Acts 13:15
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)
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The synagogue rulers didn't just hand the mic to anyone; they were actively looking for someone to preach, a standard part of the service after the readings. This invitation wasn't just polite protocol; it was an open door for the Word, and Paul and Barnabas were ready to step through it.
Paul and Barnabas have just arrived in Antioch of Pisidia and entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. After the traditional readings from the Law and the Prophets were completed, the synagogue leaders, recognizing Paul and Barnabas as potentially knowledgeable men, invited them to share a message of encouragement with the congregation. This invitation sets the stage for Paul's pivotal sermon, where he directly addresses the Jewish community based on the very scriptures they had just heard.
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. 167-164 BC
Antiochus Epiphanes Persecutes Jews
King Antiochus IV Epiphanes violently suppressed Jewish religious practice, forbidding the reading of the Law. In response, Jews began reading from the Prophets as a substitute.
c. 1st century BC
Synagogue Worship Order Formalized
The regular Sabbath service, including readings from the Law and the Prophets, became standard practice in Jewish synagogues. The Law was divided into annual sections (parashot), and corresponding prophetic readings (haphtarot) were added.
c. 20 BC - AD 50
Antioch Becomes a Major Roman City
The city of Antioch in Pisidia grew into a significant Roman urban center, attracting diverse populations, including a large Jewish community and Roman citizens. This provided a cosmopolitan setting for early Christian missions.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Resurrection
The life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth occurred in Judea, forming the core message that would be proclaimed by his followers.
c. AD 30-40
This passage describes Jesus himself participating in the synagogue custom of reading from the Law and the Prophets, showing this was a deeply ingrained practice in Jewish worship.
Deuteronomy 18:18The prophets spoke of God raising up a prophet like Moses, a theme Paul picks up immediately in his sermon, showing how the synagogue readings directly led into the apostolic message.
Nehemiah 8:8This Old Testament account shows Ezra and the Levites reading from the Law and giving the sense, illustrating the ancient roots and purpose of reading Scripture publicly and making it understandable.
Hebrews 13:22The author of Hebrews refers to his entire letter as a 'word of exhortation,' highlighting that the invitation in Acts 13:15 was for a sermon or message intended 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 hand the mic to anyone; they were actively looking for someone to preach, a standard part of the service after the readings. This invitation wasn't just polite protocol; it was an open door for the Word, and Paul and Barnabas were ready to step through it.
Paul and Barnabas have just arrived in Antioch of Pisidia and entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. After the traditional readings from the Law and the Prophets were completed, the synagogue leaders, recognizing Paul and Barnabas as potentially knowledgeable men, invited them to share a message of encouragement with the congregation. This invitation sets the stage for Paul's pivotal sermon, where he directly addresses the Jewish community based on the very scriptures they had just heard.
Paul and Barnabas have just arrived in Antioch of Pisidia and entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. After the traditional readings from the Law and the Prophets were completed, the synagogue leaders, recognizing Paul and Barnabas as potentially knowledgeable men, invited them to share a message of encouragement with the congregation. This invitation sets the stage for Paul's pivotal sermon, where he directly addresses the Jewish community based on the very scriptures they had just heard.
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Early Church Spreads
Following Jesus' ascension, the early Christian movement, initially centered in Jerusalem, began to spread through Judea and to other regions through the witness of apostles and disciples.
c. AD 46-48
First Missionary Journey Begins
Barnabas and Paul embarked on their first major missionary journey, commissioned by the church in Antioch, to spread the gospel to Jewish communities and Gentiles in Asia Minor.
c. AD 47-48— this verse
Paul and Barnabas Preach in Antioch of Pisidia
Arriving in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas attended a Sabbath service. After the customary readings from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers invited them to speak words of exhortation to the congregation.
"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 hand the mic to anyone; they were actively looking for someone to preach, a standard part of the service after the readings. This invitation wasn't just polite protoc…
