Acts 13:15

And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, [Ye] men [and] brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

And {G1161} after {G3326} the reading {G320} of the law {G3551} and {G2532} the prophets {G4396} the rulers of the synagogue {G752} sent {G649} unto {G4314} them {G846}, saying {G3004}, Ye men {G435} and brethren {G80}, if {G1487} ye have {G2076}{G1722}{G5213} any word {G3056} of exhortation {G3874} for {G4314} the people {G2992}, say on {G3004}.

After the reading from the Torah and from the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent them a message, “Brothers, if any of you has a word of exhortation for the people, speak!”

After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.”

And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

Acts 13:15 describes a pivotal moment in the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, setting the stage for Paul's first recorded sermon in the book of Acts. This verse highlights the customary practice within Jewish synagogues that allowed for visitors to share a message after the regular scripture readings.

Context

Paul and Barnabas had traveled from Perga to Pisidian Antioch, a significant city in the Roman province of Galatia. On the Sabbath, they entered the synagogue, as was their custom (Acts 13:14). The service followed a standard liturgy: the reading of the Law (the Pentateuch, or Torah) and the Prophets (Nevi'im). After these readings, it was common for the synagogue rulers to invite a learned visitor, especially one who might be a rabbi or teacher, to offer a word of instruction or encouragement. This invitation to Paul and Barnabas was thus a customary act of hospitality and an unexpected divine opening for them to proclaim the Gospel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Opportunity: The synagogue rulers' invitation was an open door for Paul and Barnabas to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. It underscores how God prepares circumstances for the spread of His message.
  • Continuity with Old Testament: The sermon that follows this invitation (Acts 13:16-41) demonstrates Paul's approach of building upon the familiar Old Testament scriptures that had just been read, showing how Jesus fulfills the prophecies.
  • Openness to New Voices: The practice of inviting visitors to speak suggests a commendable openness within the synagogue to hear different perspectives and teachings, even from those who were not regular members of their community.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "word of exhortation" translates the Greek logos parakleseos (λόγος παρακλήσεως). The word paraklesis is rich in meaning, encompassing ideas of encouragement, comfort, consolation, and urgent appeal. It's not merely an academic teaching but a message intended to stir the hearers, to move them to action, or to provide spiritual strengthening. This is precisely what Paul's subsequent sermon aims to do: to encourage belief in Jesus as the promised Messiah and to call for repentance.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the importance of being ready to share our faith when opportunities arise, whether through formal invitation or informal conversation. It also highlights the value of listening to different voices and being open to how God might speak through unexpected channels. Just as Paul built upon the familiar scriptures, believers today are called to connect the timeless truths of the Bible to contemporary life, offering a "word of exhortation" that brings comfort, challenge, and ultimately, the hope found in Christ. Consider how God might be opening doors for you to share His truth, much like the rulers of the synagogue did for Paul and Barnabas, leading to many believing in Pisidian Antioch.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 13:22

    And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

  • Acts 15:21

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

  • Mark 5:22

    And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

  • Romans 12:8

    Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

  • Luke 4:16

    And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

  • Luke 4:18

    The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

  • Acts 13:27

    For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled [them] in condemning [him].

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