And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

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

What does Acts 15:13 mean?

Acts 15:13 shows James speaking up after others have finished talking, asking the group of men and fellow believers to listen carefully to what he is about to say. This verse marks a turning point in the meeting, as James prepares to address the gathered church leaders.

James, who is a respected leader in the Jerusalem church, waits until the discussion quiets down before he speaks. He addresses the group as "men and brethren," signaling respect and unity, and asks for their attention. This moment comes during a council where early Christian leaders are debating important questions about how Gentile believers should be included in the church.

The Greek behind Acts 15:13

  • Ἰάκωβος (Iakōbos, "James"): This is the Greek form of the name James, identifying the speaker as the leader in Jerusalem, which gives weight to what follows.
  • ἀκούσατέ (akousate, "hearken" or "listen"): This Greek word is a command, urging the listeners to pay close attention. It signals that what James is about to say is important and deserves careful consideration.

Why Acts 15:13 matters

  • Acts 15:13 highlights James’s role as a key leader in the early church, showing that his opinion carried significant influence among both Jewish and Gentile believers.
  • The verse marks a shift in the meeting, signaling that a resolution or important guidance is about to be offered after much debate.
  • By calling for attention and addressing everyone as "men and brethren," James sets a tone of respect and unity, which is important for resolving disagreements in the early Christian community.

Where else these words appear

“held” Greek G4601 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 9:36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

“James” Greek G2385 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
  • Luke 9:28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.