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The saints in Antioch have been unsettled by the teaching of the legalistic Jews. Judas and Silas,
being prophets, use their spiritual offices and gifts to bring encouragement and stability back to
the believers. The saints now know that Paul and Barnabas have taught them correctly from
the beginning.

Act 15:33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren
unto the apostles.

And after they (Judas and Silas) had tarried there a space (while), they were let go in peace
from the brethren unto the apostles.

During their time in Antioch, both Judas and Silas experienced church services centered on
grace and liberty. Even though they come from a church claiming to believe in grace and
freedom, they now see what a church truly operating in grace can be like.

Act 15:34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

Judas returns to Jerusalem, but Silas is so pleased with the church at Antioch, he stays on and
makes Antioch his ministry base. Although this verse is not found in many of the earliest
manuscripts, it is still true that Silas remained in Antioch (verse 40).
PAUL AND BARNABAS CONTINUE TEACHING AND PREACHING

Act 15:35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the
Lord, with many others also.

Paul and Barnabas continue to work with the church leadership and teach what God wants.
The issue of the letter from Jerusalem is not mentioned again in Acts, and is probably not a
major point of exposition in the church. The foundation of grace continues in Antioch, and
missionary activity is a priority.

THE TRIUMPH OF THE DEEDS OF GRACE (36-39)

Paul speaks with Barnabas about returning to the areas they had first preached to see how the
new believers are doing. Before they go, Paul and Barnabas have a major disagreement over
taking Mark on the next missionary journey, and they separate from one another as a result.
Barnabas travels to Cyprus with Mark and Paul chooses Silas to travel with him to Syria and
Cilicia.

PAUL AND BARNABAS AGREE TO RETURN TO GALATIA

Act 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren
in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.