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.