And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.
These men were sent not merely to deliver letters but to testify by word what the apostles had written, and more besides; otherwise so weighty a matter would not have been handled in such brevity. Being prophets, they edified the Church through teaching and exhortation, yet we must mark this carefully: not every man may teach. Each must keep within the measure of grace he has received, lest ambition or rash zeal disorder the Church.
AI summary
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
By prophets Luke means those gifted to explain the Old Testament scriptures and open them to others' edification, not merely foretellers of future things. Judas and Silas employed these gifts richly, comforting the brethren with abundance of Gospel truth and confirming them especially in their Christian liberty from the law of Moses, against which false teachers had stirred them up.
AI summary