PrevActs 15:40Next

Acts 15

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

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

Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

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

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.

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

What does Acts 15:40 mean?

Explanation

Acts 15:40 speaks about the decision of Paul, a prominent apostle in the early Christian church, to choose Silas as a companion to accompany him on his missionary journeys after a sharp disagreement with Barnabas over John Mark, as mentioned in the previous verses.

The verse states that Paul and Silas were "recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God," which means that the Christian community approved of their mission and commended them to God's care and guidance.

On a deeper level, this verse reflects the resolution of conflict within the church and the continuation of the mission to spread the gospel despite disagreements among leaders.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, authored by Luke, the physician, is a historical account of the early Christian church's growth and development.

Acts 15 takes place during the Council of Jerusalem, where leaders gathered to discuss the issue of Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians and whether they were required to follow Jewish laws, including circumcision.

Paul and Barnabas were key participants in this council.

Following the council, a dissension arose between Paul and Barnabas concerning John Mark, who had left them earlier.

Consequently, Barnabas decided to take Mark on a separate mission to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas as his companion for his journeys through Syria and Cilicia to strengthen the churches there.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Acts 15:40 shows the church's reliance on divine grace. The recommendation unto the grace of God signifies a trust in God's provision and security irrespective of human disagreements.

From a doctrinal perspective, it also reflects the belief in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in decisions and missions of the church.

This event sets the stage for the so-called "Second Missionary Journey" of Paul wherein Silas becomes a significant associate, which some theologians regard as a pivotal point in the spread of Christianity beyond the confines of Judaism.

Practical Applications

The verse offers several practical applications.

First, it is a model for conflict resolution within faith communities; despite disagreement, ministry and mission work continue.

It demonstrates the ability to part ways amicably and still work toward the common good.

There is also an implication of the importance of community support and blessings when embarking on ventures or service - the need to seek and value such communal backing.

Cross-References

Acts 15:39 "And the contention was so sharp between them, that they parted asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;"
Acts 14:26 "And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled."
2 Timothy 4:11 "Only Luke is with me.

Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry."

Language Study

"Departed" (Greek: ἐξῆλθεν, exelthen) - This indicates the act of going out or leaving to another destination.
"Recommended" (Greek: παραδιδόντες, paradidontes) - This term suggests entrusting or handing over, with the connotation of transmitting something valuable to another's care.
"Brethren" (Greek: ἀδελφοῖς, adelphois) - Refers to fellow members of the Christian faith, indicative of a familial bond in the early church.
"Grace of God" (Greek: χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ, chariti tou Theou) - A key Christian concept referring to the unearned favor and enabling power of God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing Acts 15:40 to religious texts outside Christianity, similar motifs of leadership, partnership, and divine guidance can be found.

In various other ancient cultures, including Greco-Roman mythology and Eastern traditions, the gods often sanction or guide the endeavors of heroes and leaders.

However, the Christian concept of grace as an unmerited favor from a personal God is distinctive in its nature and application.

Scientific Perspectives

Acts 15:40 does not directly engage with scientific inquiry; its focus is on ecclesiastical organization and divine direction.

However, the act of recommending someone 'unto the grace of God' can be seen as acknowledgment of forces and outcomes beyond human control, which aligns with modern understandings of the complexity of human psychological experiences, such as hope, optimism, and resilience which underlie such acts of faith.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators see in this verse an example of Paul's leadership and decisiveness.

John Calvin comments on the grace of God as the protection and guidance necessary for the work of the ministry.

Matthew Henry notes the peaceful resolution of conflict and the role of the church in endorsing and sending Paul and Silas on their mission.

Other contemporary scholars view the verse as a demonstration of the flexibility and mobility of the early church in spreading the Gospel, with community support being crucial to the legitimacy and success of missionary efforts.

Acts 15

Acts 15

What does Acts 15:40 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 15:40 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?