Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

ACTS 15:34KJV
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Acts 15:34 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:34 mean?

Acts 15:34 states that Silas chose to remain in Antioch rather than leave, showing his willingness to stay and continue supporting the believers there. This verse highlights Silas’s decision to be present with the church in Antioch during an important time of teaching and encouragement.

The setting is after the Jerusalem Council, where church leaders discussed how Gentile believers should relate to Jewish customs. Paul and Barnabas had returned to Antioch with Silas and others to deliver the council’s message. While some messengers returned to Jerusalem, Acts 15:34 notes that Silas decided to stay, which set the stage for his later partnership with Paul on missionary journeys.

The Greek behind Acts 15:34

  • "pleased" (ἔδοξε, edoxe): This Greek word often means "it seemed good" or "it was decided." Here, it shows that Silas made a deliberate and thoughtful choice to remain.
  • "abide" (ἐπιμένειν, epimenein): This verb means "to stay" or "to remain." The use of this word emphasizes Silas’s continued presence and commitment to the Antioch church, rather than just a temporary visit.

Why Acts 15:34 matters

  • Acts 15:34 helps explain why Silas is available to join Paul on his next missionary journey, as described in the following verses.
  • The verse highlights the importance of leadership and support in the early church, showing that Silas’s presence was valued in Antioch.
  • Some ancient manuscripts do not include this verse, so its presence in the King James Version helps clarify the narrative flow between the messengers’ return and Silas’s later actions.

Where else these words appear

“there” Greek G847 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
  • Acts 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
  • Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

“Silas” Greek G4609 · used in 13 verses

  • 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:
  • Acts 16:19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
  • Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

“abide” Greek G1961 · used in 18 verses

  • John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
  • Acts 21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

“pleased” Greek G1380 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.