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.