Acts 15:32

“And Judas and Silas being also prophets themselves, etc.] As well as Paul and Barnabas, and others, that were at Antioch; (see <441301>Acts 13:1) and by prophets are meant, not only such who had the gift of foretelling things to come; though such there were, and these might have that gift; but such who were able to explain the prophecies of the Old Testament, give the true sense of the Scriptures, and open them to the edification of others; wherefore having such gifts, they made use of them; Beza’s ancient copy adds, “full of the Holy Ghost”: and exhorted the brethren with many words; which does not so much design the prolixity of their discourses, and the frequency of their ministrations,…”

“Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves--that is, inspired teachers. exhorted the brethren with many words--"much discourse." and confirmed them--opening up, no doubt, the great principle involved in the controversy now settled, of gratuitous salvation, or the purification of the heart by faith alone (as expressed by Peter, Act 15:9, Act 15:11), and dwelling on the necessity of harmony in principle and affection between the Gentile disciples and their Jewish brethren.”

“Being prophets - See the notes on Acts 11:27. This evidently implies that they had been preachers before they went to Antioch. What was the precise nature of the office of a prophet in the Christian church it is not easy to ascertain. Possibly it may imply that they were teachers of unusual or remark able ability. Compare the notes on Romans 12:6. Confirmed them - Strengthened them; that is, by their instructions and exhortations. See the notes on Acts 14:22. return to 'Top of Page'”

“being: Act 2:17, Act 2:18, Act 11:23, Act 11:27, Act 13:1; Mat 23:34; Luk 11:49; Rom 12:6; Co1 12:28, Co1 12:29; Co1 14:3, Co1 14:29, Co1 14:32; Eph 3:5, Eph 4:11; Th1 5:20 exhorted: Act 2:40, Act 11:23, Act 14:22, Act 18:23, Act 20:2; Rom 12:8; Th1 2:11, Th1 4:1, Th1 5:14; Th2 3:12; Ti1 2:1; Ti2 4:2; Tit 2:6-15; Pe1 5:1, Pe1 5:12 confirmed: Act 15:41; Isa 35:3, Isa 35:4; Dan 11:1; Co1 1:8; Eph 4:12, Eph 4:13; Th1 3:2; Pe1 5:10 Acts 15:33”