What does Acts 15:34 mean?

A footnote in the English Standard Version gives this: "Some manuscripts insert verse 34: 'But it seemed good to Silas to remain there." The King James Version includes the verse; it reads, "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still." Judas Barsabbas and Silas traveled from Jerusalem to deliver a letter to Syrian Antioch. Acts 15:33 says, "they" returned to Jerusalem. But "after some days" (Acts 15:36), Silas leaves with Paul to take the letter to the churches in Syria and up into Galatia (Acts 15:41—16:1). It's likely Judas and Silas had traveled with assistants who accompany Judas back to Jerusalem and Silas stays. However, the words of this verse are not found in the oldest, more accurate copies of Bible manuscripts. Most likely, a scribe added a footnote for clarity, and it was accidentally incorporated into the text itself.

Such additions do not affect the inerrancy of the Bible. Only the original manuscripts are inspired by the Holy Spirit. Copies do contain some additions and occasional spelling errors. None of these alterations affect the story of the Bible or the theology expressed through the text. The Bible is sufficient for faith and service. There are deviant scriptures in the world—those deliberately altered for theological bias, such as the New World Translation—but we are free to choose from the many different translations of the Christian Bible.

In fact, it's a good idea to compare two or more translations when a passage is particularly confusing. There's a reason this ministry, for example, offers multiple translations as part of our contextual approach to Scripture.