Section 15:30–35
The believers at Antioch read the letter and were happy
In this section, Judas and Silas took the letter from the church leaders to the believers at Antioch. Paul and Barnabas probably went with them. The believers read it and were glad. Judas and Silas also encouraged them. After a while Judas and Silas returned to Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch. They and others taught and preached there.
Other examples of headings for this section are:
The believers in Antioch received the letter and were encouraged
-or-
Judas and Silas took the letter to Antioch and the believers there read it
-or-
The letter was well received
Paragraph 15:30–35
15:30a
The Greek conjunction often translated as “therefore” introduces this verse. The Christian leaders sent the men because they wanted all believers to hear what they decided (15:27–29). For example:
So (Revised Standard Version)
But in some languages it is more natural to omit the conjunction and imply the connection.
the men were sent off: This probably refers to Judas, Silas, Barnabas, and Paul. But it is possible that others went as well. The apostles and elders sent them to Antioch. This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:
⌊The apostles and elders⌋ sent the men
-or-
⌊They⌋ sent the ⌊four⌋ men
went down to Antioch: The phrase went down indicates that Jerusalem is high and Antioch is low. The men probably went by the same road as in 15:1. Translate the word down in the same way as in 15:1.
15:30b
where they assembled the congregation: The word congregation refers to the believers in Antioch. For example:
where they gathered the whole group of believers (Good News Translation)
delivered the letter: The word delivered refers to giving the letter. They gave it to the believers in Antioch. The Greek word probably implies an official act of giving. After receiving the letter, the believers in Antioch were responsible to read the letter and obey it.
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