Acts 15:27
We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεστάλκαμεν
We have sent
G649
ἀπεστάλκαμεν
We have sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
1 of 12
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 12
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
Ἰούδαν
Judas
G2455
Ἰούδαν
Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
3 of 12
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτά
who
G846
αὐτά
who
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 12
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
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
8 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
λόγου
mouth
G3056
λόγου
mouth
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
9 of 12
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
Historical Context
In an era of limited literacy and no printing press, oral communication complemented written documents. Living witnesses could answer questions and provide nuance that letters alone couldn't convey.
Questions for Reflection
- How do written Scripture and faithful preaching work together?
- What role do reliable witnesses play in confirming gospel truth?
- How should we balance written authority with personal testimony?
Analysis & Commentary
Judas and Silas would 'tell you the same things by mouth' (literally 'by word of mouth'), confirming the written decree through personal testimony. This dual witness - written and oral - ensured clarity and prevented misinterpretation. The early church valued both inscripturated truth and personal exposition.