And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

ACTS 13:15KJV
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Acts 13:15 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:15 mean?

Acts 13:15 describes how, after the public reading of the Jewish Scriptures in a synagogue, the synagogue leaders invited Paul and his companions to speak if they had any encouraging message for the gathered people. The verse shows a customary practice of allowing visiting teachers to address the congregation after the readings.

In this scene, Paul and Barnabas are visiting a synagogue in Pisidian Antioch during their travels. The "law and the prophets" refers to the two main sections of the Hebrew Scriptures that were read aloud each Sabbath. The synagogue rulers, recognizing Paul and Barnabas as guests and possibly as teachers, formally invite them to share any "word of exhortation," meaning an encouraging or instructive message, with the community.

The Greek behind Acts 13:15

  • νόμος (nomos, G3551): This word means "law" and refers specifically to the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, which were central to Jewish worship and teaching.
  • προφῆται (prophētai, G4396): This word means "prophets," referring to the prophetic books of the Hebrew Scriptures. The reading of both the law and the prophets was a regular synagogue practice.
  • συναγωγή (synagōgē, G752): This word means "synagogue," the assembly place for Jewish worship and teaching. The verse highlights the structured and communal nature of Jewish worship at the time.
  • λόγος παρακλήσεως (logos paraklēseōs, G3056 + G3874): This phrase is often understood as "word of exhortation" or "encouraging message." The Greek term παρακλήσεως (paraklēseōs) carries the sense of comfort, encouragement, or urging, showing that the leaders were inviting a message meant to build up or instruct the people.

Why Acts 13:15 matters

  • Acts 13:15 helps clarify the synagogue customs of the time, showing that visiting teachers could be invited to speak after the Scripture readings, which sets the stage for Paul's sermon that follows.
  • The invitation for a "word of exhortation" reveals the openness of the synagogue setting to new teaching and discussion, especially from respected guests.
  • This verse connects directly to the wider narrative in Acts, as it provides the opportunity for Paul to share the message about Jesus with a Jewish audience, marking a key moment in the spread of the early Christian message.

Where else these words appear

“reading” Greek G320 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
  • 1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

“synagogue” Greek G752 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 5:22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
  • Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
  • Luke 13:14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

“exhortation” Greek G3874 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
  • 2 Corinthians 8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

“sent” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
  • John 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.