Acts 15:27

KJV

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell [you] the same things by mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

We have sent {G649} therefore {G3767} Judas {G2455} and {G2532} Silas {G4609}, who {G846} shall {G518} also {G2532} tell {G518} you the same things {G846} by {G1223} mouth {G3056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So we have sent Y’hudah and Sila, and they will confirm in person what we are writing.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to tell you in person the same things we are writing.

American Standard Version

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves also shall tell you the same things by word of mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:27 records a crucial detail in the Jerusalem Council's resolution concerning Gentile converts: the decision to send trusted representatives, Judas Barsabas and Silas, alongside the written decree. This verse highlights the council's commitment to ensuring their divinely guided decision was not only formally communicated through a letter but also personally confirmed and clarified by credible witnesses. This dual approach underscored the authenticity, unity, and pastoral heart behind the council's groundbreaking ruling, aiming to prevent misunderstanding and foster peace among the burgeoning Christian communities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 15:27 is situated within the climactic resolution of the Jerusalem Council, a pivotal event in early church history (Acts 15:1-35). The preceding verses detail the intense debate over whether Gentile believers needed to be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law for salvation (Acts 15:1-5). Following Peter's testimony, Barnabas and Paul's account of God's work among the Gentiles, and James's summary judgment, the apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, formulated a letter to the Gentile churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia (Acts 15:6-29). Verse 27 specifically announces the sending of Judas and Silas as personal emissaries to deliver and verbally confirm the contents of this letter, reinforcing the council's authority and pastoral care. Their mission is further detailed in [Acts 15:30-33](/acts/15-30-33 "Acts 15:30-33 - Delivery of the Decree").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, especially before widespread literacy and established postal systems, the delivery of important decrees often involved both a written document and trusted oral messengers. This practice ensured the message's authenticity, provided an opportunity for clarification, and conveyed the sender's personal commitment and authority. The early church, operating within this cultural framework, understood the necessity of such a dual approach. The specific issue at hand—the inclusion of Gentiles without full adherence to Jewish customs—was highly contentious, threatening to divide the nascent Christian movement. Sending respected Jewish Christian leaders like Judas and Silas, who were "chief men among the brethren" ([Acts 15:22](/acts/15-22 "Acts 15:22 - Judas and Silas Chosen")), lent immense credibility and authority to the message, bridging cultural and theological divides between Jewish and Gentile believers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts 15 and the broader book. It exemplifies the theme of **Unity in Diversity**, demonstrating the early church's commitment to maintaining a unified body of believers despite significant cultural and theological differences. The decision to send messengers underscores the theme of **Authoritative Communication**, highlighting how the apostles and elders, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (as stated in [Acts 15:28](/acts/15-28 "Acts 15:28 - Holy Spirit's Guidance")), ensured their decree was accurately and authoritatively conveyed. Furthermore, it showcases **Pastoral Care and Prudence**, as the council took extra measures to ensure the message was received with understanding and grace, fostering peace rather than confusion. This careful approach reflects the church's mission to spread the gospel effectively and nurture the faith of new converts, as seen throughout Paul's missionary journeys, for example, in [Acts 16:4-5](/acts/16-4-5 "Acts 16:4-5 - Paul Delivers the Decrees").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō_):** From G649, meaning "to set apart, i.e. (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively." This word emphasizes that Judas and Silas were not merely delivering a letter but were commissioned agents, entrusted with a specific, authoritative mission by the Jerusalem Council. Their role was official, carrying the full weight of the apostles' and elders' decision.
* **tell (Greek, _apangéllō_):** From G518, meaning "to announce:--bring word (again), declare, report, shew (again), tell." This term signifies the act of making a report or declaration. It implies a clear, public, and authoritative communication of information. The messengers were not just delivering a document; they were actively proclaiming and explaining its contents, ensuring full comprehension.
* **mouth (Greek, _lógos_):** From G3056, meaning "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic... mouth... word." While _lógos_ has a broad semantic range including "word" or "reason," in this context, combined with the preposition _diá_ (G1223, "through"), it specifically denotes "by mouth" or "through speech." This highlights the importance of direct, verbal communication as a means of personal assurance and clarification, supplementing the written decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We have sent therefore Judas and Silas,"**: This clause establishes the authoritative action taken by the Jerusalem Council. The "we" refers to the apostles and elders who convened the council and reached the unanimous decision. The sending of Judas Barsabas and Silas (who would later become a significant companion to Paul on his second missionary journey) signifies their endorsement and commitment to the decree. Their selection as "chief men among the brethren" ([Acts 15:22](/acts/15-22 "Acts 15:22 - Judas and Silas Chosen")) lends immense credibility to their mission.
* **"who shall also tell you the same things by mouth."**: This phrase explains the specific purpose of sending Judas and Silas. Their role was not merely to deliver the written letter but to provide a verbal, personal confirmation and explanation of its contents. The phrase "the same things" emphasizes that their oral testimony would align perfectly with the written decree, reinforcing its truth and authority. The phrase "by mouth" (Greek: _dia stomatos_) underscores the importance of direct, personal communication in an age when written documents alone might be misinterpreted or lack the necessary personal assurance. This dual approach aimed to prevent any misunderstanding or skepticism regarding the council's decision.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Emphasis** through redundancy and **Metonymy**. The council's decision to send a written letter *and* personal emissaries to "tell... the same things by mouth" creates a strong emphasis on the clarity, authenticity, and authority of their decree. This dual communication strategy highlights the gravity of the decision and the council's pastoral concern for its reception. The phrase "by mouth" is an example of **Metonymy**, where a part (the mouth) stands for the whole act of direct, verbal communication. This literary device effectively conveys the personal, immediate, and verifiable nature of the messengers' testimony, adding a layer of assurance that a mere written document might not provide.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 15:27 underscores the early church's profound commitment to both truth and unity, recognizing that effective communication is vital for maintaining both. The decision to send trusted messengers alongside a written decree reflects a theological conviction that divine truth, while revealed, often requires human agents to convey it with clarity and pastoral sensitivity. This model of authoritative, yet relationally-driven, communication is foundational for the church's mission. It demonstrates a belief in the Holy Spirit's guidance not only in discerning truth but also in orchestrating its effective transmission, ensuring that the message of salvation by grace through faith, without the burden of the Mosaic Law for Gentiles, was firmly established. The council's actions here set a precedent for how the church, guided by the Spirit, should address doctrinal disputes and maintain fellowship across diverse communities.

* [2 Corinthians 13:1](/2_corinthians/13-1 "2 Corinthians 13:1 - Every Matter Confirmed by Two or Three Witnesses"): This principle of multiple witnesses, established in the Old Testament, is echoed here, providing strong confirmation of the council's decree.
* [Romans 10:14-15](/romans/10-14-15 "Romans 10:14-15 - How Shall They Hear Without a Preacher?"): Emphasizes the necessity of messengers to proclaim the truth, highlighting the vital role of oral communication in spreading the gospel.
* [1 John 1:1-3](/1_john/1-1-3 "1 John 1:1-3 - We Have Heard, Seen, and Touched"): The apostles' own testimony of having heard, seen, and touched the Word of life underscores the value of personal, eyewitness accounts in confirming truth.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 15:27 offers timeless lessons for communication, leadership, and unity within the church. It reminds us that while written doctrine is essential, the personal, relational delivery of truth often carries greater weight and fosters deeper understanding and trust. In an age dominated by digital communication, this verse challenges us to consider the enduring value of face-to-face interaction and the importance of sending credible, Spirit-filled individuals to convey crucial messages. It highlights the pastoral responsibility of leaders to ensure that truth is not only declared but also compassionately explained and confirmed, preventing misunderstanding and fostering genuine fellowship. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of the church's commitment to resolving conflict through prayer, dialogue, and Spirit-led discernment, always prioritizing unity in the gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, as individuals and as a church, balance the clarity of written truth with the warmth and assurance of personal communication?**
* **In what ways can we ensure that our messages, especially those concerning sensitive or complex issues, are delivered with both authority and pastoral care?**
* **What qualities should we look for in "messengers" or leaders who are tasked with communicating important truths within our communities?**
* **How does the Jerusalem Council's approach to conflict resolution, as seen in this verse, inform our own efforts to maintain unity amidst diversity?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary to send Judas and Silas if a letter was already being sent?**

Answer: In the ancient world, before widespread literacy and established postal systems, sending a written letter alone was often insufficient for critical communications. The act of sending trusted, authoritative individuals like Judas and Silas served several vital purposes. First, it provided an undeniable seal of authenticity to the written decree, preventing any doubts about its origin or veracity. Second, these messengers could verbally clarify any ambiguities in the letter, answer questions, and address specific concerns that might arise among the Gentile believers. Third, their personal presence demonstrated the Jerusalem Council's genuine pastoral care and commitment to the unity of the church, fostering trust and building relationships. This dual approach ensured the message was received with maximum understanding, credibility, and acceptance, as evidenced by the joy it brought to the church in Antioch ([Acts 15:31](/acts/15-31 "Acts 15:31 - The Church Rejoices")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 15:27, with its emphasis on authoritative messengers delivering a crucial message, powerfully foreshadows and reflects the ultimate divine communication in Jesus Christ. Just as the Jerusalem Council sent Judas and Silas to confirm their decree "by mouth," God the Father sent His Son, the eternal Word, to perfectly reveal His will and character. Jesus is the ultimate "messenger" who not only delivered God's truth but *is* the truth, the very [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") who dwelt among us. His entire ministry was a verbal declaration of the Kingdom of God, confirmed by His life, miracles, death, and resurrection, much like the messengers confirmed the council's decision. Furthermore, after His ascension, Christ sent the Holy Spirit to indwell believers, guiding them into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")) and empowering His disciples to be His witnesses "to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")). Thus, the pattern of authoritative, personal communication seen in Acts 15:27 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Christ's own ministry and the ongoing work of the Spirit through His church.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 15:22

¶ 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:

2 John 1:12

¶ Having many things to write unto you, I would not [write] with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

3 John 1:13

I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:

Acts 15:32

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed [them].