Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” New Living Translation After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.” English Standard Version After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” Berean Standard Bible After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.” Berean Literal Bible And after the reading of the Law and of the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent to them, saying, “Men, brothers, if there is any word of exhortation among you⁺ toward the people, speak.” King James Bible And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. New King James Version And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.” New American Standard Bible After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue officials sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.” NASB 1995 After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, “Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.” NASB 1977 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, “Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.” Legacy Standard Bible And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.” Amplified Bible After the reading of the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers (kinsmen), if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” Berean Annotated Bible After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you⁺ have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak. Christian Standard Bible After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, you can speak.” Holman Christian Standard Bible After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any message of encouragement for the people, you can speak.” American Standard Version And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. Contemporary English Version After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the leaders sent someone over to tell Paul and Barnabas, "Friends, if you have anything to say that will help the people, please say it." English Revised Version And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. GOD'S WORD® Translation After reading from Moses' Teachings and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent [a message] to Paul and Barnabas. The message said, "Brothers, if you have any words of encouragement for the people, feel free to speak." Good News Translation After the reading from the Law of Moses and from the writings of the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message: "Friends, we want you to speak to the people if you have a message of encouragement for them." International Standard Version After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders asked them, "Brothers, if you have any message of encouragement for the people, you may speak." NET Bible After the reading from the law and the prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any message of exhortation for the people, speak it." New Heart English Bible After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, speak." Webster's Bible Translation And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, Men, brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, speak. Weymouth New Testament After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the Wardens of the synagogue sent word to them. "Brethren," they said, "if you have anything encouraging to say to the people, speak." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAfter the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.” World English Bible After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand after the reading of the Law and of the Prophets, the chief men of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men, brothers, if there be a word in you of exhortation to the people—say on.” Berean Literal Bible And after the reading of the Law and of the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent to them, saying, “Men, brothers, if there is any word of exhortation among you⁺ toward the people, speak.” Young's Literal Translation and after the reading of the law and of the prophets, the chief men of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, 'Men, brethren, if there be a word in you of exhortation unto the people -- say on.' Smith's Literal Translation And after reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, Men, brethren, if the word of encouragement is in you to the people, speak. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying: Ye men, brethren, if you have any word of exhortation to make to the people, speak. Catholic Public Domain Version Then, after the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent to them, saying: “Noble brothers, if there is in you any word of exhortation to the people, speak.” New American Bible After the reading of the law and the prophets, the synagogue officials sent word to them, “My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” New Revised Standard Version After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd after the reading of the law and the prophets, the elders of the synagogue sent to them, saying, O men and brethren, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, speak. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And when The Law and The Prophets were read, the Elders of the synagogue sent to them and said, “Men, brothers, if you have a word of comfort, speak with the people.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAfter the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying: Brethren, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, speak. Godbey New Testament And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the chief rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, Men, brethren, if there is any word of consolation to the people in you, speak. Haweis New Testament Then after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogues sent to them, saying, Men and brethren, if ye are disposed to give a word of exhortation to the people, speak. Mace New Testament and after the lesson out of the law and the prophets was finish'd, the heads of the synagogue sent this message to them; Men and brethren, if you have any instruction to offer to the people, deliver it. Weymouth New Testament After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the Wardens of the synagogue sent word to them. "Brethren," they said, "if you have anything encouraging to say to the people, speak." Worrell New Testament And, after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "Brethren, if there is among you any word of exhortation for the people, speak." Worsley New Testament And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation to the people, deliver it. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context In Pisidian Antioch…14And from Perga, they traveled inland to Pisidian Antioch, where they entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.” 16Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!… Cross References After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself. Luke 24:44 Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” Acts 15:21 For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.” the synagogue leaders sent word to them: Luke 7:3-4 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask Him to come and heal his servant. / They came to Jesus and pleaded with Him earnestly, “This man is worthy to have You grant this, Acts 10:32-33 Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, by the sea.’ / So I sent for you immediately, and you were kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has instructed you to tell us.” Acts 17:2-3 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, / explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he declared. “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.” Hebrews 13:22 I urge you, brothers, to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have only written to you briefly. 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing. Nehemiah 8:8 So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read. Luke 4:16-17 Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. And when He stood up to read, / the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written: 2 Timothy 3:15-16 From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, Deuteronomy 31:11-12 when all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law in the hearing of all Israel. / Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching. 2 Corinthians 3:14-15 But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. Matthew 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Treasury of Scripture And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, You men and brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. the reading. Acts 13:27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. Acts 15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Luke 4:16-18 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read… the rulers. Acts 18:8,17 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized… Mark 5:22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, Ye men. Acts 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. Acts 2:29,37 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day… Acts 7:2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, if. Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 20:2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Jump to Previous Chief Comfort Encouragement Encouraging Exhortation It Law Message Officials Please Prophets Reading Rulers Speak Synagogue Wardens WordJump to Next Chief Comfort Encouragement Encouraging Exhortation It Law Message Officials Please Prophets Reading Rulers Speak Synagogue Wardens WordActs 13 1. Paul and Barnabas are chosen to go to the Gentiles.6. Of Sergius Paulus, and Elymas the sorcerer. 13. Paul preaches at Antioch that Jesus is Christ. 42. The Gentiles believe; 44. but the Jews talked abusively against Paul, 46. whereupon they turn to the Gentiles, of whom many believe. 50. The Jews raise a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who go to Iconium. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets In the synagogue service, it was customary to read from the Torah (the Law) and the Nevi'im (the Prophets). This practice dates back to the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, emphasizing the importance of Scripture in Jewish worship. The Law refers to the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses, while the Prophets include historical and prophetic books. This reading set the stage for teaching and exhortation, as seen in Luke 4:16-21 when Jesus reads from Isaiah in the synagogue. the synagogue leaders sent word to them Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak. Persons / Places / Events 1. Synagogue LeadersThese were the officials responsible for the order and conduct of the synagogue service. They played a crucial role in facilitating the reading of the Scriptures and inviting speakers to address the congregation. 2. Paul and Barnabas Early Christian missionaries who were present in the synagogue. They were given the opportunity to speak, which led to Paul's first recorded sermon in Acts. 3. The Synagogue A Jewish place of worship and community gathering. It was customary to read from the Law (Torah) and the Prophets during services. 4. The Law and the Prophets Refers to the Hebrew Scriptures, which were read during synagogue services. This reading was a central part of Jewish worship and instruction. 5. Word of Encouragement An invitation extended to Paul and Barnabas to share a message with the congregation, which they used to proclaim the Gospel. Teaching Points The Importance of Scripture in WorshipThe reading of the Law and the Prophets was central to Jewish worship, emphasizing the importance of Scripture in guiding and instructing believers. Openness to the Gospel Message The synagogue leaders' invitation to speak demonstrates an openness to new teachings, which can be a model for being receptive to the Gospel and its transformative power. Encouragement and Exhortation The invitation to share a word of encouragement highlights the role of exhortation in building up the community of faith. Believers are called to encourage one another with the truths of Scripture. The Role of Leaders in Facilitating Worship The synagogue leaders facilitated the reading and teaching of Scripture, underscoring the responsibility of church leaders to create opportunities for the Word to be shared and heard. The Continuity of God's Plan The reading from the Law and the Prophets and the subsequent sharing of the Gospel message illustrate the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 13:15?2. How does Acts 13:15 encourage us to share God's Word in gatherings? 3. What role does the "word of encouragement" play in church services today? 4. How can we prepare to speak when given opportunities like in Acts 13:15? 5. Connect Acts 13:15 with 2 Timothy 4:2 on preaching the Word. 6. How can we apply Acts 13:15 to our personal Bible study groups? 7. What is the significance of the synagogue setting in Acts 13:15 for early Christian preaching? 8. How does Acts 13:15 reflect the relationship between Jews and early Christians? 9. Why were Paul and Barnabas invited to speak in Acts 13:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 13? 11. What was a synagogue ruler's role in the Bible? 12. What does being free in Christ mean? 13. What is the Bible's stance on usury? 14. In Acts 24:10-15, Paul insists he adheres to Jewish tradition while also preaching resurrection; how does this align with his earlier conflicts over the Law? What Does Acts 13:15 Mean After the reading from the Law and the Prophets• Weekly synagogue worship followed a fixed pattern: the Shema, prayers, a reading from the Law (Genesis–Deuteronomy), a second reading from the Prophets, and often a short homily (Luke 4:16–17; 1 Timothy 4:13). • God’s Word was—and is—central. Hearing it aloud honors Deuteronomy 31:11–12 and Nehemiah 8:8, where the people are gathered to listen carefully. • Because Scripture is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), every public reading carries fresh power; it never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). • Paul and his companions, visiting Jews, would have listened attentively, recognizing the Law and Prophets as pointing to Christ (John 5:39; Romans 3:21). the synagogue leaders sent word to them • “Leaders” (also called rulers) oversaw order in the service (Luke 13:14; Mark 5:22). Their invitation shows openness to guest participation and respect for traveling teachers. • God’s providence is at work: the same leaders who keep structure provide the very platform Paul needs (Proverbs 16:9; Acts 8:4). • A simple gesture—sending word—illustrates the church’s later pattern of recognizing and partnering with those gifted to speak (Acts 15:22; 1 Corinthians 16:10–11). “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.” • “Brothers” affirms shared covenant identity; they expect a message consistent with Scripture (Psalm 133:1; Acts 22:1). • A “word of encouragement” isn’t casual chatter; it is Spirit-driven exhortation that comforts, builds up, and points to hope (Acts 15:31–32; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:25). • “Please speak” opens the door for Paul to proclaim Jesus as the fulfilled promise of the readings just heard (Acts 13:16–41). God orchestrates timing so that hearts prepared by Scripture meet the gospel immediately (Galatians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 6:2). • Paul’s readiness mirrors 1 Peter 3:15 and 2 Timothy 4:2—always prepared, in season and out, to declare the good news. summary Acts 13:15 shows God weaving together worship, Scripture, leadership, and opportunity so the gospel is proclaimed. A regular synagogue service becomes a divine appointment: readings foreshadow Christ, leaders extend an invitation, and Paul delivers the message of salvation. The verse reminds believers today to value public Scripture reading, remain ready to speak life-giving words, and trust the Lord to open doors at precisely the right moment. (15) After the reading of the law and the prophets.--The order of the Sabbath lessons was fixed as by a kind of calendar, the Law--i.e., the Pentateuch--being divided into fifty-three or fifty-four paraschioth, or sections. These, probably, came into use soon after the return from Babylon. To these were afterwards added special lessons, known technically as the Haphtaroth, from the prophets. We are enabled, by two curious coincidences, to fix, with very little uncertainty, the precise Sabbath on which the mission-work at Antioch opened. The opening words of St. Paul refer to Deuteronomy 1:31 (see Note on Acts 13:18) and this was the lesson for the forty-fourth Sabbath in the year, which fell in July or August; the corresponding second lesson from the prophets being Isaiah 1:1-27, from which he also quotes. He starts, as was natural, from what the people had just been listening to, as the text of his discourse.The rulers of the synagogue sent unto them . . .--The elders apparently saw strangers taking the position of teachers, probably in the garb of Rabbis, and it belonged to their office to offer such persons an opportunity of addressing the people. Verse 15. - Brethren for ye men and brethren, A.V. The order of the synagogue service was first the prayers, read by the Sheliach, or angel of the synagogue, the people standing. Then came the reading of the Law in Hebrew by the reader, and the interpretation by the interpreter, who, outside of Judaea, generally used the version of the LXX. This reading, or lesson, was called the Parashah. Next came the reading and interpreting of the prophets, called the Haphtorah, either by the regular reader or by any one invited by the ruler of the synagogue (Luke 4:16, 17). Then came the Midrash, the exposition or sermon, which Paul undertook at the invitation of the ruler of the synagogue. Our Lord at Nazareth seems to have delivered the Midrash sitting (Luke 4:20); here St. Paul stands (ver. 16).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Afterμετὰ (meta) Preposition Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. reading ἀνάγνωσιν (anagnōsin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 320: Recognition, reading; public reading (of the law and prophets in synagogue or church). From anaginosko; reading. from the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Law νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Prophets, προφητῶν (prophētōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. synagogue leaders ἀρχισυνάγωγοι (archisynagōgoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 752: From arche and sunagoge; director of the synagogue services. sent word ἀπέστειλαν (apesteilan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 649: From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. them: αὐτοὺς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “Brothers, ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. if εἴ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. you have ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a τίς (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. word λόγος (logos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. of encouragement παρακλήσεως (paraklēseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3874: From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace. for πρὸς (pros) Preposition Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. people, λαόν (laon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people. please speak.” λέγετε (legete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. Links Acts 13:15 NIVActs 13:15 NLT Acts 13:15 ESV Acts 13:15 NASB Acts 13:15 KJV Acts 13:15 BibleApps.com Acts 13:15 Biblia Paralela Acts 13:15 Chinese Bible Acts 13:15 French Bible Acts 13:15 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 13:15 After the reading of the law (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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