Act 15:30-35 | RWP | e4.org | So they ( ο μεν ουν ). As in verse . When they were dismissed ( απολυθεντες ). First aorist passive participle of απολυω , common verb to loosen, to dismiss. Possibly (Hackett) religious services were held as in verse (cf. ) and perhaps an escort for part of the way as in verse . The multitude ( το πληθος ). Public meeting of the church as in verses . Deissmann ( Bible Studies , p. 232) gives illustrations from the inscriptions of the use of πληθος for official, political, and religious gatherings. The committee formally "delivered" ( επεδωκαν ) the epistle to the church authorities.

‏ Acts 15:30-35

So they ( ο μεν ουν ). As in verse 3.

When they were dismissed ( απολυθεντες ). First aorist passive participle of απολυω, common verb to loosen, to dismiss. Possibly (Hackett) religious services were held as in verse 33 (cf. 13:3) and perhaps an escort for part of the way as in verse 3.

The multitude ( το πληθος ). Public meeting of the church as in verses 1-3. Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 232) gives illustrations from the inscriptions of the use of πληθος for official, political, and religious gatherings. The committee formally "delivered" ( επεδωκαν ) the epistle to the church authorities.

When they had read it ( αναγνοντες ). Second aorist active participle of αναγινωσκω. Public reading, of course, to the church.

They rejoiced ( εχαρησαν ). Second aorist (ingressive) passive indicative of χαιρω. They burst into exultant joy showing clearly that they did not consider it a weak compromise, but a glorious victory of Gentile liberty.

For the consolation ( επ τη παρακλησε ). The encouragement, the cheer in the letter. See παρεκαλεσαν in verse 32. Consolation and exhortation run into one another in this word.

Being themselves also prophets ( κα αυτο προφητα οντες ). As well as Paul and Barnabas and like Agabus (11:27-30), for-speakers for Christ who justify the commendation in the letter (verse 27) "with many words" ( δια λογου πολλου ), "with much talk," and no doubt with kindly words concerning the part played at the Conference by Paul and Barnabas.

Confirmed ( επεστηριξαν ). See on 14:22. It was a glorious time with no Judaizers to disturb their fellowship as in 1-3.

Some time ( χρονον ). Accusative after ποιησαντες, "having done time." How long we do not know.

But it seemed good unto Silas to abide there ( εδοξε δε Σιλα επιμεινα αυτου ). This verse is not in the Revised Version or in the text of Westcott and Hort, being absent from Aleph A B Vulgate, etc. It is clearly an addition to help explain the fact that Silas is back in Antioch in verse 40. But the "some days" of verse 36 afforded abundant time for him to return from Jerusalem. He and Judas went first to Jerusalem to make a report of their mission.

Tarried ( διετριβον ). Imperfect active of διατριβω, old verb to pass time, seen already in 12:19; 14:3, 28.

With many others also ( μετα κα ετερων πολλων ). A time of general revival and naturally so after the victory at Jerusalem. It is at this point that it is probable that the sad incident took place told by Paul in Ga 2:11-21. Peter came up to see how things were going in Antioch after Paul's victory in Jerusalem. At first Peter mingled freely with the Greek Christians without the compunctions shown at Caesarea and for which he had to answer in Jerusalem (Ac 11:1-18). Rumours of Peter's conduct reached Jerusalem and the Judaizers saw a chance to reopen the controversy on the line of social customs, a matter not passed on at the Jerusalem Conference. These Judaizers threaten Peter with a new trial and he surrenders and is followed by Barnabas and all the Jewish brethren in Antioch to the dismay of Paul who boldly rebuked Peter and Barnabas and won them back to his view. It was a crisis. Some would even date the Epistle to the Galatians at this time also, an unlikely hypothesis.