Verse (Click for Chapter) King James Bible Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. New King James Version However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. New American Standard Bible NASB 1995 But it seemed good to Silas to remain there. NASB 1977 [But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.] Legacy Standard Bible [But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.] Amplified Bible [However, Silas decided to stay there.] American Standard Version - - - English Revised Version New Heart English Bible However, Silas decided to remain there. Webster's Bible Translation Notwithstanding, it pleased Silas to abide there still. Weymouth New Testament Literal Translations Literal Standard Version[[and it seemed good to Silas to remain there still.]] Young's Literal Translation and it seemed good to Silas to remain there still. Smith's Literal Translation And it seemed fitting to Silas to wait for him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut it seemed good unto Silas to remain there; and Judas alone departed to Jerusalem. Catholic Public Domain Version But it seemed good to Silas to remain there. So Judas alone departed to Jerusalem. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNotwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Aramaic Bible in Plain English However, it was Shila's will to remain there. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut it pleased Silas to remain there. Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament However Silas thought proper to abide there. Mace New Testament however Silas thought fit to stay at Antioch, Weymouth New Testament Worrell New Testament OMITTED TEXT. Worsley New Testament But it seemed good to Silas to continue there: Paul also and Barnabas stayed at Antioch, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Believers at Antioch Rejoice…… Cross References Acts 13:13 After setting sail from Paphos, Paul and his companions came to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. Acts 13:43 After the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. Acts 14:21-23 They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, / strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. / Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed. Acts 16:1-3 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. / The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. / Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Acts 9:27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus. Acts 11:22-24 When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. / When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. / Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Acts 12:25 When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, bringing with them John, also called Mark. Acts 18:23 After Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Acts 19:22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed for a time in the province of Asia. Acts 20:4 Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. Acts 21:16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to stay at the home of Mnason the Cypriot, an early disciple. Acts 8:14-17 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. / On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. / For the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. ... Acts 11:30 This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul. Acts 15:2 And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. Treasury of Scripture Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. it pleased. Acts 11:25,26 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: … Acts 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: 1 Corinthians 16:12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time. Jump to Previous Abide Good Notwithstanding Pleased Seemed SilasJump to Next Abide Good Notwithstanding Pleased Seemed SilasActs 15 1. Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision.5. The apostles consult about it, 22. and send their determination by letters to the churches. 36. Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together, 39. disagree, and travel different ways. Notwithstanding This word indicates a contrast or exception to what was previously stated. In the context of Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council had just concluded, and a letter was sent to the Gentile believers in Antioch with instructions. The use of "notwithstanding" suggests a deviation from the expected course of action, highlighting Silas's decision to remain in Antioch despite the general movement of others. it pleased Silas to abide there still Persons / Places / Events 1. SilasA leader in the early Christian church, Silas was a prophet and a companion of Paul on his missionary journeys. He played a significant role in the spread of the Gospel and was known for his dedication and faithfulness. 2. Antioch A major center of early Christianity, Antioch was a place where believers were first called Christians. It was a hub for missionary activity and theological discussions, including the events of Acts 15. 3. Jerusalem Council This was a pivotal meeting of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem to address the issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to follow Jewish law. The council's decision was crucial for the unity and growth of the early church. 4. Paul and Barnabas Key figures in the early church, they were instrumental in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. Their missionary journeys and teachings were foundational to the establishment of Christian communities. 5. Judas (called Barsabbas) Along with Silas, Judas was sent from Jerusalem to Antioch with a letter from the apostles and elders, affirming the decisions of the Jerusalem Council. Teaching Points The Importance of DiscernmentSilas's decision to remain in Antioch demonstrates the need for discernment in ministry. Believers should seek God's guidance in making decisions that impact their spiritual journey and the community. Commitment to Community Silas's choice to stay highlights the value of commitment to a local church community. Christians are encouraged to invest in their local congregations, contributing to their growth and unity. Flexibility in Ministry The early church leaders, including Silas, showed flexibility in their ministry roles. Believers today should be open to God's leading, willing to adapt and serve where needed. Partnership in the Gospel Silas's partnership with Paul underscores the importance of collaboration in ministry. Christians are called to work together, supporting one another in the mission of spreading the Gospel. Faithfulness in Service Silas's actions reflect a deep faithfulness to God's calling. Believers are encouraged to remain faithful in their service, trusting that God will use their efforts for His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 15:34?2. Why did Silas choose to remain in Antioch according to Acts 15:34? 3. How does Acts 15:34 demonstrate commitment to God's mission? 4. What can we learn from Silas's decision about serving in ministry? 5. How does Acts 15:34 connect with Acts 13:1-3 on missionary work? 6. How can we apply Silas's example of dedication in our own lives? 7. Why is Acts 15:34 omitted in some Bible translations? 8. How does Acts 15:34 impact the understanding of early church decisions? 9. What does Acts 15:34 reveal about the role of Silas in the early church? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 15? 11. What are the key events in Silas's biblical life? 12. How does faith endure through challenges? 13. What is God's will for me? 14. How can you delight yourself in the Lord? What Does Acts 15:34 Mean Setting the sceneActs 15 recounts the Jerusalem Council, where the apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28), clarified that Gentile believers are saved by grace through faith, not by the Mosaic Law. Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, “leading men among the brothers” (Acts 15:22), carried the council’s letter back to Antioch. After reading the encouraging letter, the Antioch church “rejoiced” (Acts 15:31). This is the backdrop for verse 34. Reading Acts 15:34 “But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.” Why Silas stayed Silas chose to remain in Antioch rather than return to Jerusalem with Judas. Several truths shine through: • Ministry opportunity — Antioch was a multiethnic, mission-sending hub (Acts 13:1-3). Staying allowed Silas, a prophet (Acts 15:32), to keep “encouraging and strengthening the brothers with many words.” • Unity and discipleship — His presence helped cement the council’s decision, showing continued support from Jerusalem leaders (compare Galatians 2:9). • Personal calling — Like the Spirit who earlier said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 13:2), the Lord now directed Silas to a new season of service in Antioch. Prepared for future mission Silas’s decision positioned him for God’s next assignment: • When Paul and Barnabas parted ways, “Paul chose Silas and departed” (Acts 15:40). • Silas later endured imprisonment with Paul in Philippi, singing hymns at midnight (Acts 16:25). • He co-authored letters such as 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and aided Peter (1 Peter 5:12). Because Silas remained available, God wove him into wide-reaching gospel work, illustrating Romans 8:28 in real time. Encouragement for believers today Silas teaches that staying put can be as Spirit-led as going: • Be attentive to God’s nudge whether He says “Go” (Acts 8:26) or “Remain” (1 Corinthians 7:20). • Faithfulness in ordinary settings often opens extraordinary doors (Luke 16:10). • Your choice to serve where you are may ripple across continents and generations, just as Silas’s did through Europe. Reliability of the verse Some modern versions place Acts 15:34 in a footnote, yet the verse fits seamlessly with Luke’s Spirit-inspired narrative. The harmony between v. 33 (“Judas was sent off”) and v. 40 (“Paul chose Silas”) testifies to its authenticity. Just as “the word of the Lord stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8), so verse 34 securely stands within God’s preserved Word. summary Acts 15:34 tells us that Silas deliberately remained in Antioch after delivering the Jerusalem Council’s letter. His stay fortified the young church, confirmed the council’s decision, and readied him for the next missionary thrust alongside Paul. The verse highlights God’s sovereign orchestration, the value of abiding where He places us, and the reliability of every line of Scripture. Verse 34. - This verse is omitted in the R.T. and by the best manuscripts and commentators. It seems to have been put in to explain ver. 40. But Silas may have returned to Jerusalem, as stated in ver. 33, and come back again to Antioch, from having formed a strong attachment to St. Paul and his views.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek It seemed goodἔδοξε (edoxe) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1380: To think, seem, appear, it seems. however δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A weak adversative particle, generally placed second in its clause; but, on the other hand, and. to Silas Σίλᾳ (Sila) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 4609: Silas, a pet-form of the name Silvanus; a Roman citizen and a helper of Paul. to remain ἐπιμεῖναι (epimeinai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 1961: (a) to remain, tarry, (b) to remain in, persist in. there. αὐτοῦ (autou) Adverb Strong's 847: Here, there. 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