Acts 15:6
And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
Original Language Analysis
Συνήχθησάν
came together
G4863
Συνήχθησάν
came together
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
1 of 12
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπόστολοι
the apostles
G652
ἀπόστολοι
the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
4 of 12
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 #:
5 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβύτεροι
elders
G4245
πρεσβύτεροι
elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
7 of 12
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
ἰδεῖν
for to consider
G1492
ἰδεῖν
for to consider
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
8 of 12
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 15:22Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.Hebrews 13:7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.Acts 15:25It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Historical Context
This Jerusalem Council (AD 49) was the first church council in Christian history. It established precedent for addressing theological controversies through representative assemblies of church leadership.
Questions for Reflection
- How should churches today handle doctrinal controversies and disputes?
- What role do councils and assemblies play in maintaining theological unity?
- How can we balance individual conscience with corporate church decision-making?
Analysis & Commentary
The apostles and elders assembled to 'consider this matter' (Greek 'eidon' - to see, examine). This formal council demonstrates the early church's commitment to resolving doctrinal disputes through careful theological reflection, Scripture study, and Spirit-led consensus. The gravity of the assembly shows they recognized this as a defining moment for Christianity's future.