Acts 15:4
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
παραγενόμενοι
when they were come
G3854
παραγενόμενοι
when they were come
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
1 of 22
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
4 of 22
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
ἀπεδέχθησαν
they were received
G588
ἀπεδέχθησαν
they were received
Strong's:
G588
Word #:
5 of 22
to take fully, i.e., welcome (persons), approve (things)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
6 of 22
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίας
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίας
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
8 of 22
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστόλων
of the apostles
G652
ἀποστόλων
of the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
11 of 22
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 #:
12 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβυτέρων
elders
G4245
πρεσβυτέρων
elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
14 of 22
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
that God
G2316
θεὸς
that God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
19 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐποίησεν
had done
G4160
ἐποίησεν
had done
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
20 of 22
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
Acts 15:12Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.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 21:17And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.Acts 15:3And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
Historical Context
This formal reception before the Jerusalem church leadership (circa AD 49) included James (Jesus' half-brother), Peter, John, and other elders. Jerusalem remained the mother church and center of early Christianity.
Questions for Reflection
- How should missionary reports emphasize God's work rather than human achievement?
- What does this reception teach about proper relationships between church leaders?
- How can churches today better receive and celebrate cross-cultural ministry reports?
Analysis & Commentary
The Jerusalem church, apostles, and elders received them warmly and heard their report of 'all things that God had done with them.' The passive construction emphasizes God as the primary actor in missions. This reception contrasts with the Judaizers' hostile reception, showing that official church leadership supported the Gentile mission.