Acts 12:15
And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτοῦ
her
G846
αὐτοῦ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Μαίνῃ
Thou art mad
G3105
Μαίνῃ
Thou art mad
Strong's:
G3105
Word #:
6 of 18
through the idea of insensate craving); to rave as a "maniac"
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διϊσχυρίζετο
she constantly affirmed
G1340
διϊσχυρίζετο
she constantly affirmed
Strong's:
G1340
Word #:
9 of 18
to stout it through, i.e., asservate
ἔχειν
that it was
G2192
ἔχειν
that it was
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 18
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔλεγον
said they
G3004
ἔλεγον
said they
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελός
angel
G32
ἄγγελός
angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
16 of 18
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
Cross References
Matthew 18:10Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.Acts 26:24And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.Mark 16:14Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.Mark 16:11And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.Luke 24:11And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
Historical Context
Synagogue liturgy included Torah and prophetic readings followed by exposition/exhortation. Visiting teachers, especially rabbinically-trained like Paul, received invitation to speak. Ye men and brethren was respectful address. This providential invitation around 48 CE enabled Paul's systematic gospel presentation recorded in Acts 13:16-41. God orchestrated circumstances providing official platform for Christianity's claims.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use existing structures to create gospel opportunities?
- What role does invitation versus intrusion play in effective witness?
- In what ways does cultural protocol facilitate rather than hinder mission?
- Why did synagogue leaders routinely invite visiting teachers?
- What does this teach about seeking legitimate platforms for gospel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. The synagogue leaders' invitation demonstrates standard practice while God's providence creates platform for gospel proclamation.