<p>15:32 <i>And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets</i>- See on :28 <em>It seemed good to the Holy Spirit</em>.</p><p><i>Encouraged and strengthened the believers with many words</i>- The idea is of confirmation. The context is confirming them that as Gentiles they really were OK with the Lord without circumcision. When we read of Paul and Silas going throughout Syria and Cilicia &quot;strengthening the churches&quot; (:41), the same word is used; and presumably the confirmation provided was again about this issue of Gentile acceptability. We note that Syria and Cilicia are the two specific regions to whom the letter from Jerusalem was addressed (:23).</p>