And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

ACTS 15:6KJV
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Acts 15:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:6 mean?

Acts 15:6 describes how the apostles and elders in the early church gathered together to discuss and decide on an important issue facing the community. The verse shows that church leaders took time to carefully consider matters that affected the whole group.

The setting is the Jerusalem Council, where leaders like Peter, James, and others met to address a disagreement about whether non-Jewish believers needed to follow Jewish laws. This verse highlights that decisions were not made by one person alone but through group discussion and thoughtful examination by those recognized as leaders.

The Greek behind Acts 15:6

  • The word "συνελθόντες" (synelethontes, "together") emphasizes that the apostles and elders physically gathered as a group, showing unity and shared responsibility.
  • The word "συμβαλεῖν" (symbalein, "consider") is often understood as meaning to examine or deliberate thoughtfully, not just to talk casually. This suggests a careful, reasoned discussion rather than a quick or informal meeting.

Why Acts 15:6 matters

  • Acts 15:6 clarifies that early church decisions were made collectively by recognized leaders, not by a single authority figure, which shows an early model of shared leadership.
  • The verse sets the stage for the important decisions that follow in Acts 15, helping readers understand the seriousness and process behind the council’s conclusions.
  • This verse helps clear up any idea that the early church acted impulsively or without discussion; instead, it shows a careful and respectful approach to disagreements.

Where else these words appear

“together” Greek G4863 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
  • John 11:52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

“elders” Greek G4245 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
  • Luke 15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
  • 1 Timothy 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

“this” Greek G5127 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
  • John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
  • Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

“apostles” Greek G652 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
  • 2 Corinthians 11:5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.