Bible Strands
Acts 15:32
Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Judas and Silas speak to the assembled brothers in Antioch immediately after the Jerusalem council's letter is read and received.
The words — The Greek αὐτοὶ προφῆται (autoi prophētai) literally renders "themselves being prophets," anchoring their verbal ministry to their recognized office rather than mere personal opinion.
The thread — This prophetic encouragement echoes Barnabas’s ministry in Acts 11:23, the Antioch church roster in Acts 13:1, and the soul-strengthening exhortation in Acts 14:22.
Why it lands — The text establishes that written doctrine requires immediate, personal exhortation to convert intellectual agreement into sustained faith.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
Cross-references
- Acts 11:23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.
- Acts 13:1 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.
- Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2 We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
- 1 Peter 5:1 As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:
- 1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.
- 1 Peter 5:12 Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
- Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!