Acts 15:23

Wrote letters. What follows in this chapter is doubtless the transcript of the document sent, the first of a long series of decrees and canons of councils that appear in the history of the church. Probably this letter was written in Greek. Its format is Greek; the Gentiles most concerned in the decisions contained in it were largely Greek speaking, as was doubtless the church of Antioch to which it was dispatched.

By them. Literally, “by their hand,” perhaps a Hebraism. This does not mean that the letter was written by these men, but that it was sent by them.

Apostles and elders and brethren. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading, “The apostles and the elders, brethren.” Thus the leaders at Jerusalem assured the Christians to whom they wrote that they were all brethren in Christ.

Send greeting. Gr. chairein (see on Rom. 1:7). This word is a usual salutation in Greek letters, but is not used in the NT except here, in Acts 23:26, and James 1:1.

Gentiles. As indicated in v. 20, the letter of the council was addressed to the Gentiles, and not to the Jewish Christians.

Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. In Antioch the dispute over requirements laid upon the Gentiles had come to a head. The churches in the surrounding regions of Syria were undoubtedly involved. The mention of Cilicia suggests that Paul had done important work in his native province, prior to laboring with Barnabas at Antioch (see ch. 11:25).