Acts 15:23

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis

γράψαντες

G1125

And they wrote

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

διὰ

G1223

letters by

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

χειρὸς

G5495

them

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτῶν

G846

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,

G3592

after this manner

the same, i.e., this or that one (plural these or those); often used as a personal pronoun

τοῖς

G3588

which

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

ἀπόστολοι

G652

The apostles

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τοῖς

G3588

which

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

#10

πρεσβύτεροι

G4245

elders

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

τοῖς

G3588

which

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

#13

ἀδελφοῖς

G80

brethren

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

#14

τοῖς

G3588

which

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

#15

κατὰ

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#16

τοῖς

G3588

which

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

#17

Ἀντιόχειαν

G490

Antioch

antioch (antiochia), a place in syria

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

Συρίαν

G4947

Syria

syria (i.e., tsyria or tyre), a region of asia

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#21

Κιλικίαν

G2791

Cilicia

cilicia, a region of asia minor

#22

ἀδελφοῖς

G80

brethren

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

#23

τοῖς

G3588

which

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

#24

ἐξ

G1537

are of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#25

ἐθνῶν

G1484

the Gentiles

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

#26

χαίρειν

G5463

send greeting

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation 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 salvation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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

People

Peter
Paul