with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The letter begins with a common Greek epistolary greeting, "greetings" (literally, "wish joy"), which is found only one other time in the New Testament – in the opening of the letter of James. This subtle linguistic echo suggests the letter's strong connection to James's pivotal speech, even as it represents the unified voice of the apostles, elders, and the entire church.
with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.
English Standard Version (ESV)
A major dispute about whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law, particularly circumcision, has reached Jerusalem and been debated by the apostles and elders. After much discussion, a decision has been made, and this letter is being sent by hand to the Gentile believers in Antioch and surrounding regions to inform them of the Jerusalem council's ruling and to settle the matter. This formal decree, issued by the leadership and sent to the churches, is meant to bring unity and clarity to these new communities.
Ever wondered who exactly sent this crucial letter? It wasn't just one person, but a whole assembly representing the early church.
A United Front
This letter isn't from a single leader, but is penned in the name of "The apostles and the elders and the brothers." This was a deliberate choice to show unity.
This letter was carefully directed. Why did it go only to the Gentile believers and not the Jewish ones?
Clear Communication
The letter explicitly states it's for "the brothers who are of the Gentiles." This wasn't an oversight, but a strategic decision:
Ask a follow-up
The simple greeting in this letter carries a deeper meaning rooted in ancient culture and the heart of the Gospel.
Wishing Them Well
The word translated as 'greetings' is a common way to start a letter in the ancient Greek world. But in this context, it's more than just a formality.
Understand the original words
ethnos · Greek Noun
A collective term for non-Jewish people; those outside the covenant community of Israel. In the New Testament, it signifies the inclusion of all nations into the gospel promise.
This letter represents the first major decision by the unified leadership of the early Church, demonstrating a commitment to unity and inclusivity for Gentile believers, even as they respected Jewish customs.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and First Gentile Converts
The Holy Spirit is poured out, and the early Church begins, initially composed mostly of Jewish believers. Soon after, the first known Gentile converts, Cornelius and his household, are baptized.
c. AD 37-45
Paul's Ministry in Antioch
Paul and Barnabas minister in Antioch, a major Gentile center. This church becomes a hub for missionary activity and is the primary setting for the dispute over Gentile inclusion.
c. AD 48-49
Dispute Arises in Antioch
Certain Jewish Christians insist that Gentile believers must be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law, causing significant unrest in the Antioch church.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem Convenes
A pivotal meeting where apostles and elders gather to resolve the dispute over Gentile circumcision and adherence to the Law. Peter and Paul present their arguments, and James offers a decisive proposal.
c. AD 49— this verse
Council Issues Decree
The Council decides that Gentile believers do not need to be circumcised but should abstain from certain practices offensive to Jewish believers. A letter is drafted to communicate this decision.
c. AD 49
Letter Sent to Antiochian Churches
Judas and Silas carry the official letter from the Jerusalem council to the churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, clarifying the terms of Gentile inclusion.
This passage uses the exact same Greek word for 'greeting' (chairein), highlighting the formal, epistolary nature of both documents and suggesting a potential connection in authorship or style, as James was a key leader in the Jerusalem church.
Galatians 2:9This verse records Paul and Barnabas being recognized by the pillars of the church in Jerusalem (James, Peter, and John) for their work among the Gentiles, mirroring the affirmation given to the Gentile believers in this letter.
1 Corinthians 16:19Paul sends greetings from the churches in Asia, demonstrating the practice of churches sending formal greetings and recognition to one another, similar to the official message sent from Jerusalem.
2 Corinthians 8:18Paul mentions sending 'along with him the brother who is praised throughout all the churches for his service to the Lord,' indicating a practice of sending trusted representatives with important messages of unity and affirmation.
ellicottActs 15:23: "And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:"
(23) And they wrote letters by them. —Literally, wrote letters by their hands. What follows, unless we assume a deliberate fraud, is clearly the transcript of a document—the first in the long list of decrees and canons and encyclical letters which mark the Church’s history. The apostles and elders and bre…
pooleActs 15:23: "And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:"
The apostles and elders and brethren; the letter was wrote in the name of them all, that it might have the greater force, and better acceptance; that so strong a cord might not be broken by the false apostles. Of the Gentiles; such as out of Gentilism, or paganism, were converted unto Christ; to whom the…
The letter begins with a common Greek epistolary greeting, "greetings" (literally, "wish joy"), which is found only one other time in the New Testament – in the opening of the letter of James. This subtle linguistic echo suggests the letter's strong connection to James's pivotal speech, even as it represents the unified voice of the apostles, elders, and the entire church.
A major dispute about whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law, particularly circumcision, has reached Jerusalem and been debated by the apostles and elders. After much discussion, a decision has been made, and this letter is being sent by hand to the Gentile believers in Antioch and surrounding regions to inform them of the Jerusalem council's ruling and to settle the matter. This formal decree, issued by the leadership and sent to the churches, is meant to bring unity and clarity to these new communities.
A major dispute about whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law, particularly circumcision, has reached Jerusalem and been debated by the apostles and elders. After much discussion, a decision has been made, and this letter is being sent by hand to the Gentile believers in Antioch and surrounding regions to inform them of the Jerusalem council's ruling and to settle the matter. This formal decree, issued by the leadership and sent to the churches, is meant to bring unity and clarity to these new communities.
"with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings." — The letter begins with a common Greek epistolary greeting, "greetings" (literally, "wish joy"), which is found only one other time in the New Testament – in the opening of the letter of James. This s…
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Last reviewed October 2026