Acts 15:30
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
So
G3303
μὲν
So
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
G3767
ἀπολυθέντες
when they were dismissed
G630
ἀπολυθέντες
when they were dismissed
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
4 of 14
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
ἦλθον
they came
G2064
ἦλθον
they came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 14
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συναγαγόντες
together
G4863
συναγαγόντες
together
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
9 of 14
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλῆθος
the multitude
G4128
πλῆθος
the multitude
Strong's:
G4128
Word #:
11 of 14
a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace
Cross References
Acts 6:2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.Acts 16:4And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
Historical Context
Antioch's church, likely numbering in the hundreds, gathered to hear this pivotal decision. This public assembly became a model for how churches receive and respond to doctrinal statements.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is corporate Scripture reading and teaching important?
- How does gathering together strengthen the church's unity?
- What role does transparency play in healthy church leadership?
Analysis & Commentary
The delegation 'came to Antioch' and 'gathered the multitude together' to deliver the letter. This public reading ensured transparency and prevented selective interpretation. The 'multitude' hearing together fostered unity and corporate understanding of the council's decision.