Acts 15:35

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Acts 15:35 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, immediately following the landmark Jerusalem Council. After the intense theological discussions and the crucial decision regarding Gentile converts, Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch, resuming their vital work of spreading the gospel.

Context of Acts 15:35

This verse follows the resolution of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-34), where the apostles and elders affirmed that Gentile believers did not need to be circumcised or adhere to the full Mosaic Law for salvation. This decision was a monumental step, preventing a major schism between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Paul and Barnabas, key figures in the debate, were instrumental in delivering this message back to the church in Antioch. Acts 15:35 shows them back in their missionary base, continuing their primary calling before their subsequent disagreement and separation for further missionary journeys (as seen in Acts 15:36).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Continued Ministry: Despite the significant theological and administrative work at the Jerusalem Council, Paul and Barnabas did not rest. They immediately returned to the fundamental work of evangelism and discipleship. This highlights the relentless dedication of the early apostles to their calling.
  • The Power of the Word: The phrase "teaching and preaching the word of the Lord" emphasizes the centrality of God's revealed truth. Their ministry wasn't based on human philosophy but on divine revelation. "Teaching" (didaskontes) implies systematic instruction, building up believers, while "preaching" (euangelizomenoi) refers to the proclamation of the good news, inviting new converts.
  • Collaborative Effort: The inclusion of "with many others also" underscores the communal nature of early Christian ministry. Spreading the gospel was not solely the work of a few leaders but a shared responsibility involving the entire community, reflecting the unity established at the council.
  • Antioch as a Missionary Hub: Antioch continued to serve as a crucial launching pad and base for the expanding mission of the church, demonstrating its strategic importance in the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words used for "teaching" (διδάσκοντες - didaskontes) and "preaching" (εὐαγγελιζόμενοι - euangelizomenoi) reveal two complementary aspects of their ministry. Didaskontes focuses on instruction, doctrine, and discipleship, ensuring believers were grounded in the faith. Euangelizomenoi refers to the proclamation of the good news of salvation through Christ, the initial call to faith. Together, these terms show a comprehensive approach to ministry, both bringing people to Christ and nurturing them in their faith.

Practical Application

Acts 15:35 offers timeless principles for Christian ministry today. It reminds believers that the core mission of the church remains the proclamation and teaching of God's Word. It underscores the importance of balancing evangelism with discipleship, ensuring that new converts are not only brought into the faith but also nurtured in sound doctrine. Furthermore, the verse highlights the value of teamwork in ministry, emphasizing that the work of God is best accomplished through collective effort, not just individual heroism. The commitment of Paul and Barnabas to continue their work, even after significant challenges, serves as an encouragement for perseverance in ministry and faith.

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.

  • 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.

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