Acts 15:12
Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐσίγησεν
kept silence
G4601
Ἐσίγησεν
kept silence
Strong's:
G4601
Word #:
1 of 23
to keep silent (transitively or intransitively)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλῆθος
the multitude
G4128
πλῆθος
the multitude
Strong's:
G4128
Word #:
5 of 23
a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Βαρναβᾶ
to Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶ
to Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
8 of 23
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Παύλου
Paul
G3972
Παύλου
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
10 of 23
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ἐξηγουμένων
declaring
G1834
ἐξηγουμένων
declaring
Strong's:
G1834
Word #:
11 of 23
to consider out (aloud), i.e., rehearse, unfold
ἐποίησεν
had wrought
G4160
ἐποίησεν
had wrought
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
13 of 23
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
σημεῖα
miracles
G4592
σημεῖα
miracles
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
16 of 23
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνεσιν
the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνεσιν
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
21 of 23
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
Cross References
Acts 14:27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.Acts 15:4And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.John 4:48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
Historical Context
Paul's missionary journey (AD 47-48) had witnessed dramatic conversions in Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. These miracles paralleled those performed among Jews, proving God showed no partiality.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God confirm the truth of His gospel today?
- What role do signs and wonders play in validating apostolic ministry?
- How should we evaluate claims of God's miraculous work among different groups?
Analysis & Commentary
The multitude's silence before Barnabas and Paul's testimony demonstrates respect for apostolic witness and hunger for truth. They rehearsed 'miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles' - the Greek 'sēmeia kai terata' (signs and wonders) authenticated the Gentile mission. God's miraculous confirmation of Gentile inclusion settled the theological question.