What is the meaning of Acts 15:35? But Paul and Barnabas These two servants had just defended the gospel of grace at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:2, 12). Having been affirmed by the apostles and elders (Acts 15:22), they return to their sending church as a unified team. Luke singles them out because the Spirit had previously set them apart together for missionary work (Acts 13:2). Their partnership models: • unity in doctrine and mission (Philippians 1:27) • accountability to a local church (Acts 14:26–28) • perseverance after controversy (Galatians 2:4–5) remained at Antioch Antioch was the first major Gentile center of the faith (Acts 11:26). By staying, Paul and Barnabas: • strengthened the congregation that had commissioned them (Acts 13:1–3) • demonstrated that doctrinal decisions made in Jerusalem were meant to bless local bodies everywhere (Acts 16:4–5) • used a strategic, multicultural hub to launch future outreach (Acts 18:22–23) along with many others The ministry was never a two-man show. Prophets Judas and Silas had already joined them (Acts 15:32), and “many others” signals a growing team: • ordinary believers exercising gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4–7) • shared responsibility for teaching sound doctrine (2 Timothy 2:2) • the multiplying effect of discipleship (Acts 2:47) teaching and preaching Luke distinguishes their ongoing work: • Teaching—grounding believers in the faith (Acts 5:42; Matthew 28:20) • Preaching—proclaiming the gospel to the lost (Acts 28:31; 2 Timothy 4:2) Both verbs are continuous, stressing a lifestyle of declaration, not a one-time event. the word of the Lord Their message was not opinions but God’s authoritative revelation—the same “word of the Lord” that “stands forever” (1 Peter 1:25). In Acts it consistently: • centers on Jesus’ death and resurrection (Acts 13:38–39) • carries divine authority and power (Acts 8:25) • spreads irresistibly when faithfully proclaimed (Acts 13:49) summary Acts 15:35 captures a snapshot of post-council ministry: Paul and Barnabas deliberately stay in Antioch, shoulder to shoulder with a larger team, consistently teaching believers and preaching the life-giving gospel, all under the banner of God’s unchanging word. The verse reminds today’s church that doctrinal clarity fuels ongoing, cooperative, Word-centered mission. |
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