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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 15:31 When the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/15-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/44_Act_15_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 15:31 - The Believers at Antioch Rejoice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/15-30.htm" title="Acts 15:30">◄</a> Acts 15:31 <a href="/acts/15-32.htm" title="Acts 15:32">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having read <i>it</i>, they rejoiced at the encouragement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>Which</i> when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And when they had read it, the people rejoiced greatly at the encouragement <i>and</i> comfort [it brought them].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the letter was read, everyone was pleased and greatly encouraged. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the people read the letter, they were pleased with the encouragement it brought them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the people read it, they were filled with joy by the message of encouragement. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the people read it, they were pleased with how the letter encouraged them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When they read it aloud, the people rejoiced at its encouragement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />The people read it, and were delighted with the comfort it brought them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and having read [it] they rejoiced for the consolation;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having read <i>it</i>, they rejoiced at the encouragement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they having read, did rejoice for the consolation;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And having read, they rejoiced for the encouraging.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when they had read it, they were gladdened by this consolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When its members read it, they rejoiced at the exhortation.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when they had read it, the people rejoiced and were comforted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And when they read it, they rejoiced and were comforted.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />When they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation which it gave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And having read it, they rejoiced over the consolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />and when they had read it, they rejoiced in the consolation <i>of it</i>.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />they were affected with joy at the comfortable contents, as for Judas and Silas,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />The people read it, and were delighted with the comfort it brought them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And, having read <i>it</i>, they rejoiced at the consolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And when they had read <i>it,</i> they rejoiced at the consolation <i>it brought.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/15-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=5108" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm">The Believers at Antioch Rejoice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30</span>So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they assembled the congregation and delivered the letter. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">When</a> <a href="/greek/314.htm" title="314: anagnontes (V-APA-NMP) -- To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.">the people read it,</a> <a href="/greek/5463.htm" title="5463: echarēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- A primary verb; to be cheer ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.">they rejoiced</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">at</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">its</a> <a href="/greek/3874.htm" title="3874: paraklēsei (N-DFS) -- From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace.">encouraging message.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">32</span>Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-30.htm">Acts 15:30</a></span><br />So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they assembled the congregation and delivered the letter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32-33</a></span><br />Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. / After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers in peace to return to those who had sent them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-48.htm">Acts 13:48</a></span><br />When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/11-23.htm">Acts 11:23</a></span><br />When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/14-27.htm">Acts 14:27</a></span><br />When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/16-5.htm">Acts 16:5</a></span><br />So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Acts 9:31</a></span><br />Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-32.htm">Acts 20:32</a></span><br />And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></span><br />For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-6.htm">2 Corinthians 7:6-7</a></span><br />But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus, / and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/3-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:7</a></span><br />For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-16.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:16-17</a></span><br />Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope, / encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-8.htm">1 Peter 1:8</a></span><br />Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/52-7.htm">Isaiah 52:7</a></span><br />How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1-3</a></span><br />The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, / to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn, / to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.</p><p class="hdg">they rejoiced.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1,10</a></b></br> And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, <i>and said</i>, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/16-5.htm">Acts 16:5</a></b></br> And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/2-4.htm">Galatians 2:4,5</a></b></br> And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: … </p><p class="hdg">consolation.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/13-15.htm">Comfort</a> <a href="/acts/4-36.htm">Consolation</a> <a href="/acts/11-23.htm">Delighted</a> <a href="/acts/13-15.htm">Encouragement</a> <a href="/acts/14-22.htm">Encouraging</a> <a href="/acts/13-15.htm">Exhortation</a> <a href="/acts/14-21.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/acts/15-27.htm">Message</a> <a href="/acts/15-21.htm">Read</a> <a href="/acts/15-21.htm">Reading</a> <a href="/acts/2-26.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/acts/13-48.htm">Rejoiced</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/16-40.htm">Comfort</a> <a href="/romans/15-5.htm">Consolation</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-13.htm">Delighted</a> <a href="/acts/20-1.htm">Encouragement</a> <a href="/acts/15-32.htm">Encouraging</a> <a href="/acts/20-2.htm">Exhortation</a> <a href="/acts/15-35.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/acts/15-32.htm">Message</a> <a href="/acts/23-34.htm">Read</a> <a href="/acts/23-34.htm">Reading</a> <a href="/romans/5-2.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/acts/16-34.htm">Rejoiced</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/15-5.htm">The apostles consult about it,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/15-22.htm">and send their determination by letters to the churches.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/15-39.htm">disagree, and travel different ways.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When the people read it</b><br>The context of this phrase is the letter sent by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. This letter was a response to the controversy over whether Gentile converts needed to follow the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision. The reading of the letter signifies the importance of written communication in the early church and the role of letters in conveying apostolic authority and doctrine. This practice is seen throughout the New Testament, as Paul and others frequently wrote letters to churches to instruct and encourage them.<p><b>they rejoiced</b><br>The reaction of rejoicing indicates the relief and joy experienced by the Gentile believers upon hearing that they were not required to adhere to the full extent of Jewish law. This joy reflects the freedom found in Christ, as emphasized in <a href="/galatians/5.htm">Galatians 5:1</a>, where Paul speaks of the liberty believers have in Jesus. The decision affirmed their inclusion in the body of Christ without the burden of legalistic requirements, highlighting the unity and diversity within the early church.<p><b>at its encouraging message</b><br>The message was encouraging because it confirmed the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian community without the need for circumcision or adherence to the entire Mosaic Law. This decision was based on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as noted earlier in <a href="/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28</a>, and it emphasized grace over legalism. The encouragement also came from the affirmation of their faith and the recognition of their place in God's redemptive plan, as seen in the prophecy of <a href="/amos/9-11.htm">Amos 9:11-12</a>, which speaks of the inclusion of the Gentiles. This message of grace and acceptance is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting the inclusive nature of the gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jerusalem_council.htm">The Jerusalem Council</a></b><br>A pivotal meeting of early church leaders in Jerusalem to address the issue of Gentile believers and the Mosaic Law.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_and_barnabas.htm">Paul and Barnabas</a></b><br>Key figures in the early church who advocated for the inclusion of Gentiles without the requirement of circumcision.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judas.htm">Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas</a></b><br>Leaders sent with Paul and Barnabas to deliver the council's decision to the Gentile believers in Antioch.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/antioch.htm">Antioch</a></b><br>A major center of early Christianity where the letter from the Jerusalem Council was read.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_letter.htm">The Letter</a></b><br>A written decision from the Jerusalem Council that provided guidance and encouragement to Gentile believers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_encouragement.htm">The Power of Encouragement</a></b><br>The letter from the Jerusalem Council brought joy and encouragement to the believers, demonstrating the importance of uplifting communication within the church.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a></b><br>The decision of the council affirmed the inclusion of Gentiles, emphasizing that unity in Christ transcends cultural and ethnic differences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>The involvement of respected leaders like Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas highlights the importance of godly leadership in resolving conflicts and guiding the church.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_clear_communication.htm">The Importance of Clear Communication</a></b><br>The clarity and encouragement of the letter underscore the need for clear and positive communication in addressing doctrinal and practical issues.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/rejoicing_in_god's_work.htm">Rejoicing in God's Work</a></b><br>The response of the Antioch church serves as a reminder to rejoice in God's work and the progress of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_unite_globally_for_the_great_commission.htm">How can we unite globally to fulfill the Great Commission?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_pre-evangelism.htm">What is pre-evangelism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_paul_circumcise_timothy_post-council.htm">In Acts 16:3, why would Paul have Timothy circumcised right after the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 seemingly decided against such requirements?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_balaam's_differing_portrayals.htm">How should we address the seeming discrepancy between Balaam's portrayal here in Numbers 24 and other biblical texts that condemn him (e.g., 2 Peter 2:15)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) <span class= "bld">They rejoiced for the consolation.</span>--We ought not to forget that the letter was probably read out by one who was himself emphatically "the son of consolation" (<a href="/acts/4-36.htm" title="And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,">Acts 4:36</a>) in all the manifold aspects of that word, and who now proved himself worthy of the name.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> <span class="accented">- And when they had read it</span> for <span class="accented">which when they had read</span>, A.V. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/15-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[When]</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the people] read [it],</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀναγνόντες</span> <span class="translit">(anagnontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_314.htm">Strong's 314: </a> </span><span class="str2">To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they rejoiced</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐχάρησαν</span> <span class="translit">(echarēsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5463.htm">Strong's 5463: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπὶ</span> <span class="translit">(epi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> </span><span class="str2">On, to, against, on the basis of, at. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[its]</span><br /><span class="grk">τῇ</span> <span class="translit">(tē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">encouraging message.</span><br /><span class="grk">παρακλήσει</span> <span class="translit">(paraklēsei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3874.htm">Strong's 3874: </a> </span><span class="str2">From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/15-31.htm">Acts 15:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/15-31.htm">Acts 15:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/15-31.htm">Acts 15:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/15-31.htm">Acts 15:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/15-31.htm">Acts 15:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/15-31.htm">Acts 15:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/15-31.htm">Acts 15:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/15-31.htm">Acts 15:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/15-31.htm">Acts 15:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/15-31.htm">Acts 15:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/15-31.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 15:31 When they had read it they rejoiced (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/15-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 15:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 15:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/15-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 15:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 15:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>