And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

ACTS 15:23KJV
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Acts 15:23 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:23 mean?

Acts 15:23 describes how the apostles, elders, and other believers in Jerusalem wrote a letter to Gentile Christians in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, sending them greetings. This letter was meant to communicate an important message from the church leaders to these non-Jewish believers.

The setting is the early Christian church, right after a major meeting in Jerusalem where leaders discussed what rules Gentile believers should follow. The apostles (the main leaders), elders (respected older members), and other believers are sending an official letter to Gentile Christians—those who were not Jewish by birth—living in several regions. The verse shows the unity and care of the Jerusalem church in reaching out to new believers far away.

The Greek behind Acts 15:23

  • "Greeting" (χαίρειν, chairein) is a common Greek way to open a letter, meaning "rejoice" or "be well." Its use here shows the friendly and respectful tone the leaders took toward the Gentile believers.
  • "Gentiles" (ἐθνῶν, ethnōn) refers to people who are not Jewish. This word highlights that the message is specifically for non-Jewish followers of Jesus, which was a major topic in the early church.
  • "By them" (διὰ χειρὸς αὐτῶν, dia cheiros autōn) literally means "through their hands," showing that the letter was physically carried and delivered by trusted people, not just sent out generally.

Why Acts 15:23 matters

  • Acts 15:23 helps clarify that the message to the Gentile believers was official and came with the full support of the church’s main leaders, not just a few individuals.
  • The verse shows the early church’s effort to maintain unity and clear communication as it grew beyond its Jewish roots, especially when addressing new communities.
  • This greeting sets the tone for the rest of the letter, emphasizing respect and fellowship between Jewish and Gentile Christians at a crucial moment in church history.

Where else these words appear

“Syria” Greek G4947 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Acts 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
  • Acts 20:3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

“Cilicia” Greek G2791 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 6:9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
  • Acts 21:39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.
  • Acts 23:34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

“manner” Greek G3592 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
  • James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
  • Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

“Antioch” Greek G490 · used in 17 verses

  • Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
  • Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
  • Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: