Acts 13:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

μετὰ

G3326

after

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνάγνωσιν

G320

the reading

(the act of) reading

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμου

G3551

of the law

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προφητῶν

G4396

the prophets

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

#10

ἀπέστειλαν

G649

sent

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

#11

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

ἀρχισυνάγωγοι

G752

the rulers of the synagogue

director of the synagogue services

#13

πρὸς

G4314

for

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,

#14

αὐτοὺς

G846

them

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

#15

λέγετε

G3004

say on

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#16

Ἄνδρες

G435

Ye men

a man (properly as an individual male)

#17

ἀδελφοί

G80

and brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

#18

εἴ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#19

ἐστιν

G2076

ye have

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#20

λόγος

G3056

any word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#21

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#22

ὑμῖν

G5213

to (with or by) you

#23

παρακλήσεως

G3874

of exhortation

imploration, hortation, solace

#24

πρὸς

G4314

for

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,

#25

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

λαόν

G2992

the people

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

#27

λέγετε

G3004

say on

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Acts. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul