New International VersionWhen they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me.
New Living TranslationWhen they had finished, James stood and said, “Brothers, listen to me.
English Standard VersionAfter they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me.
Berean Standard BibleWhen they had finished speaking, James declared, “Brothers, listen to me!
Berean Literal BibleAnd after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Men, brothers, hear me.
King James BibleAnd after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
New King James VersionAnd after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me:
New American Standard BibleAfter they stopped speaking, James responded, saying, “Brothers, listen to me.
NASB 1995After they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, “Brethren, listen to me.
NASB 1977And after they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, “Brethren, listen to me.
Legacy Standard BibleNow after they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, “Brothers, listen to me.
Amplified BibleWhen they had finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me.
Christian Standard BibleAfter they stopped speaking, James responded, “Brothers, listen to me.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAfter they stopped speaking, James responded: “Brothers, listen to me!
American Standard VersionAnd after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken unto me:
Contemporary English VersionAfter they had finished speaking, James said: My friends, listen to me!
English Revised VersionAnd after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken unto me:
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAfter they finished speaking, James responded, "Brothers, listen to me.
Good News TranslationWhen they had finished speaking, James spoke up: "Listen to me, my friends!
International Standard VersionAfter Paul and Barnabas had finished speaking, James responded, "Brothers, listen to me:
NET BibleAfter they stopped speaking, James replied, "Brothers, listen to me.
New Heart English BibleAfter they were silent, James answered, "Brothers, listen to me.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd after they held their peace, James answered, saying, Men, brethren, hearken to me.
Weymouth New TestamentWhen they had finished speaking, James said, "Brethren, listen to me. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen they had finished speaking, James declared, “Brothers, listen to me!
World English BibleAfter they were silent, James answered, “Brothers, listen to me. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand after they were silent, James answered, saying, “Men, brothers, listen to me:
Berean Literal BibleAnd after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Men, brothers, hear me.
Young's Literal Translation and after they are silent, James answered, saying, 'Men, brethren, hearken to me;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd after they were silent, James answered, saying, Men, brethren, hear me: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd after they had held their peace, James answered, saying: Men, brethren, hear me.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd after they had been silent, James responded by saying: “Noble brothers, listen to me.
New American BibleAfter they had fallen silent, James responded, “My brothers, listen to me.
New Revised Standard VersionAfter they finished speaking, James replied, “My brothers, listen to me. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when they had ceased speaking, James rose up and said, Men and brethren, hear me:
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd after they had ceased, Yaqob arose and he said, “Men, brothers, hear me.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd after they were silent, James answered and said: Brethren, hear me;
Godbey New TestamentAnd after they became silent, James responded, saying, Men, brethren, hear me.
Haweis New TestamentNow when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me:
Mace New TestamentAfter they had done speaking, James assum'd the discourse, and said, my brethren, give me your attention.
Weymouth New TestamentWhen they had finished speaking, James said, "Brethren, listen to me.
Worrell New TestamentAnd, after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Brethren, hear me.
Worsley New TestamentAnd after they had done speaking, James rose up and said, Brethren, hearken unto me.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Council at Jerusalem… 12The whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13Whentheyhad finished speaking,Jamesdeclared,“Brothers,listen tome!14Simon has told us how God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people to be His own.…
Cross References James 1:1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings.
Galatians 2:9And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.
Matthew 13:55“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
Mark 6:3Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him.
1 Corinthians 9:5Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?
Jude 1:1Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who are called, loved by God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ:
John 7:5For even His own brothers did not believe in Him.
1 Corinthians 15:7Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
Matthew 12:46-50While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. / Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” / But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” ...
Luke 8:19-21Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him, but they were unable to reach Him because of the crowd. / He was told, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see You.” / But He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and carry it out.”
John 2:12After this, He went down to Capernaum with His mother and brothers and His disciples, and they stayed there a few days.
John 7:3-10So Jesus’ brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your disciples there may see the works You are doing. / For no one who wants to be known publicly acts in secret. Since You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.” / For even His own brothers did not believe in Him. ...
Matthew 10:2-4These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; / Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; / Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
Mark 3:16-19These are the twelve He appointed: Simon (whom He named Peter), / James son of Zebedee and his brother John (whom He named Boanerges, meaning “Sons of Thunder”), / Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, ...
Luke 6:14-16Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; / Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot; / Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Treasury of Scripture And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brothers, listen to me: after. 1 Corinthians 14:30-33 Ifany thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace… James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James. Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. Acts 21:18 And theday following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. Mark 15:40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; Men. Acts 2:14,22,29 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and allye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: … 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, Acts 22:1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defencewhich I make now unto you. Jump to Previous EarEndFinishedHearkenHeldJamesListenPeaceSilentSpeakingStoppedJump to Next EarEndFinishedHearkenHeldJamesListenPeaceSilentSpeakingStoppedActs 15 1.Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision.5.The apostles consult about it,22.and send their determination by letters to the churches.36.Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together,39.disagree, and travel different ways.When they had finished speakingThis phrase indicates a pause in the proceedings of the Jerusalem Council, a significant meeting in early Christianity. The council was convened to address the issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to follow Jewish law, particularly circumcision. The speakers who had finished were likely Paul and Barnabas, who had been recounting the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles. This moment marks a transition from testimony to decision-making. James declared
James, the brother of Jesus, was a leading figure in the Jerusalem church. His role in this council highlights his authority and respect among the early Christians. Known as James the Just, he was recognized for his piety and adherence to Jewish law, which gave him a unique position to mediate between Jewish and Gentile believers. His declaration would carry significant weight in the decision-making process. Brothers, listen to me!
James addresses the assembly as "brothers," emphasizing the familial bond among believers, transcending ethnic and cultural differences. This term reflects the early Christian understanding of the church as a family united in Christ. His call to listen underscores the importance of what he is about to say, inviting the council to consider his perspective carefully. This appeal to unity and attentiveness is crucial in resolving the theological and cultural tensions present at the council. Persons / Places / Events 1. JamesThe speaker in this verse, James is a prominent leader in the early church, often identified as James the Just, the brother of Jesus. He played a crucial role in the Jerusalem Council, which addressed the issue of Gentile believers and the Mosaic Law. 2. Jerusalem CouncilA significant meeting of early church leaders in Jerusalem to discuss whether Gentile converts to Christianity should be required to follow Jewish law, particularly circumcision. 3. BrothersRefers to the assembly of apostles and elders gathered at the Jerusalem Council, including Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and others. 4. Gentile BelieversNon-Jewish individuals who had come to faith in Jesus Christ, central to the discussion at the Jerusalem Council. 5. Early ChurchThe community of believers in the first century, navigating the integration of Jewish and Gentile believers into one body. Teaching Points Leadership in the ChurchJames exemplifies godly leadership by listening to others and then providing guidance. Church leaders today should emulate his example by being attentive and discerning. Unity in DiversityThe Jerusalem Council addressed the challenge of integrating diverse groups within the church. Modern churches can learn from this by fostering unity among believers of different backgrounds. The Role of Scripture in Decision-MakingJames' declaration is rooted in Scripture, showing the importance of biblical grounding in church decisions. Believers should prioritize Scripture when making personal and communal decisions. Listening Before SpeakingJames waits until others have finished speaking before he addresses the council. This teaches the value of listening fully before responding, a principle applicable in all areas of life. Resolving ConflictsThe Jerusalem Council serves as a model for resolving conflicts within the church. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue, prayer, and seeking God's will. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Acts 15
Acts 15:13–21 – Why does James cite Amos if the context of Amos 9 doesn’t clearly align with the Gentiles’ situation in this account?
What is the timeline of Paul's life events?
Is Paul a false prophet?
What are the main themes in the Book of James?(13) James answered.--The position which James the brother of the Lord (see Notes on Acts 12:17; and Matthew 12:46; Matthew 13:55) occupies in the Council is clearly that of pre-eminence, justifying the title of Bishop of Jerusalem, which later writers give him. No one speaks after him; he sum up the whole debate; he proposes the decree which is to be submitted to the Council for approval. Verse 13.- Brethren for men and brethren, A.V., as ver. 7. James answered. James's place as presiding bishop is here distinctly marked by his summing up the debate. "This (James)was bishop, as they say, and, therefore, he speaks last" (Chrysost., ' Hem.,' 33.). And again, "No word speaks John here, no word the other apostles, but held their peace, for James was invested with the chief rule." "He says well with authority, ' My sentence is" (ibid.). A remarkable testimony against papal supremacy.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek WhenΜετὰ(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.theyαὐτοὺς(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.had finished speaking,σιγῆσαι(sigēsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4601:Intrans: I am silent, keep silence; trans: I keep secret; pass: I am kept secret. From sige; to keep silent.JamesἸάκωβος(Iakōbos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2385:The same as Iakob Graecized; Jacobus, the name of three Israelites.declared,ἀπεκρίθη(apekrithē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611:From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.“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.listen toἀκούσατέ(akousate)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.me!μου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.
Links Acts 15:13 NIVActs 15:13 NLTActs 15:13 ESVActs 15:13 NASBActs 15:13 KJV
Acts 15:13 BibleApps.comActs 15:13 Biblia ParalelaActs 15:13 Chinese BibleActs 15:13 French BibleActs 15:13 Catholic Bible
NT Apostles: Acts 15:13 After they were silent James answered Brothers (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
