After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The synagogue rulers didn't just invite Paul and Barnabas to speak; they were essentially offering them the floor after the regular scripture readings, a tradition where anyone recognized as a teacher might be asked to expound on the texts. This shows that speaking from Scripture wasn't just a casual affair but a structured part of worship, open to gifted individuals to bring the ancient words to life for the people.
After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul and Barnabas are present at a Sabbath service in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, a custom that included readings from both the Law and the Prophets. After these scripture readings, the synagogue leaders, noticing Paul and Barnabas, extend an invitation for them to share a message of encouragement with the congregation. This sets the stage for Paul's sermon, which will directly connect the ancient scriptures the people just heard to Jesus.
Imagine walking into a familiar place, and the air is thick with expectation. This wasn't just any gathering; it was a carefully orchestrated flow of Scripture.
The synagogue service had a rhythm, a predictable pattern designed for teaching God's people.
The Dual Reading:
Setting the Stage:
What does it mean to be invited to speak, not just to share information, but to offer 'encouragement'?
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The invitation from the synagogue rulers was more than just a polite gesture; it was a functional role within the service.
The Heart of 'Exhortation':
The Rulers' Role:
Understand the original words
Torah · Hebrew Noun
The foundational revelation given to Moses (the Torah), constituting the moral and civil framework for Israel, which also serves to reveal the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity.
nābî' · Hebrew Noun
Inspired messengers of God who spoke on His behalf to Israel. Their writings foretold future events, rebuked sin, called for repentance, and pointed toward the coming Messiah.
paraklēsis · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, it refers to a word of exhortation, comfort, or strengthening that calls believers to act upon the truth of the gospel. It is the application of God's Word to encourage faith and godliness.
c. 170 BC
Prophetic Readings Introduced
During the persecution by Antiochus Epiphanes, when reading the Law was forbidden, Jews began reading corresponding passages from the Prophets as a substitute. This practice continued even after the Law could be read again.
c. 1st century BC
Annual Law Reading Cycle Established
A regular cycle for reading the entire Law (Pentateuch) in the synagogue was established, divided into weekly portions. This practice was deeply ingrained by the time of Jesus and the apostles.
c. 1st century AD— this verse
Standard Synagogue Service Structure
The typical Sabbath service included prayers, readings from the Law and the Prophets, and an exposition or sermon. This structure provided the context for Paul and Barnabas's ministry.
c. AD 40-50
Mission to the Gentiles Begins
The apostles, including Paul and Barnabas, began to focus their ministry on reaching Gentile populations, expanding the early Christian movement beyond its Jewish origins.
This passage shows Jesus following the same synagogue custom of reading from the Law and the Prophets, and then offering an interpretation, highlighting a common practice that Paul and Barnabas were now participating in.
Deuteronomy 1:31Paul begins his sermon by referencing this verse about God carrying Israel, directly connecting his message to a portion of the Old Testament reading that had just occurred, demonstrating how their teaching built upon Scripture.
Isaiah 1:1-2Paul also quotes from Isaiah, indicating that this prophetic passage was likely the 'Haphtarah' or second reading of the day, showing how the apostolic teaching engaged with both parts of the synagogue's public reading.
Acts 17:2-4In another synagogue, Paul also reasons from the Scriptures and explains their meaning, showing a consistent pattern of how he engaged with Jewish tradition and Scripture to proclaim Jesus.
Hebrews 13:22The author of Hebrews refers to his entire letter as a 'word of exhortation,' mirroring the invitation given to Paul and Barnabas and showing that this kind of teaching was meant for encouragement and spiritual building.
ellicottActs 13:15: "And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on."
(15) After the reading of the law and the prophets. —The order of the Sabbath lessons was fixed as by a kind of calendar, the Law— i.e., the Pentateuch—being divided into fifty-three or fifty-four paraschioth, or sections. These, probably, came into use soon after the return from Babylon. To these were…
clarkeActs 13:15: "And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on."
After the reading of the law and the prophets - A certain portion of the law and another of the prophets, was read every Sabbath; and the law was so divided as to be read over once every year. In the notes at the conclusion of Deuteronomy, I have considered this subject at large, and given a complete t…
The synagogue rulers didn't just invite Paul and Barnabas to speak; they were essentially offering them the floor after the regular scripture readings, a tradition where anyone recognized as a teacher might be asked to expound on the texts. This shows that speaking from Scripture wasn't just a casual affair but a structured part of worship, open to gifted individuals to bring the ancient words to life for the people.
Paul and Barnabas are present at a Sabbath service in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, a custom that included readings from both the Law and the Prophets. After these scripture readings, the synagogue leaders, noticing Paul and Barnabas, extend an invitation for them to share a message of encouragement with the congregation. This sets the stage for Paul's sermon, which will directly connect the ancient scriptures the people just heard to Jesus.
Paul and Barnabas are present at a Sabbath service in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, a custom that included readings from both the Law and the Prophets. After these scripture readings, the synagogue leaders, noticing Paul and Barnabas, extend an invitation for them to share a message of encouragement with the congregation. This sets the stage for Paul's sermon, which will directly connect the ancient scriptures the people just heard to Jesus.
"After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.”" — The synagogue rulers didn't just invite Paul and Barnabas to speak; they were essentially offering them the floor after the regular scripture readings, a tradition where anyone recognized as a teache…
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Last reviewed October 2026