Bible Strands
Acts 15:33
After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers in peace to return to those who had sent them.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrator records Judas and Silas departing from the Jerusalem assembly after delivering prophetic encouragement. The local brothers formally dismiss them to travel back to the messengers who originally commissioned the mission.
The words — ἀπελύθησαν (apeluthēsan) literally means "they were sent away," modified by εἰρήνης (eirēnēs) for "in peace." ποιήσαντες (poiēsantes) and χρόνον (chronon) together indicate the group had "continued a time" before this departure.
The thread — This pattern of peaceful dismissal appears in 1 Corinthians 16:11 and Acts 16:36, while Hebrews 11:31 links the same Greek construction to the faithful reception of messengers. The phrase marks a recognized protocol for concluding delegated ministry assignments.
Why it lands — The text states a factual departure following a defined period of instruction, requiring the reader to note the structured end of a missionary cycle. It asks for recognition that authorized workers return to their sending bodies rather than remaining indefinitely.
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 after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 16:11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.
- Acts 16:36 The jailer informed Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.”
- Hebrews 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.
- Genesis 26:29 that you will not harm us, just as we have not harmed you but have done only good to you, sending you on your way in peace. And now you are blessed by the LORD.”
- Exodus 4:18 Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied.
- Mark 5:34 “Daughter,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free of your affliction.”
- 2 John 1:10 If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.