Rejoicing, strength and encouragement of the non-Jewish Believers.

Acts 15:30-35

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“So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.” Acts 15:30-31

The phrase, “So when they were sent off...” refers to being sent off from Jerusalem, then they returned to Antioch at Syria. There in Antioch, Paul Barnabas, Silas, and Judas gathered together the multitude of the Gentiles to deliver the letter from Jerusalem to them. The letter brought rejoicing to the born-again Gentiles because they were informed that circumcision nor any other laws of Judaism were necessary for their Salvation. They were no longer under bondage to the law but made free by the Spirit. Their faith in Jesus Christ was all that was needed for them to have their sin forgiven, to be part of the family of God, and to have eternal life. Jesus said, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

That delivered letter is for every one of us non-Jewish people who live for God through Jesus Christ in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Liberation in the Spirit brings rejoicing and encouragement to be free from the entanglements of manmade dominance over the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus that makes us free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

“Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.” Acts 15:32-33

Judas and Silas were prophets also, and with their Holy Spirit filled words, they strengthened and encouraged their brothers and sisters in Christ. Which included calling the born-again non-Jewish Gentiles their brothers and sisters, even though Judas and Silas were Jewish, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:28-29

Also, the testimony of Jesus Christ, is the spirit of prophecy, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelations 19:10 As followers of Jesus Christ, let’s share His testimony and bring encouragement to other believers within this atheistic culture. Only believe, our faith in Jesus Christ is all that God asks of us.

“However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.” Acts 15:34-35

Instead of returning to Jerusalem, Silas remained in Antioch at Syria to further root the born-again Gentiles in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch at Syria for the same reason. They were all of the same mind to preach and teach the way of the Lord, along with many others also. May we also be included among the group that preaches and teaches the word of the Lord.

Here, we see Silas, Paul, and Barnabas working together in Antioch at Syria. However, in Acts 15:36-41, Barnabas and Paul go different routes as Paul teams up with Silas and Barnabas teams up with John Mark. Paul and Barnabas teamed up in Acts 13 on a missionary journey together, but Silas was not part of the missionary team at that time.

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“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,“
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:11