Acts 15:32
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
Original Language Analysis
Ἰούδας
And Judas
G2455
Ἰούδας
And Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
1 of 16
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 #:
3 of 16
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 #:
5 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὶ
themselves
G846
αὐτοὶ
themselves
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 16
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
προφῆται
prophets
G4396
προφῆται
prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
7 of 16
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
διὰ
with
G1223
διὰ
with
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 16
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
λόγου
words
G3056
λόγου
words
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
10 of 16
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
πολλοῦ
many
G4183
πολλοῦ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
11 of 16
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
παρεκάλεσαν
exhorted
G3870
παρεκάλεσαν
exhorted
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
12 of 16
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὺς
the brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὺς
the brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
14 of 16
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
Cross References
Acts 11:23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.Acts 13:1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.1 Peter 5:1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:1 Peter 5:12By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
Historical Context
New Testament prophets spoke God's word to edify the church (1 Cor. 14:3). Judas and Silas spent considerable time in Antioch ensuring believers understood the council's theological and practical implications.
Questions for Reflection
- How does prophetic ministry build up and strengthen the church?
- What's the relationship between doctrinal truth and pastoral exhortation?
- How can we help others apply theological truths to daily life?
Analysis & Commentary
Judas and Silas, being 'prophets also themselves,' exhorted and confirmed the brethren 'with many words.' The gift of prophecy included both revelation and edification. Their extended ministry shows that the council's decision required pastoral application and explanation. Truth must be not only declared but also applied.