Acts 15:30

KJV

So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3303}{G3767} when they were dismissed {G630}, they came {G2064} to {G1519} Antioch {G490}: and {G2532} when they had gathered {G4863} the multitude {G4128} together {G4863}, they delivered {G1929} the epistle {G1992}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The messengers were sent off and went to Antioch, where they gathered the group together and delivered the letter.

Berean Standard Bible

So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they assembled the congregation and delivered the letter.

American Standard Version

So they, when they were dismissed, came down to Antioch; and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:30 describes the pivotal moment when the delegates from the Jerusalem Council, including Paul and Barnabas, returned to Antioch. Upon their arrival, they convened the entire Christian community there to formally deliver the authoritative letter containing the council's decision regarding the inclusion of Gentile believers without the requirement of circumcision. This act marked the crucial implementation phase of a theological resolution that profoundly shaped the early church's unity and mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 15:30 immediately follows the conclusion of the momentous Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-29). The preceding verses detail the heated debate concerning the necessity of circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for Gentile converts. After much discussion, Peter, Barnabas, Paul, and James presented their testimonies and arguments, leading to James's definitive verdict. The council decided that Gentile believers were not required to be circumcised but should abstain from certain practices (eating food sacrificed to idols, blood, things strangled, and sexual immorality) to foster fellowship with Jewish believers. This decision was then formally written into a letter, and trusted messengers—Judas Barsabas, Silas, along with Paul and Barnabas—were appointed to deliver it. Thus, Acts 15:30 represents the successful transmission of this critical decree from the apostolic leadership in Jerusalem to the Gentile-majority church in Antioch, initiating the practical application of the council's theological resolution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Antioch in Syria was a vibrant, multicultural metropolis and a significant hub for early Christian missionary activity, particularly among Gentiles. It was here that the term "Christians" was first used (see [Acts 11:26](/acts/11-26 "The Disciples Called Christians at Antioch")). The controversy over Gentile circumcision, which necessitated the Jerusalem Council, originated in Antioch (see [Acts 15:1-2](/acts/15-1-2 "The Dispute in Antioch")). In the Jewish context, circumcision was the visible sign of the covenant with Abraham (see [Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "The Covenant of Circumcision")) and a fundamental marker of Jewish identity. For some Jewish Christians, it was inconceivable that Gentiles could be full members of God's people without adopting this practice and the broader Mosaic Law. The formal delivery of an "epistle" or letter was a common and authoritative method of communicating official decrees in the ancient world, ensuring the message's legitimacy and widespread dissemination.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **resolution of theological conflict** through Spirit-guided deliberation and apostolic authority, demonstrating how the early church navigated significant doctrinal challenges. Secondly, it highlights the paramount importance of **unity and harmony** within the nascent Christian community, particularly between Jewish and Gentile believers, a unity forged by the Holy Spirit's work. The decision and its delivery prevented a potentially devastating schism. Thirdly, the event reinforces the **expansion of the Gospel to all nations**, affirming that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, not through adherence to the Mosaic Law, a truth championed by Paul and Barnabas (see [Acts 15:7-11](/acts/15-7-11 "Peter's Testimony at the Council")). Finally, it exemplifies the **practical outworking of apostolic leadership** and the importance of clear, authoritative communication in maintaining order and peace within the growing church (see [Acts 15:28](/acts/15-28 "The Holy Spirit and Us Have Agreed")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dismissed (Greek, _apolýō'_):** From G630, meaning "to free fully, i.e. (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce." In this context, it signifies the official and formal release of the delegates from their duties at the Jerusalem Council, indicating that their mission in Jerusalem was complete and they were authorized to return to Antioch. This was not merely a casual departure but a sanctioned sending forth.
* **gathered (Greek, _synágō'_):** From G4863, meaning "to lead together, i.e. collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)." This word emphasizes the deliberate and purposeful act of assembling the entire Christian community in Antioch. It indicates that the delivery of the epistle was not a private affair but a public and communal event, ensuring that all members of the "multitude" (πλῆθος, _plēthos_, G4128) were present to hear the authoritative decision.
* **epistle (Greek, _epistolḗ'_):** From G1992, meaning "a written message: 'epistle,' letter." This term denotes a formal, written communication, carrying the weight of authority and official consensus. In this specific instance, it refers to the letter drafted by the Jerusalem Council, which contained their Spirit-guided verdict on the Gentile question. The use of a written document ensured accuracy, permanence, and clear transmission of the council's unified decision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So when they were dismissed":** This clause indicates the official conclusion of the delegates' time and duties at the Jerusalem Council. Having participated in the deliberations and received the council's decision, they were formally released to carry out the next phase of their mission: delivering the verdict. This dismissal implies apostolic approval and a clear mandate.
* **"they came to Antioch":** This describes the geographical movement of the delegates back to the city where the controversy originated and where the Gentile church was thriving. Antioch was the primary recipient of the council's decision, as it was the specific community most affected by the dispute. Their arrival signifies the direct implementation of the council's resolution in the place where it was most needed.
* **"and when they had gathered the multitude together":** Upon their return, the delegates did not merely announce the decision casually. Instead, they took the deliberate step of convening the entire assembly of believers—the "multitude" (G4128, _plēthos_), signifying a large number or throng—in Antioch. This act ensured that the message would be heard by all concerned parties, promoting transparency, unity, and broad acceptance of the council's authoritative decree.
* **"they delivered the epistle":** This is the climactic action of the verse. The delegates formally presented the written letter (G1992, _epistolḗ_) from the Jerusalem Council. This "epistle" contained the authoritative decision that Gentile believers were not required to be circumcised but should abstain from certain practices. The act of "delivering" (G1929, _epidídōmi_, "to give over by hand") underscores the official, direct, and personal transmission of this crucial document, ensuring its proper reception and understanding.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 15:30 employs several literary devices to convey its significance. **Narrative Progression** is evident as the verse serves as a crucial transition point, moving the story from the council's deliberation in Jerusalem to the practical implementation of its decision in Antioch. This swift and direct movement emphasizes the urgency and importance of the council's verdict. The "epistle" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a document but the unity, authority, and Spirit-guided wisdom of the apostolic church. Its delivery symbolizes the binding nature of the council's decision and the unified front of the early Christian leadership. Furthermore, the verse's **Conciseness** efficiently encapsulates a momentous event, highlighting the key actions—dismissal, travel, gathering, and delivery—without unnecessary detail, allowing the reader to grasp the immediate and impactful resolution of a major theological conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 15:30 is a powerful testament to the early church's commitment to theological clarity, unity, and the Spirit-led resolution of conflict. The delivery of the epistle solidified the understanding that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, transcending ethnic and cultural barriers. This decision, communicated authoritatively, affirmed the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community without requiring them to become Jewish proselytes, thereby preserving the purity of the Gospel message and preventing a fundamental schism that could have crippled the nascent Christian movement. It demonstrates a model for how the church, guided by the Holy Spirit and through collective wisdom, can address complex doctrinal issues while maintaining peace and fostering genuine fellowship among diverse believers.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith"): "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
* [Galatians 2:7-10](/galatians/2-7-10 "Paul's Apostleship to the Gentiles"): "But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter... they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision."
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "God is a God of Order"): "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 15:30 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church today. It reminds us that theological integrity and unity are paramount, even when navigating deeply divisive issues. The early church's approach—characterized by prayer, open discussion, reliance on Scripture, and submission to the Holy Spirit's guidance—provides a timeless model for resolving conflicts within the body of Christ. We are called to prioritize the core tenets of the Gospel, particularly salvation by grace through faith, over secondary matters that might cause division. Furthermore, the deliberate act of "gathering the multitude" and "delivering the epistle" underscores the critical importance of clear, transparent, and authoritative communication from leadership to the wider congregation. This ensures that decisions are understood, accepted, and implemented, fostering peace and preventing misunderstanding. As believers, we are encouraged to embrace the rich diversity within the global church while earnestly striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Jerusalem Council's method of resolving conflict, as evidenced in Acts 15, inform our approach to disagreements within the church today?**
* **What role does clear and authoritative communication from church leadership play in maintaining unity and preventing division in your community?**
* **In what ways might we, like the early church, be tempted to add extra-biblical requirements for belonging or salvation, and how can we guard against such legalism?**

### FAQ
**What was the "epistle" mentioned in Acts 15:30 about?**

Answer: The "epistle" (Greek: _epistolḗ_) was a formal letter drafted by the Jerusalem Council. It contained their authoritative decision regarding the theological dispute about Gentile believers. Specifically, it declared that Gentile converts to Christianity were not required to undergo circumcision or adhere to the full Mosaic Law for salvation. Instead, they were instructed to abstain from certain practices that were particularly offensive to Jewish sensibilities, such as eating food sacrificed to idols, consuming blood, eating things strangled, and engaging in sexual immorality (see [Acts 15:28-29](/acts/15-28-29 "The Jerusalem Council's Decree")). This letter was crucial for establishing unity and peace between Jewish and Gentile Christians.

**Why was it important for the delegates to "gather the multitude together" to deliver the epistle?**

Answer: Gathering the entire "multitude" (Greek: _plēthos_) of believers in Antioch was a vital step for several reasons. Firstly, it ensured transparency and accountability, allowing the entire church community to hear the council's decision directly from the authoritative messengers. Secondly, it fostered unity by involving everyone in the reception of this crucial decree, preventing rumors or misunderstandings that could have led to further division. Thirdly, it underscored the gravity and official nature of the council's verdict, emphasizing that this was a collective, Spirit-guided decision meant to be embraced by all. This public delivery helped to solidify the peace and understanding that the council had sought to establish (see [Acts 15:31](/acts/15-31 "The Joyful Reception of the Letter")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 15:30, detailing the resolution of the Gentile controversy, profoundly points to the Christ-centered nature of salvation and the church. The decision that Gentiles need not be circumcised to be saved directly affirms that Jesus Christ alone is the means of salvation, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that "in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (see [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")). Christ's atoning work on the cross broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity in place of the two" (see [Ephesians 2:14-15](/ephesians/2-14-15 "Christ Our Peace")). The unity achieved through the delivery of the epistle in Antioch foreshadows the ultimate unity of all believers in Christ, who is the head of His body, the church (see [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Christ is the Head of the Church")). This event demonstrates that the church's mission, guided by the Holy Spirit, is to proclaim Christ's inclusive Gospel, drawing people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into His redemptive fellowship, a vision powerfully depicted in the Revelation of John (see [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Multitude from Every Nation")).

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 6:2

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

Acts 16:4

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.

Acts 21:22

What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

Acts 23:33

Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.