Acts 15:31

31 and they having read, did rejoice for the 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 to abstain from things offered to idols, and blood, and a strangled thing, and whoredom; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well; be strong!'

30 They then, indeed, having been let go, went to Antioch, and having brought the multitude together, did deliver the epistle,

31 and they having read, did rejoice for the consolation;

32 Judas also and Silas, being themselves also prophets, through much discourse did exhort the brethren, and confirm,

33 and having passed some time, they were let go with peace from the brethren unto the apostles;