CINXE.COM

<!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 15:32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/15-32.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/44_Act_15_32.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 15:32 - The Believers at Antioch Rejoice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/15-32.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/15-32.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 32</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.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/15-31.htm" title="Acts 15:31">◄</a> Acts 15:32 <a href="/acts/15-33.htm" title="Acts 15:33">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/acts/15.htm">New International Version</a> Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. <a href="/nlt/acts/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Judas and Silas, both being prophets, spoke at length to the believers, encouraging and strengthening their faith. <a href="/esv/acts/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. <a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. <a href="/blb/acts/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Both Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, exhorted and strengthened the brothers by much talk. <a href="/kjv/acts/15.htm">King James Bible</a> And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. <a href="/nkjv/acts/15.htm">New King James Version</a> Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. <a href="/nasb_/acts/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers and sisters with a lengthy message. <a href="/nasb/acts/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message. <a href="/nasb77/acts/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message. <a href="/lsb/acts/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And both Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with a lengthy message. <a href="/amp/acts/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets (divinely inspired spokesmen), encouraged and strengthened the believers with many words. <a href="/csb/acts/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Both Judas and Silas, who were also prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers and sisters and strengthened them with a long message. <a href="/hcsb/acts/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Both Judas and Silas, who were also prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers and strengthened them with a long message. <a href="/asv/acts/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. <a href="/cev/acts/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Judas and Silas were prophets, and they spoke a long time, encouraging and helping the Lord's followers. <a href="/erv/acts/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. <a href="/gwt/acts/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Judas and Silas, who were also prophets, spoke a long time to encourage and strengthen the believers. <a href="/gnt/acts/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, spoke a long time with them, giving them courage and strength. <a href="/isv/acts/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then Judas and Silas, who were also prophets, said a lot to encourage and strengthen the brothers. <a href="/msb/acts/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. <a href="/net/acts/15.htm">NET Bible</a> Both Judas and Silas, who were prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with a long speech. <a href="/nheb/acts/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words, and strengthened them. <a href="/wbt/acts/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. <a href="/wey/acts/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And Judas and Silas, being themselves also Prophets, gave them a long and encouraging talk, and strengthened them in the faith. <a href="/web/acts/15.htm">World English Bible</a> Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Judas also and Silas, also being prophets themselves, through much discourse exhorted the brothers, and confirmed, <a href="/blb/acts/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Both Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, exhorted and strengthened the brothers by much talk. <a href="/ylt/acts/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Judas also and Silas, being themselves also prophets, through much discourse did exhort the brethren, and confirm, <a href="/slt/acts/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Judas and Silas, they also being prophets, through much speech consoled the brethren, and supported.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, with many words comforted the brethren, and confirmed them. <a href="/cpdv/acts/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But Judas and Silas, being also prophets themselves, consoled the brothers with many words, and they were strengthened. <a href="/nabre/acts/15.htm">New American Bible</a> Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted and strengthened the brothers with many words. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves also, confirmed the brethren with gracious words. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And with a bountiful message they strengthened the brethren and established them who were followers of Yehuda and Shila because they also were Prophets.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And Judas and Silas, who were also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and strengthened them. <a href="/godbey/acts/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Both Judas and Silas, themselves also being prophets, exhorted the brethren with elaborate speech, and strengthened them; <a href="/haweis/acts/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then Judas and Silas, being also themselves prophets, exhorted the brethren, in many a discourse, and established them. <a href="/mace/acts/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a> they being also prophets, they consolated and confirm'd the brethren by several discourses. <a href="/wey/acts/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And Judas and Silas, being themselves also Prophets, gave them a long and encouraging talk, and strengthened them in the faith. <a href="/worrell/acts/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And Judas and Silas, themselves also being prophets, exhorted the brethren in many words, and confirmed them. <a href="/worsley/acts/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And Judas and Silas being prophets also themselves, exhorted and established: the brethren by many discourses. <a href="/parallel/acts/15-32.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=5113" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm">The Believers at Antioch Rejoice</a> …31When the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message. 32<a href="/greek/5037.htm" title="5037: te (Conj) -- And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also."></a> <a href="/greek/2455.htm" title="2455: Ioudas (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Judas, the name of ten Israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region.">Judas</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4609.htm" title="4609: Silas (N-NMS) -- Silas, a pet-form of the name Silvanus; a Roman citizen and a helper of Paul. Contraction for Silouanos; Silas, a Christian.">Silas,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">who</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autoi (PPro-NM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">themselves</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">were</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētai (N-NMP) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">prophets,</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">said much</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollou (Adj-GMS) -- Much, many; often. "></a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logou (N-GMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression."></a> <a href="/greek/3870.htm" title="3870: parekalesan (V-AIA-3P) -- From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.">to encourage</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1991.htm" title="1991: epestērixan (V-AIA-3P) -- To prop up, uphold, support, confirm, make stronger. From epi and sterizo; to support further, i.e. Reestablish.">strengthen</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphous (N-AMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers.</a> 33After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers in peace to return to those who had sent them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/11-27.htm">Acts 11:27-28</a> In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. / One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. (This happened under Claudius.) <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1</a> Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. <a href="/acts/21-9.htm">Acts 21:9-10</a> He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. / After we had been there several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">1 Corinthians 14:3</a> But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11</a> And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-20.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:20</a> Do not treat prophecies with contempt, <a href="/1_timothy/4-14.htm">1 Timothy 4:14</a> Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders. <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">2 Timothy 4:2</a> Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a> Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you. <a href="/revelation/19-10.htm">Revelation 19:10</a> So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” <a href="/1_samuel/10-5.htm">1 Samuel 10:5-6</a> After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying. / Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person. <a href="/1_samuel/19-20.htm">1 Samuel 19:20</a> he sent messengers to seize him. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon them, and Saul’s messengers also began to prophesy. <a href="/2_samuel/23-2.htm">2 Samuel 23:2</a> The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue. <a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm">1 Kings 18:4</a> for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.) <a href="/1_kings/22-7.htm">1 Kings 22:7-8</a> But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” / The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brothers with many words, and confirmed them.being.<a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Acts 2:17,18</a> And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: … <a href="/acts/11-23.htm">Acts 11:23,27</a> Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord… <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1</a> Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.exhorted.<a href="/acts/2-40.htm">Acts 2:40</a> And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.<a href="/acts/11-23.htm">Acts 11:23</a> Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.<a href="/acts/14-22.htm">Acts 14:22</a> Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.confirmed.<a href="/acts/15-41.htm">Acts 15:41</a> And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.<a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Isaiah 35:3,4</a> Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees… <a href="/daniel/11-1.htm">Daniel 11:1</a> Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/15-27.htm">Confirm</a> <a href="/acts/14-3.htm">Confirmed</a> <a href="/acts/11-23.htm">Encourage</a> <a href="/acts/11-23.htm">Encouraged</a> <a href="/acts/15-31.htm">Encouraging</a> <a href="/acts/2-40.htm">Exhort</a> <a href="/acts/11-23.htm">Exhorted</a> <a href="/acts/15-11.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/acts/15-27.htm">Judas</a> <a href="/luke/20-47.htm">Lengthy</a> <a href="/acts/15-31.htm">Message</a> <a href="/acts/15-15.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/acts/15-27.htm">Silas</a> <a href="/luke/22-32.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/acts/14-22.htm">Strengthened</a> <a href="/acts/15-29.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/john/18-34.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/acts/15-24.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/acts/15-27.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/acts/15-24.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/15-8.htm">Confirm</a> <a href="/acts/16-5.htm">Confirmed</a> <a href="/acts/27-34.htm">Encourage</a> <a href="/acts/16-40.htm">Encouraged</a> <a href="/acts/16-40.htm">Encouraging</a> <a href="/acts/27-22.htm">Exhort</a> <a href="/acts/16-40.htm">Exhorted</a> <a href="/acts/15-41.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-23.htm">Judas</a> <a href="/acts/21-10.htm">Lengthy</a> <a href="/acts/15-35.htm">Message</a> <a href="/acts/19-6.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/acts/15-34.htm">Silas</a> <a href="/romans/1-11.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/acts/16-5.htm">Strengthened</a> <a href="/acts/16-5.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/acts/20-7.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/acts/15-35.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/acts/16-37.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/acts/16-36.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 15</div>1. <a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision.</a> 5. <a href="/acts/15-5.htm">The apostles consult about it,</a> 22. <a href="/acts/15-22.htm">and send their determination by letters to the churches.</a> 36. <a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together, </a> 39. <a href="/acts/15-39.htm">disagree, and travel different ways.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Judas and Silas Judas, also known as Barsabbas, and Silas were prominent leaders in the early Christian church. They were chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to deliver the decision of the Jerusalem Council. Silas later became a close companion of Paul on his missionary journeys. Their selection highlights the importance of trustworthy and respected leaders in the early church.who themselves were prophets In the early church, prophets were individuals who spoke under divine inspiration, providing guidance and encouragement to the believers. This role was crucial for the edification of the church, especially before the New Testament was fully written. Prophets like Judas and Silas were instrumental in confirming the message of the apostles and ensuring doctrinal purity.said much to encourage The ministry of encouragement was vital in the early church, as believers faced persecution and challenges. Judas and Silas used their prophetic gifts to uplift the spirits of the brethren, reinforcing their faith and commitment. Encouragement is a recurring theme in the New Testament, seen in passages like <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:11</a>, where believers are urged to build each other up.and strengthen the brothers Strengthening the brothers involved reinforcing their faith and resolve in the face of trials. This was achieved through teaching, exhortation, and the sharing of prophetic insights. The concept of strengthening is echoed in <a href="/ephesians/3-16.htm">Ephesians 3:16</a>, where Paul prays for believers to be strengthened with power through the Spirit. The early church relied on such spiritual fortification to remain steadfast in their mission.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/judas.htm">Judas (also called Barsabbas)</a> A leader in the early church, chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to deliver the Jerusalem Council's decision. 2. <a href="/topical/s/silas.htm">Silas</a> A prominent member of the early church, also chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas. He later becomes a missionary companion of Paul. 3. <a href="/topical/p/prophets.htm">Prophets</a> Individuals in the early church who were gifted by the Holy Spirit to speak God's message to the people, often providing encouragement and guidance. 4. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_and_strengthening.htm">Encouragement and Strengthening</a> The act of building up the faith and resolve of the believers in Antioch, a key function of the prophetic ministry. 5. <a href="/topical/a/antioch.htm">Antioch</a> A major center of early Christianity, where believers were first called Christians and a hub for missionary activity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophecy_in_the_church.htm">The Role of Prophecy in the Church</a> Prophecy serves to edify, encourage, and strengthen believers. It is a gift meant to build up the church and should be exercised with love and discernment. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_encouragement.htm">The Importance of Encouragement</a> Encouragement is vital for the spiritual health of the church. Believers should actively seek to uplift one another, especially during times of trial or decision-making. <a href="/topical/s/strengthening_the_faith_community.htm">Strengthening the Faith Community</a> Like Judas and Silas, we are called to strengthen our faith communities by sharing God's word and supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> Words have the power to build up or tear down. As Christians, we should use our words to speak life, truth, and encouragement into the lives of others. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The early church was diverse, with different gifts and roles. Embracing this diversity strengthens the church and furthers its mission.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 15</a> <a href="/q/key_events_in_silas's_biblical_life.htm">What are the key events in Silas's biblical life?</a> <a href="/q/insights_from_day_36_on_spiritual_growth.htm">What events define the 33 AD journey to the cross?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_matt_26_14-16_fit_historical_norms.htm">How does the betrayal arrangement in Matthew 26:14-16 align historically with known practices of the Jewish leadership and Roman authorities of that era?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_a_loving_god_allow_predestination.htm">How can a loving God allow predestination while holding people accountable?</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>(32) Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves.--See Note on <a href="/acts/15-22.htm" title="Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brothers:">Acts 15:22</a>.Exhorted.--The verb is that from which the Greek for "consolation" was formed, and includes that meaning here. This was the chief end to which the gift of prophecy was directed. The two teachers thus showed that they had not come only as formal representatives of the Church in Jerusalem, but took a personal interest in the work. Their work was the very reverse of those who had previously come from Judaea "subverting the souls of the disciples" (<a href="/acts/15-24.htm" title="For as much as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, You must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:">Acts 15:24</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 32. - Being themselves also prophets for being prophets also themselves, A.V. Being themselves also prophets, exhorted, etc. Observe the connection of exhortation with prophecy, and compare the explanation of the name of Barnabas in <a href="/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36</a>, note. Confirmed them; ἐπεστήριξαν, as ver. 41 and <a href="/acts/14-22.htm">Acts 14:22</a>; <a href="/acts/18-23.htm">Acts 18:23</a>. Nothing is so unsettling as controversy; but the preaching of these "chief men" brought back men's minds to the solid faith and hope of the gospel. How rich the Church of Antioch was at this time, with Paul and Barnabas, Judas and Silas, and probably Titus, and some, if not all, of those mentioned in <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1</a>, for their teachers. <a href="/commentaries/acts/15-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Judas Ἰούδας (Ioudas) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2455.htm">Strong's 2455: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Judas, the name of ten Israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Silas, Σιλᾶς (Silas) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4609.htm">Strong's 4609: </a> Silas, a pet-form of the name Silvanus; a Roman citizen and a helper of Paul. Contraction for Silouanos; Silas, a Christian. [who] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. themselves αὐτοὶ (autoi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. were ὄντες (ontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. prophets, προφῆται (prophētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. said much διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. to encourage παρεκάλεσαν (parekalesan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3870.htm">Strong's 3870: </a> From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. strengthen ἐπεστήριξαν (epestērixan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1991.htm">Strong's 1991: </a> To prop up, uphold, support, confirm, make stronger. From epi and sterizo; to support further, i.e. Reestablish. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. brothers. ἀδελφοὺς (adelphous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/15-32.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 15:32 Judas and Silas also being prophets themselves (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/15-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 15:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 15:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/15-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 15:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 15:33" /></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>