Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

ACTS 15:35KJV
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Acts 15:35 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:35 mean?

Acts 15:35 describes how Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, where they continued to teach and share the message about Jesus, along with many others who were also spreading this message. The verse highlights that their work in Antioch involved both instruction and proclaiming the word of the Lord, not just by themselves but as part of a larger group.

Paul and Barnabas were key leaders in the early church, and Antioch was an important center for followers of Jesus. After a major meeting in Jerusalem about whether non-Jewish believers needed to follow Jewish laws, Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch to keep building up the community there. The verse shows that teaching and preaching were ongoing efforts shared by many, not just a few prominent figures.

The Greek behind Acts 15:35

  • The word "continued" (διέτριβον, dietribon) is often understood as "remained" or "stayed for some time," suggesting that Paul and Barnabas were not just passing through but made Antioch a base for ongoing ministry.
  • "Teaching" (διδάσκοντες, didaskontes) refers to giving instruction, often in a more detailed or systematic way, which highlights that their work included helping people understand the faith more deeply.
  • "Preaching" (εὐαγγελιζόμενοι, euangelizomenoi) is the word for "bringing good news," which in the New Testament usually means announcing the message about Jesus. This shows their activity was both explaining and proclaiming.
  • "With many others also" (μετὰ καὶ ἑτέρων πολλῶν, meta kai heterōn pollōn) points out that there was a team effort; Paul and Barnabas were not alone, but part of a larger group involved in the ministry.

Why Acts 15:35 matters

  • Acts 15:35 clarifies that the work of spreading the message about Jesus was not limited to just Paul and Barnabas; many others were involved, showing the early church as a community effort.
  • The verse connects to the wider story in Acts 15, where the early church decided that non-Jewish believers did not need to follow all Jewish customs, and Paul and Barnabas continued to teach this inclusive message in Antioch.
  • It emphasizes that both teaching (explaining the faith) and preaching (proclaiming the good news) were important and ongoing parts of early Christian life, not just one-time events.

Where else these words appear

“continued” Greek G1304 · used in 10 verses

  • John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
  • Acts 14:3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
  • Acts 20:6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

“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:

“Barnabas” Greek G921 · used in 28 verses

  • Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,(which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
  • Acts 13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
  • Acts 15:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

“preaching” Greek G2097 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:(he is Lord of all:)
  • 2 Corinthians 11:7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?