Acts 15:23
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
Original Language Analysis
γράψαντες
And they wrote
G1125
γράψαντες
And they wrote
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
1 of 26
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
διὰ
letters by
G1223
διὰ
letters by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
2 of 26
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
χειρὸς
them
G5495
χειρὸς
them
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
3 of 26
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
αὐτῶν
G846
αὐτῶν
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 26
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
τάδε,
after this manner
G3592
τάδε,
after this manner
Strong's:
G3592
Word #:
5 of 26
the same, i.e., this or that one (plural these or those); often used as a personal pronoun
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπόστολοι
The apostles
G652
ἀπόστολοι
The apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
7 of 26
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβύτεροι
elders
G4245
πρεσβύτεροι
elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
10 of 26
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοῖς
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοῖς
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
13 of 26
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
in
G2596
κατὰ
in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
15 of 26
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀδελφοῖς
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοῖς
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
22 of 26
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξ
are of
G1537
ἐξ
are of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
24 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Acts 23:26Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.James 1:1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.Galatians 1:21Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;Acts 15:22Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:Acts 15:41And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.Acts 15:1And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.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.3 John 1:14But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.2 John 1:3Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
Historical Context
Antioch, Syria's capital, was Christianity's first major Gentile center. Cilicia (including Tarsus, Paul's hometown) had churches planted during his early ministry. These regions formed the base for Gentile Christianity's expansion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the gospel create genuine brotherhood across cultural boundaries?
- What does it mean to be united in Christ despite different backgrounds?
- How can churches today foster unity amid diversity?
Analysis & Commentary
The letter addresses 'the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia,' affirming their full status as brothers despite not being circumcised. The formal greeting emphasizes unity in Christ transcending ethnic boundaries. This written decree would prevent future Judaizers from claiming Jerusalem's authority.