Acts 15:35

KJV

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

KJV (with Strong's)

Paul {G3972} also {G1161} and {G2532} Barnabas {G921} continued {G1304} in {G1722} Antioch {G490}, teaching {G1321} and {G2532} preaching {G2097} the word {G3056} of the Lord {G2962}, with {G3326} many {G4183} others {G2087} also {G2532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba stayed in Antioch, where they and many others taught and proclaimed the Good News of the message about the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

But Paul and Barnabas remained at Antioch, along with many others, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord.

American Standard Version

But Paul and Barnabas tarried in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:35 marks a significant moment in the nascent Christian movement, depicting Paul and Barnabas's return to Antioch after the pivotal Jerusalem Council. Rather than resting on the laurels of their theological victory, they immediately resumed their core ministry, diligently teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord alongside a host of other dedicated believers, solidifying Antioch's role as a vibrant hub for gospel dissemination.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the monumental Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-34), where the apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, definitively ruled that Gentile converts did not need to be circumcised or adhere to the Mosaic Law to be saved. This decision, articulated in a letter delivered by Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, was crucial for the unity and expansion of the early church. Acts 15:35 shows Paul and Barnabas back in Antioch, their primary missionary base, after successfully delivering the council's decree. It sets the stage for the subsequent narrative, which details their disagreement over John Mark and their eventual separation for different missionary endeavors, as described in [Acts 15:36-41](/acts/15-36-41 "Acts 15:36-41 - Paul and Barnabas Separate"). The verse emphasizes continuity of ministry despite significant theological and administrative work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Antioch in Syria was a major Hellenistic city, a melting pot of cultures, and had become a crucial center for Gentile Christianity, even surpassing Jerusalem in its missionary impetus. It was here that believers were first called "Christians" ([Acts 11:26](/acts/11-26 "Acts 11:26 - Believers Called Christians")). The return of Paul and Barnabas to Antioch, laden with the Jerusalem Council's decision, would have been met with great relief and joy by the predominantly Gentile church there, validating their faith and practices. Their continued ministry in this strategic city underscores its importance as a launching pad for missions into the wider Roman world, demonstrating the practical outworking of the council's theological pronouncements in a diverse urban setting.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 15:35 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **unwavering commitment to the Great Commission**, demonstrating that despite theological debates and administrative tasks, the core work of evangelism and discipleship remained paramount. Secondly, it underscores the **centrality and authority of "the word of the Lord"** as the foundation of Christian ministry, emphasizing that their message was divinely revealed, not humanly contrived. Thirdly, the phrase "with many others also" points to the **communal and collaborative nature of early Christian ministry**, illustrating that the spread of the gospel was a shared endeavor, not limited to a few prominent leaders. This collective effort reflects the unity fostered by the Jerusalem Council and the inclusive spirit of the early church, as seen throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **continued (Greek, _diatríbō_):** This word signifies "to wear through (time), i.e. remain." It conveys a sense of abiding, tarrying, or spending time, emphasizing the sustained and diligent effort Paul and Barnabas put into their ministry in Antioch. It's not a fleeting visit but a deliberate, extended period of engagement in the work.
* **teaching (Greek, _didáskō_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to learn," _didáskō_ refers to systematic instruction or imparting knowledge. In this context, it implies a thorough grounding of believers in Christian doctrine, ethics, and the implications of the gospel. It speaks to the discipleship aspect of their ministry, building up the church in truth.
* **preaching (Greek, _euangelízō_):** This verb means "to announce good news" or "to evangelize," specifically referring to the proclamation of the gospel. It highlights the outward-focused, declarative aspect of their ministry—sharing the message of salvation to those who had not yet heard or believed. This term underscores the missionary imperative to spread the good news of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch":** This clause establishes the setting and the primary actors. After the significant events of the Jerusalem Council, Paul and Barnabas, key apostles and missionaries, returned to their home base in Antioch. The word "continued" (G1304, _diatríbō_) implies a sustained period of residence and activity, not merely a brief stopover, signaling their ongoing commitment to this vibrant church.
* **"teaching and preaching the word of the Lord":** This phrase describes the core activities of their ministry. "Teaching" (G1321, _didáskō_) refers to systematic instruction and discipleship, nurturing believers in sound doctrine. "Preaching" (G2097, _euangelízō_) denotes the proclamation of the good news of salvation, inviting new converts. The object of both actions is "the word of the Lord" (G3056 _lógos_ of G2962 _kýrios_), emphasizing that their message was divinely revealed and centered on Christ's authority. This highlights a comprehensive approach to ministry, encompassing both evangelism and edification.
* **"with many others also":** This final clause underscores the communal nature of the early Christian mission. Paul and Barnabas were not isolated figures; their ministry was supported and amplified by a multitude of other unnamed individuals. This demonstrates that the work of spreading the gospel was a collective effort, involving the entire body of believers, reflecting unity and shared purpose within the church.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in Acts 15:35 to convey its significance. The **Juxtaposition** of the preceding high-stakes theological debate at the Jerusalem Council with the immediate return to the practical, daily work of teaching and preaching highlights the early church's unwavering focus on its mission. The use of **Parallelism** in "teaching and preaching" emphasizes the two complementary facets of their ministry: internal edification and external proclamation. This is a form of **Merism**, where two distinct but related concepts are used to represent a complete whole—the full scope of gospel ministry. The phrase "the word of the Lord" serves as a **Synecdoche**, where "word" represents the entire gospel message, its divine origin, and its authoritative content. Finally, the inclusion of "with many others also" uses **Collective Representation** to underscore the communal and collaborative nature of the early church's efforts, showing that gospel work was not limited to a few prominent leaders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 15:35 beautifully illustrates the enduring theological truth that the mission of the church is fundamentally centered on the proclamation and instruction of God's revealed truth. After navigating complex doctrinal issues at the Jerusalem Council, Paul and Barnabas did not deviate from their primary calling. Their commitment to "teaching and preaching the word of the Lord" underscores the conviction that divine revelation, not human philosophy or tradition, is the foundation for faith and practice. This verse affirms the authority and power inherent in God's Word to transform lives and build up the church, a theme consistently woven throughout Scripture. It also highlights the balance between evangelism (preaching) and discipleship (teaching), both essential for healthy church growth and spiritual maturity.

* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Sufficiency of Scripture")
* [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")
* [Romans 10:14-17](/romans/10-14-17 "Romans 10:14-17 - The Necessity of Preaching")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 15:35 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us that spiritual victories, whether personal or corporate, are not endpoints but launching pads for continued faithful service. Paul and Barnabas, despite their recent triumph at the Jerusalem Council, immediately returned to the foundational work of sharing and explaining God's Word. This challenges us to prioritize the core mission of evangelism and discipleship, ensuring that our efforts are always rooted in the authoritative and transformative "word of the Lord." The inclusion of "many others also" serves as a powerful reminder that ministry is a collective endeavor, not solely dependent on a few gifted individuals. Every believer has a role to play in the teaching and proclamation of the gospel, contributing to the body of Christ and the spread of His kingdom. We are called to perseverance, collaboration, and an unswerving commitment to the truth, even amidst challenges and theological complexities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the immediate return of Paul and Barnabas to ministry after a major council inspire your own commitment to ongoing service, even after significant achievements or challenges?**
* **In what ways can your personal ministry or your local church better balance the acts of "teaching" (discipleship, edification) and "preaching" (evangelism, outreach)?**
* **How can you, as an individual believer, contribute to the "many others also" in your community who are engaged in sharing and living out the "word of the Lord"?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Antioch" in this verse?**

Answer: Antioch in Syria was a pivotal city in the early Christian movement, serving as a major missionary hub and a center for Gentile Christianity. It was the place where believers were first called "Christians" ([Acts 11:26](/acts/11-26 "Acts 11:26 - Believers First Called Christians")) and from which Paul and Barnabas launched their first missionary journey. Their return to Antioch in Acts 15:35 signifies its continued strategic importance as a base for gospel dissemination and a vibrant center for the growing church, especially after the Jerusalem Council affirmed Gentile inclusion.

**What is the difference between "teaching" and "preaching" as used here?**

Answer: While often used together, "teaching" (Greek: _didáskō_) and "preaching" (Greek: _euangelízō_) represent two complementary aspects of ministry. "Preaching" primarily refers to the initial proclamation of the good news (the gospel) to unbelievers, inviting them to faith. It's the declaration of salvation through Christ. "Teaching," on the other hand, involves systematic instruction and discipleship for those who have already believed. It focuses on grounding believers in sound doctrine, Christian ethics, and the deeper truths of God's Word, helping them grow in their faith. Together, they represent a comprehensive approach to ministry, encompassing both evangelism and edification.

**Why is it important that "many others also" were involved in the ministry?**

Answer: The inclusion of "many others also" is crucial because it highlights the communal and collaborative nature of early Christian ministry. It demonstrates that the work of spreading the gospel was not solely the responsibility of a few prominent leaders like Paul and Barnabas, but a shared endeavor involving the entire body of believers. This underscores the principle that every member of the church has a role to play in the Great Commission, reflecting the unity and shared purpose that characterized the early church, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 15:35, while describing the ongoing ministry of Paul and Barnabas, points profoundly to Christ as the ultimate "word of the Lord" and the very content of their teaching and preaching. Jesus Himself is the living Word of God, as declared in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The "good news" (_euangelízō_) they proclaimed was the gospel of Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, which secured salvation for all who believe ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). Furthermore, Jesus is the supreme Teacher, whose authority and truth formed the basis for all the instruction (_didáskō_) given by the apostles ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching")). Therefore, the continued ministry in Antioch, centered on "the word of the Lord," was fundamentally Christ-centered, extending His redemptive work and building His church, fulfilling His commission to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

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

Colossians 1:28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Acts 13:1

¶ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Matthew 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Acts 14:28

And there they abode long time with the disciples.

1 Timothy 2:7

Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, [and] lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.