And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
31. They rejoiced over the consolation. Seeing that the epistle is so short, and containeth nothing but a bare narration, what consolation could they have by it? But we must note, that there was no small matter of consolation therein, because, when they knew the consent of the apostles, they were all pacified, and also whereas before there was variance among them, they are now reconciled one to another.
The church at Jerusalem sent their own men with Paul and Barnabas not from distrust of these tried servants, but to honor Antioch as a sister-church and to strengthen their hands on the journey. A friend proves better company than any carriage.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 15:22-35
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.