Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
αναγνοντες δε εχαρησαν επι τη παρακλησει
4 Church Fathers comment on this verse
The letter of the Council of Jerusalem, brought to Antioch by those sent from it, produced great joy among the Christians of Antioch. It calmed them after the disturbance caused by the false teaching of the Judaizers. It again established in their hearts the hope that they shared in the salvation accomplished by Christ. The oral conversations of Judas and Silas strengthened them still more in this hope, for they remained in Antioch for some time after arriving there.
And when the Christians had read the letter, they rejoiced that the important question of admitting the Gentiles into the Church of Christ had been resolved in such a spirit of brotherhood and love for mankind.
"They rejoiced over this instruction," or more precisely, over this consolation. The heavy demand of the Judaizers, which had stirred up confusion in the Church of Antioch, undoubtedly caused no small sorrow and fear concerning how the question would be decided.
The council's letter dispelled every fear. It was a great consolation for the Church from among the Gentiles, and it awakened common joy.
This joy concerned not only the fact that the letter restored the Church's disturbed peace and quieted the confusion. It also concerned the fact that the question had been decided precisely in the sense that the Mosaic Law is not obligatory in Christianity.
The delivery of the epistle to the Antiochians took place in the general assembly of the members of the Church. When they read it, they rejoiced at what was said in it.
The Apostles Judas and Silas strengthened the good impression by their discourses. They spoke as true prophets, that is, with great inspiration, power, and abundant instruction.
"There is no longer strife, no disagreement. Then, it seems to me," says Saint John Chrysostom, "they gave the right hand to the Apostles, as Paul himself says (see Gal 2:9), because they accepted his opinion and approved it with respect.
"Disagreements and disputes ceased. Therefore, having confirmed them, they departed in peace. They had disputes with Paul, but Paul continued teaching afterward.
"It would have been possible to command even without writing. Yet so that the law might be set down in writing, they write an epistle. Then, as a sign of obedience to the law, the former speak and the latter carry it out, and they do so in peace.
"Thus there was no arrogance in the Church, but great piety. Let the heretics not scandalize us either. See how many scandals there were at the beginning of the preaching of the Gospel.
"I am not speaking of external scandals. Those meant nothing. I speak of internal ones: first Ananias, then the murmuring, then Simon the Magician, then the indignation against Peter because of Cornelius, then the famine, and finally this, the chief of all evils.
"For as soon as some good appears, it is impossible that evil should not be mingled with it. Let us not be troubled, then, if some are scandalized. Rather, let us give thanks to God even for them, because He makes us more tested."
"When there is a measure by which everything can be determined, long arguments are not required. It is easy to expose the one who measures unbelief. So it is now. Let us therefore obey the laws of God, do what is pleasing to Him in all things, and walk according to His will."
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 6 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS