Acts 15:33

KJV

And after they had tarried [there] a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} after they had tarried {G4160} there a space {G5550}, they were let go {G630} in {G3326} peace {G1515} from {G575} the brethren {G80} unto {G4314} the apostles {G652}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After they had spent some time there, they were sent off with a greeting of “Shalom!” from the brothers to those who had sent them.

Berean Standard Bible

After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers in peace to return to those who had sent them.

American Standard Version

And after they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brethren unto those that had sent them forth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:33 describes the peaceful departure of Judas (Barsabas) and Silas from Antioch, where they had spent a significant period ministering and confirming the decisions of the Jerusalem Council to the Gentile believers. Having successfully fulfilled their mission of delivering the apostolic decree and strengthening the local church, they were sent back to Jerusalem by the brethren in Antioch, returning to the apostles who had commissioned them. This verse marks a successful and harmonious conclusion to a crucial phase of inter-church communication and unity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 15:33 is situated immediately after the pivotal [Jerusalem Council](/acts/15-1-35 "Acts 15:1-35 - The Jerusalem Council and Apostolic Decree"). This landmark event, detailed in [Acts 15:1-29](/acts/15-1-29 "Acts 15:1-29 - The Debate and Decision of the Jerusalem Council"), addressed the critical theological question of whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law for salvation. The council, guided by the Holy Spirit, issued a decree affirming salvation by grace through faith, without the necessity of circumcision for Gentiles. To ensure the clear and authoritative communication of this decision, Judas (also called Barsabas) and Silas were chosen as trusted representatives from Jerusalem to accompany Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch. Their mission, as described in [Acts 15:30-32](/acts/15-30-32 "Acts 15:30-32 - Delivery of the Decree in Antioch"), was to verbally confirm the council's decision and deliver the official letter, thereby bringing great encouragement and strengthening to the Gentile believers in Antioch. Verse 33 marks the successful completion of their specific assignment and their return journey.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian movement was grappling with significant internal tensions, primarily between Jewish believers who often retained strong ties to Mosaic Law and Gentile converts who were entering the faith without such backgrounds. The Jerusalem Council was a crucial moment for resolving this tension and preventing a schism that could have crippled the nascent church. The practice of sending trusted delegates, like Judas and Silas, was a common and effective method of communication in the ancient world, ensuring the authenticity and authority of messages. The phrase "let go in peace" (Greek: *apolýō en eirḗnē*) carries deep cultural and biblical resonance, echoing the Hebrew concept of *shalom*. It was more than a mere farewell; it was a blessing, a recognition of a mission successfully completed, and an expression of goodwill, signifying wholeness, well-being, and divine favor. This peaceful departure underscores the successful resolution of the doctrinal dispute and the unity achieved between the Jerusalem and Antioch churches.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 15:33 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Unity and Resolution** within the early church. The successful delivery and acceptance of the apostolic decree, culminating in the peaceful departure of the delegates, demonstrates the church's ability to navigate doctrinal disputes under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and maintain fellowship between diverse groups of believers. Secondly, it exemplifies **Apostolic Authority and Delegation**. Judas and Silas functioned as official representatives, carrying the authority of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, underscoring the structured communication and oversight vital for the burgeoning Christian movement. Their mission and return illustrate the importance of recognized leadership and accountability. Thirdly, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **Encouragement and Edification**. The delegates "tarried a space" in Antioch, actively ministering and strengthening the local believers, fulfilling the purpose outlined in [Acts 15:32](/acts/15-32 "Acts 15:32 - Judas and Silas Minister in Antioch"). This mutual edification was crucial for the growth and stability of the early Christian communities, ensuring that the church was not just unified doctrinally but also spiritually vibrant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tarried (Greek, _poiéō'_):** From G4160, meaning "to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)." In this context, it signifies that Judas and Silas "made" or "did" a space of time, indicating they spent a period, or "tarried," in Antioch. This implies an active, purposeful stay, not merely a brief stopover, during which they engaged in ministry.
* **let go (Greek, _apolýō'_):** From G630, meaning "to free fully, i.e. (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce." Here, it denotes their official dismissal or release from their mission in Antioch by the brethren, allowing them to return to Jerusalem. It implies a formal and consensual termination of their stay, rather than an abrupt departure.
* **peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** From G1515, meaning "peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity." This word, deeply rooted in the Hebrew concept of *shalom*, signifies more than just an absence of conflict. It conveys a comprehensive sense of wholeness, well-being, harmony, and divine blessing. To be "let go in peace" means they departed with the goodwill of the Antiochian believers, with their mission successfully accomplished, and under the blessing of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after they had tarried [there] a space":** This clause indicates that Judas and Silas did not immediately return to Jerusalem after delivering the decree. They remained in Antioch for a significant, though unspecified, period. This "space" (Greek: *chrónos*) was dedicated to further ministry, strengthening, and encouraging the Antiochian believers, as mentioned in the preceding verse ([Acts 15:32](/acts/15-32 "Acts 15:32 - Judas and Silas Minister in Antioch")). Their extended stay demonstrates their commitment to the spiritual welfare of the church beyond just delivering a message.
* **"they were let go in peace":** This phrase signifies their official and harmonious departure. "Let go" (Greek: *apolýō*) implies a formal dismissal or release, indicating that the Antiochian brethren formally sent them off. The crucial addition "in peace" (Greek: *en eirḗnē*) conveys a sense of goodwill, blessing, and successful completion of their mission. It suggests that their time in Antioch concluded without strife or unresolved issues, reflecting the unity and harmony fostered by the council's decision.
* **"from the brethren unto the apostles":** This specifies the parties involved in the departure and destination. "From the brethren" indicates that the church in Antioch, recognizing their successful ministry and the completion of their task, formally sent them off. Their destination was "unto the apostles" in Jerusalem, signifying their accountability and the reporting back to those who had commissioned them. This highlights the interconnectedness and structured communication between the early Christian communities, with Jerusalem retaining a central role.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Acts 15:33 is **Idiom**. The phrase "let go in peace" (Greek: *apolýō en eirḗnē*) is a common biblical idiom, deeply rooted in the Hebrew concept of *shalom*. It is far more profound than a simple farewell. It conveys a comprehensive sense of well-being, wholeness, prosperity, and divine blessing. In this context, it signifies that Judas and Silas's mission was successfully completed, their relationships with the Antiochian believers were harmonious, and their departure was blessed by God and the community. This idiom underscores the positive outcome of the Jerusalem Council's decision and the unity it fostered. Additionally, the narrative employs **Conciseness** to convey a significant event. While the "tarried a space" implies an extended period of ministry, the verse succinctly summarizes their departure, focusing on the peaceful resolution and successful completion of their delegated task without unnecessary detail.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 15:33 beautifully illustrates the divine orchestration of peace and unity within the early church, particularly in the face of significant doctrinal challenges. The "peace" in which Judas and Silas were sent off is not merely an absence of conflict but the *shalom* of God, a state of wholeness and flourishing that results from obedience to His will and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This peace is a hallmark of the Kingdom of God, demonstrating that true spiritual unity transcends cultural and legalistic divides when Christ is central. The successful resolution of the circumcision debate and the harmonious relationship between the Jerusalem and Antioch churches serve as a powerful testament to God's desire for His people to dwell in unity, reflecting the very nature of the triune God.

* [Numbers 6:26](/numbers/6-26 "Numbers 6:26 - The Priestly Blessing of Peace"): "The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." This priestly blessing reflects the divine desire for His people to experience comprehensive well-being and harmony, echoing the *shalom* inherent in being "let go in peace."
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"): "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." The peace experienced in Acts 15:33 is not merely human accord but a divine peace that guards the hearts of believers and communities.
* [Colossians 3:15](/colossians/3-15 "Colossians 3:15 - Let the Peace of Christ Rule"): "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." This verse directly links the peace of Christ to the unity of the body, a principle vividly demonstrated by the outcome of the Jerusalem Council and the peaceful departure of the delegates.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 15:33 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church today. The peaceful resolution of a major theological dispute, followed by the harmonious departure of the delegates, underscores the critical importance of maintaining unity and seeking peace within the body of Christ. In a world often fractured by disagreements, the early church's example reminds us that genuine spiritual peace is not achieved by avoiding difficult conversations but by addressing them prayerfully, biblically, and with a commitment to the Holy Spirit's guidance. This verse encourages us to value clear communication, humble delegation, and mutual edification within our communities. When we engage in ministry, whether locally or globally, our aim should always be to leave situations in a state of "peace" – having contributed to wholeness, understanding, and strengthened relationships. It challenges us to consider how our actions, words, and departures impact the spiritual well-being of others and the overall unity of the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "peace" in Acts 15:33 challenge my understanding of conflict resolution within the church or my personal relationships?**
* **In what ways can I contribute to the "peaceful departure" or harmonious conclusion of tasks and relationships in my own life, whether in ministry, work, or family?**
* **What is my role in fostering unity and clear communication within my local church or Christian community, especially when doctrinal or practical differences arise?**
* **How can I ensure that my "tarrying a space" in any ministry or relationship is genuinely for the purpose of strengthening and encouraging others, as Judas and Silas did?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Judas and Silas being "let go in peace"?**

Answer: The phrase "let go in peace" (Greek: *apolýō en eirḗnē*) carries deep biblical and cultural significance, far beyond a simple farewell. It signifies that Judas and Silas's mission in Antioch was successfully completed, and they were officially dismissed or released by the Antiochian brethren with goodwill, blessing, and a sense of wholeness. This reflects the Hebrew concept of *shalom*, implying not just an absence of conflict but a state of comprehensive well-being, harmony, and divine favor. It underscores the unity achieved between the Jerusalem and Antioch churches after the resolution of the circumcision debate, demonstrating that their work had brought about spiritual flourishing and reconciliation. Their departure in peace confirmed the success of the [Jerusalem Council's](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council") decision and the strengthening of the Gentile believers in Antioch, as described in [Acts 15:31-32](/acts/15-31-32 "Acts 15:31-32 - The Joy and Encouragement in Antioch").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 15:33, with its emphasis on peace, unity, and the successful mission of delegates, powerfully foreshadows and reflects the ultimate work of Christ. The peace achieved between Jewish and Gentile believers, symbolized by the "peaceful" departure of Judas and Silas, points directly to Christ as our true peace. As [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace") declares, "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us... that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby." Jesus Christ is the ultimate messenger, the "Apostle and High Priest of our confession" ([Hebrews 3:1](/hebrews/3-1 "Hebrews 3:1 - Christ, the Apostle and High Priest")), sent from the Father to deliver the message of reconciliation and salvation. His mission, unlike any human delegation, perfectly fulfilled God's will, securing eternal peace with God for all who believe, as articulated in [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ"). The unity fostered in Acts 15:33, where diverse groups are brought together under a common truth, is a direct result of Christ's work on the cross, which makes all believers one in Him ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")). Thus, the peaceful resolution and departure in Acts 15:33 serve as a microcosm of the greater peace and unity that Christ Himself established through His atoning sacrifice, ultimately sending His Spirit to empower His church to live out this new reality.

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

1 Corinthians 16:11

Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

Hebrews 11:31

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

Acts 16:36

And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

Genesis 26:29

That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou [art] now the blessed of the LORD.

Mark 5:34

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Exodus 4:18

¶ And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which [are] in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

2 John 1:10

¶ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed: