New International VersionThe people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.
New Living TranslationAnd there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message.
English Standard VersionAnd when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
Berean Standard BibleWhen the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message.
Berean Literal BibleAnd having read it, they rejoiced at the encouragement.
King James BibleWhich when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
New King James VersionWhen they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.
New American Standard BibleWhen they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
NASB 1995When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
NASB 1977And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
Amplified BibleAnd when they had read it, the people rejoiced greatly at the encouragement and comfort [it brought them].
Christian Standard BibleWhen they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
American Standard VersionAnd when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation.
Contemporary English VersionWhen the letter was read, everyone was pleased and greatly encouraged.
English Revised VersionAnd when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen the people read the letter, they were pleased with the encouragement it brought them.
Good News TranslationWhen the people read it, they were filled with joy by the message of encouragement.
International Standard VersionWhen the people read it, they were pleased with how the letter encouraged them.
NET BibleWhen they read it aloud, the people rejoiced at its encouragement.
New Heart English BibleWhen they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.
Webster's Bible TranslationWhich when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
Weymouth New TestamentThe people read it, and were delighted with the comfort it brought them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message.
World English BibleWhen they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand having read [it] they rejoiced for the consolation;
Berean Literal BibleAnd having read it, they rejoiced at the encouragement.
Young's Literal Translation and they having read, did rejoice for the consolation;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd having read, they rejoiced for the encouraging. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhich when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd when they had read it, they were gladdened by this consolation.
New American BibleWhen the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation.
New Revised Standard VersionWhen its members read it, they rejoiced at the exhortation. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when they had read it, the people rejoiced and were comforted.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd when they read it, they rejoiced and were comforted. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWhen they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation which it gave.
Godbey New TestamentAnd having read it, they rejoiced over the consolation.
Haweis New Testamentand when they had read it, they rejoiced in the consolation of it.
Mace New Testament
they were affected with joy at the comfortable contents, as for Judas and Silas,
Weymouth New Testament
The people read it, and were delighted with the comfort it brought them.
Worrell New Testament
And, having readit, they rejoiced at the consolation.
Worsley New Testament
And when they had readit, they rejoiced at the consolationit brought.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Believers at Antioch Rejoice30So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they assembled the congregation and delivered the letter. 31Whenthe people read it,they rejoicedatitsencouraging message.32Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.…
Cross References Acts 15:30So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they assembled the congregation and delivered the letter.
Acts 15:32-33Judas 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.
Acts 13:48When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
Acts 11:23When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.
Acts 14:27When 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.
Acts 16:5So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
Acts 9:31Then 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.
Acts 20:32And 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.
Romans 15:4For 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.
2 Corinthians 7:6-7But 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.
1 Thessalonians 3:7For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17Now 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.
1 Peter 1:8Though 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,
Isaiah 52:7How 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!”
Isaiah 61:1-3The 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.
Treasury of Scripture Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. they rejoiced. Acts 15:1,10 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren,and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved… Acts 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. Galatians 2:4,5 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: … consolation. Jump to Previous ComfortConsolationDelightedEncouragementEncouragingExhortationGladMessageReadReadingRejoiceRejoicedJump to Next ComfortConsolationDelightedEncouragementEncouragingExhortationGladMessageReadReadingRejoiceRejoicedActs 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 the people read itThe 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. they rejoiced
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 inGalatians 5:1, 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. at its encouraging message
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 inActs 15:28, 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 ofAmos 9:11-12, 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. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Jerusalem CouncilA pivotal meeting of early church leaders in Jerusalem to address the issue of Gentile believers and the Mosaic Law. 2. Paul and BarnabasKey figures in the early church who advocated for the inclusion of Gentiles without the requirement of circumcision. 3. Judas (called Barsabbas) and SilasLeaders sent with Paul and Barnabas to deliver the council's decision to the Gentile believers in Antioch. 4. AntiochA major center of early Christianity where the letter from the Jerusalem Council was read. 5. The LetterA written decision from the Jerusalem Council that provided guidance and encouragement to Gentile believers. Teaching Points The Power of EncouragementThe letter from the Jerusalem Council brought joy and encouragement to the believers, demonstrating the importance of uplifting communication within the church. Unity in DiversityThe decision of the council affirmed the inclusion of Gentiles, emphasizing that unity in Christ transcends cultural and ethnic differences. The Role of LeadershipThe involvement of respected leaders like Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas highlights the importance of godly leadership in resolving conflicts and guiding the church. The Importance of Clear CommunicationThe clarity and encouragement of the letter underscore the need for clear and positive communication in addressing doctrinal and practical issues. Rejoicing in God's WorkThe response of the Antioch church serves as a reminder to rejoice in God's work and the progress of the Gospel. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 15:31?
2.How does Acts 15:31 encourage believers to receive God's Word with joy?
3.What role does encouragement play in strengthening faith according to Acts 15:31?
4.How can we apply the joy from Acts 15:31 in our daily lives?
5.What scriptural connections exist between Acts 15:31 and other encouragement passages?
6.How can church leaders implement Acts 15:31 to uplift their congregations?
7.How does Acts 15:31 reflect the early church's approach to resolving doctrinal disputes?
8.What historical context led to the writing of Acts 15:31?
9.How does Acts 15:31 demonstrate the role of encouragement in Christian communities?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 15?
11.How can we unite globally to fulfill the Great Commission?
12.What is pre-evangelism?
13.In Acts 16:3, why would Paul have Timothy circumcised right after the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 seemingly decided against such requirements?
14.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)?What Does Acts 15:31 Mean When the people read itActs 15:31 opens with the simple scene of believers gathering to hear the Jerusalem letter. That moment highlights how God often builds faith through the shared reading of His revealed word. • Public reading has always mattered—seeNehemiah 8:8, where Ezra read “making it clear so that the people could understand,” and1 Timothy 4:13, which urges devotion “to the public reading of Scripture.” • The Antioch assembly didn’t treat the letter as mere human opinion. LikeRevelation 1:3 promises, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud… and blessed are those who hear,” they expected God to speak through it. • This reminds us that gathering around Scripture—whether a single verse or an entire letter—is a God-ordained means of directing His church (Psalm 119:105).
they rejoicedThe immediate response wasn’t debate but joy. Genuine exposure to God’s truth produces glad hearts. • Joy is a hallmark of Spirit-filled life (Galatians 5:22). Here it bursts out corporately, echoingPhilippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” • Their rejoicing mirrorsLuke 10:21, where Jesus Himself “rejoiced in the Holy Spirit” when the Father’s will was revealed. • This joy also signals unity. What might have divided Jew and Gentile instead brought them together in praise (Psalm 133:1).
at its encouraging messageThe letter relieved Gentile believers from the burden of circumcision and affirmed salvation by grace through faith—truly “encouraging.” •Acts 11:23 records Barnabas rejoicing and encouraging believers “to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.” The same pattern unfolds here: good news, joy, then fresh courage to press on. •Romans 15:4 reminds us that Scripture was written “so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” That is exactly what Antioch experienced. • Encouragement strengthens the church for mission. After this letter,Acts 15:35 says Paul and Barnabas “remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord”—momentum fueled by encouragement.
summaryActs 15:31 portrays a church gathered, hearing God’s word, erupting in joy, and fortified by encouragement. The sequence is timeless: read His revealed truth, let it spark Spirit-given joy, and move forward strengthened in grace. (31) They rejoiced for the consolation.--We ought not to forget that the letter was probably read out by one who was himself emphatically "the son of consolation" ( Acts 4:36) in all the manifold aspects of that word, and who now proved himself worthy of the name. Verse 31.- And when they had read it for which when they had read, A.V.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [When]δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.[the people] read [it],ἀναγνόντες(anagnontes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 314:To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.they rejoicedἐχάρησαν(echarēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5463:A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.atἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.[its]τῇ(tē)Article - Dative 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.encouraging message.παρακλήσει(paraklēsei)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3874:From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace.
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NT Apostles: Acts 15:31 When they had read it they rejoiced (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
