And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

ACTS 16:4KJV
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Acts 16:4 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:4 mean?

Acts 16:4 describes how Paul and his companions traveled through various cities, delivering instructions that the apostles and elders in Jerusalem had decided should be followed by the believers. These were official decisions meant to guide the early Christian communities on certain matters of practice and belief.

The setting is Paul, Silas, and others on a missionary journey through the regions where new Christian groups had formed. The "decrees" they delivered were the results of the Jerusalem council (Acts 15), where church leaders had discussed what rules Gentile (non-Jewish) believers should keep. This verse shows the early church working to keep unity and consistency as it grew beyond Jerusalem.

The Greek behind Acts 16:4

  • The word "decrees" (δόγματα, dogmata) refers to official decisions or rulings. In this context, it means the specific instructions agreed upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, not just general teachings.
  • The word "delivered" (παραδίδωμι, paradidōmi) often means to hand over or pass along something important. Here, it highlights that Paul and his companions were not making up new rules but faithfully passing on what had been decided in Jerusalem.
  • The phrase "to keep" (φυλάσσω, phylassō) means to observe or guard carefully. This shows that these instructions were not optional suggestions but were meant to be followed seriously by the new believers.

Why Acts 16:4 matters

  • Acts 16:4 clarifies that the early church was organized and intentional about how it communicated important decisions, showing a pattern of shared leadership and accountability.
  • This verse helps explain how teachings from the central church in Jerusalem reached distant communities, which is important for understanding how early Christian beliefs and practices spread.
  • It connects directly to the events of Acts 15, showing the practical outcome of the Jerusalem council and how its decisions were implemented among Gentile believers.

Where else these words appear

“through” Greek G1279 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 6:1 And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.
  • Luke 13:22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.
  • Luke 18:36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

“decrees” Greek G1378 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
  • Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

“keep” Greek G5442 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

“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.