Acts 15:31

31 and when they had read it, they rejoiced in its consolation.

Acts 15:31 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 15:31

Which when they had read
That is, when the brethren of the church at Antioch had read the letter delivered to them; for not Paul and Barnabas, or Judas and Silas, who were sent with it, read it, but the brethren to whom it was sent, as was proper.

They rejoiced for the consolation,
or "exhortation", as the word may be rendered, which was given them in the letter, to abstain from the above things, without being burdened with any other; and they rejoiced that there was such an agreement among the apostles, elders, and brethren at Jerusalem; and that their sentiments, and those of Paul and Barnabas, and other faithful ministers and saints at Antioch, were alike, and were opposed to the judaizing preachers and professors; and above all, they rejoiced that they were freed from the burdensome yoke of the law, and that the controversy which had been raised among them, was likely to be ended, and to issue so well.

Acts 15:31 In-Context

29 that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. If ye keep yourselves from these things, ye shall do well. Fare ye well!"

30 So when they were sent off, they went to Antioch. And when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle;

31 and when they had read it, they rejoiced in its consolation.

32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and strengthened them.

33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace by the brethren to return unto the apostles.