2. What role should apostolic authority and historical church decisions play in contemporary Christian practice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ὡς1 of 21

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

διεπορεύοντο3 of 21

“they went through”

G1279

to travel through

τῶν4 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

πόλεις5 of 21

“the cities”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

παρεδίδουν6 of 21

“they delivered”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

αὐτοῖς7 of 21

“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

φυλάσσειν8 of 21

“for to keep”

G5442

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

τῶν9 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

δόγματα10 of 21

“the decrees”

G1378

a law (civil, ceremonial or ecclesiastical)

τῶν11 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

κεκριμένα12 of 21

“that were ordained”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ὑπὸ13 of 21

“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 (

τῶν14 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

ἀποστόλων15 of 21

“the apostles”

G652

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

καὶ16 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

τῶν17 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

πρεσβυτέρων18 of 21

“elders”

G4245

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

τῶν19 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

ἐν20 of 21

“were at”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Ἰερουσαλήμ21 of 21

“Jerusalem”

G2419

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

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 16:4 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 16:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 15:28-29Acts 15:2Acts 11:30Acts 15:6

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Acts 16 →

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