Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

ACTS 15:31KJV
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Acts 15:31 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:31 mean?

Acts 15:31 describes how the people who received the letter from the apostles and elders felt great joy and encouragement after reading it. The verse highlights their positive reaction to the message, which brought them comfort and reassurance.

The setting is the early church in Antioch, where believers had been troubled by debates about whether non-Jewish Christians needed to follow Jewish laws. The apostles and elders in Jerusalem sent a letter to clarify the matter and offer support. Acts 15:31 shows that the church in Antioch welcomed this guidance, finding relief and happiness in the letter’s comforting message.

The Greek behind Acts 15:31

  • χαίρω (chairō, "rejoiced"): This Greek word often means to be glad or to rejoice. Here, it shows that the people’s response was not just relief but genuine happiness.
  • παράκλησις (paraklēsis, "consolation"): This word can mean encouragement, comfort, or consolation. In this context, it suggests the letter brought more than just information—it gave emotional support and reassurance.

Why Acts 15:31 matters

  • Acts 15:31 clears up that the church in Antioch was not left confused or burdened by the decision from Jerusalem but instead felt encouraged and joyful.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of clear and supportive communication in resolving disagreements within the early church.
  • Acts 15:31 connects to the wider passage by showing the positive impact of unity and wise leadership in the Christian community.

Where else these words appear

“consolation” 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.

“read” Greek G314 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 12:3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
  • Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
  • Acts 15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

“rejoiced” Greek G5463 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.