Acts 16:4
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλεις
the cities
G4172
πόλεις
the cities
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
5 of 21
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
παρεδίδουν
they delivered
G3860
παρεδίδουν
they delivered
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
6 of 21
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 21
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
φυλάσσειν
for to keep
G5442
φυλάσσειν
for to keep
Strong's:
G5442
Word #:
8 of 21
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεκριμένα
that were ordained
G2919
κεκριμένα
that were ordained
Strong's:
G2919
Word #:
12 of 21
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
13 of 21
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 (
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστόλων
the apostles
G652
ἀποστόλων
the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
15 of 21
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 #:
16 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβυτέρων
elders
G4245
πρεσβυτέρων
elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
18 of 21
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
Cross References
Acts 15:2When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.Acts 11:30Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.Acts 15:6And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
Historical Context
Written circa AD 50-52, this passage describes Paul's second missionary journey shortly after the Jerusalem Council (AD 49). Luke emphasizes how the apostolic decree resolved the circumcision controversy, allowing the church to expand without requiring Gentile converts to become Jewish proselytes. This administrative unity was crucial for the mission to the nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the church today balance theological unity with cultural diversity in the same way the Jerusalem Council did?
- What role should apostolic authority and historical church decisions play in contemporary Christian practice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders (τὰ δόγματα τὰ κεκριμένα)—Paul and his companions disseminated the Jerusalem Council decisions (Acts 15:1-29) throughout the churches. The Greek dogmata refers to authoritative decrees or ordinances, the same word used for imperial edicts (Luke 2:1). The perfect participle kekrimena ("having been decided") emphasizes the binding, settled nature of these apostolic judgments.
This verse demonstrates the early church navigating the transition from Judaism to Christianity. The decrees freed Gentile believers from circumcision while maintaining ethical standards and fellowship unity. Paul's mission was not merely evangelistic but ecclesial—establishing churches under apostolic authority. Which were at Jerusalem anchored the decision in the mother church, showing the unity and catholicity of the early Christian movement despite its rapid expansion.