Acts 15:35 – “But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.”

Extended Explanation

Acts 15:35 highlights the continued ministry of Paul and Barnabas in the city of Antioch after the Jerusalem Council had resolved a major doctrinal dispute. The council had ruled that Gentile believers were not required to follow Jewish customs to be saved, confirming that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Acts 15:6-29).

After this decision, Paul and Barnabas, along with other teachers, continued preaching and teaching God’s Word in Antioch. This shows that their mission was not just about settling theological debates but about discipling believers and spreading the gospel.

The phrase “taught and preached” is significant. It indicates both ongoing instruction for those who were already believers (teaching) and evangelism to those who had not yet heard or accepted the gospel (preaching).

This verse reminds us that the work of the church doesn’t stop with solving problems or making decisions—the primary task is always to proclaim and teach the Word of God.

Historical Context

Antioch was a major center for Christianity, second only to Jerusalem. It was here that:

• Believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).
• The gospel had spread powerfully among Gentiles, making it a key city for outreach.
• Paul and Barnabas had been sent out on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3).

After the Jerusalem Council, Antioch remained a key teaching center for the early church. Paul and Barnabas stayed there to strengthen the believers and train new leaders before setting out on another missionary journey.

Shortly after this, however, Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement about taking John Mark with them (Acts 15:36-41). This led to them parting ways, with Barnabas taking John Mark to Cyprus and Paul choosing Silas as his new missionary partner.

Even though this was a time of transition, the mission continued, and the teaching of God’s Word remained the top priority.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals several key truths:

1. Discipleship is just as important as evangelism. Paul and Barnabas didn’t just preach to new people; they taught and strengthened those who had already believed.
2. The church must be grounded in God’s Word. The early church grew through teaching and preaching, not through entertainment, politics, or social programs.
3. Gospel work is ongoing. Even after resolving doctrinal issues, Paul and Barnabas continued their mission. There is no “retirement” from sharing the gospel.
4. The work of the gospel is not a one-man job. Many others were involved in teaching and preaching. The early church relied on a team of faithful teachers to build up believers.

Literary Analysis

Acts 15:35 is a simple but powerful statement of ministry activity. It contrasts with Acts 15:33-34, where Judas (Barsabbas) returned to Jerusalem, while Silas remained in Antioch. Now, we see that Paul and Barnabas also stayed behind to continue the work.

• The phrase “remained in Antioch” suggests a longer period of ministry—this was not a quick visit but an extended time of discipleship and training.
• “Taught and preached” highlights the dual nature of Christian ministry—not just proclaiming the gospel to new people, but also instructing believers in their faith.

This passage sets the stage for the next chapter, where Paul and Barnabas part ways and begin new journeys in spreading the gospel.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands His disciples to “make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Teaching is a key part of the Great Commission.)
• 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (Preaching and teaching require patience and perseverance.)
• Colossians 1:28 – “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” (The goal of teaching is to help believers grow in maturity.)
• Acts 11:26 – “So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” (Antioch was a key teaching center for early Christianity.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This passage reminds us that teaching and preaching the Word of God must always be at the center of the church’s mission. It’s easy for churches today to focus on programs, entertainment, or activities, but nothing replaces the power of God’s Word.

For today’s believers, this verse encourages us to:

1. Stay committed to studying and growing in God’s Word. Faith isn’t just about believing—it’s about learning and maturing.
2. Recognize that discipleship is a lifelong process. Teaching and preaching should never stop; even mature believers need to continue growing.
3. Take part in spreading the gospel. Paul and Barnabas weren’t the only ones teaching—“many others” were involved. Every Christian has a role in sharing the Word.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is reflected in how He provides spiritual nourishment for His people. He didn’t just save people and leave them to figure things out on their own—He provided teachers, preachers, and leaders to help them grow in faith.

This verse also shows that God cares about both new believers and mature Christians. He wants everyone to be taught, strengthened, and encouraged in their walk with Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse because:

1. He is the reason for preaching and teaching. Paul, Barnabas, and others were not teaching their own ideas—they were preaching the message of Jesus (Acts 1:8).
2. He commanded His disciples to teach. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus told His followers to make disciples and teach them—this is exactly what Paul and Barnabas were doing.
3. He is the Word. In John 1:1, Jesus is described as the Word of God. Teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord is ultimately about revealing Jesus to the world.
4. He builds His church. Jesus promised in Matthew 16:18 that He would build His church, and we see that happening here as believers are taught and strengthened in their faith.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse emphasize the importance of both teaching and preaching in the church?
2. Why is it important for believers to continue learning about their faith, even after they are saved?
3. What can we do today to help others grow in their faith through teaching or encouragement?
4. How does this passage challenge churches today to stay focused on God’s Word rather than distractions?
5. What role does God’s Word play in your own spiritual growth?

Acts 15:35 is a powerful reminder that the heart of Christian ministry is the teaching and preaching of God’s Word. The church isn’t just about solving problems or making decisions—it’s about discipleship, encouragement, and spreading the gospel. Paul and Barnabas remained faithful to this mission, and their example challenges us to do the same today.