Acts 15:22

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} pleased it {G1380} the apostles {G652} and {G2532} elders {G4245}, with {G4862} the whole {G3650} church {G1577}, to send {G3992} chosen {G1586} men {G435} of {G1537} their own company {G846} to {G1519} Antioch {G490} with {G4862} Paul {G3972} and {G2532} Barnabas {G921}; namely, Judas {G2455} surnamed {G1941} Barsabas {G923}, and {G2532} Silas {G4609}, chief {G2233} men {G435} among {G1722} the brethren {G80}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the emissaries and the elders, together with the whole Messianic community, decided to select men from among themselves to send to Antioch with Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba. They sent Y’hudah, called Bar-Sabba, and Sila, both leading men among the brothers,

Berean Standard Bible

Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers,

American Standard Version

Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:22 records a pivotal decision by the Jerusalem Council to formally communicate its resolution regarding Gentile converts. Following extensive deliberation and divine guidance, the apostles, elders, and the entire church collectively agreed to dispatch esteemed representatives—Judas Barsabas and Silas—alongside Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. This strategic move aimed to authoritatively convey the council's decree, affirm the legitimacy of the Gentile mission, and foster unity within the rapidly expanding early Christian community by ensuring clear and credible communication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 15:22 is situated immediately after the conclusion of the Jerusalem Council, a landmark event in early church history. The preceding verses (Acts 15:1-21) detail the intense theological debate concerning whether Gentile believers must be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law to be saved. This verse marks the practical implementation of the council's decision, particularly James's summary and proposed resolution in [Acts 15:13-21](/acts/15-13-21 "Acts 15:13-21 - James's Summary and Proposal"). The decision to send chosen men, along with a letter, is further elaborated in [Acts 15:23-29](/acts/15-23-29 "Acts 15:23-29 - The Council's Letter to the Gentiles"), which provides the content of the letter these men would carry. This verse, therefore, serves as the bridge between the theological deliberation and its practical dissemination, emphasizing the church's commitment to unity and authoritative communication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was grappling with its identity as it transitioned from a predominantly Jewish sect to a multi-ethnic movement. The issue of Gentile inclusion, particularly concerning adherence to Jewish customs like circumcision, was a profound challenge, threatening to create a schism between Jewish and Gentile believers. Jewish Christians, often referred to as "Judaizers," insisted that salvation required adherence to the Law of Moses, as seen in [Acts 15:1](/acts/15-1 "Acts 15:1 - The Dispute Over Circumcision"). The Jerusalem Council, convened in response to this dispute originating in Antioch, represented the highest ecclesiastical authority of the nascent church. Sending official representatives like Judas and Silas, who were "chief men," was a common practice in the ancient world to lend credibility and authority to a message, ensuring it was received with respect and without misinterpretation, especially given the significant cultural and religious divide being bridged.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Acts and the early church's development. It highlights the theme of **Church Authority and Consensus**, demonstrating how significant doctrinal and practical decisions were made collectively by the apostles, elders, and the entire congregation, reflecting a unified body guided by the Holy Spirit, as further emphasized in [Acts 15:28](/acts/15-28 "Acts 15:28 - Guided by the Holy Spirit"). The act of sending trusted messengers underscores the theme of **Unity and Peacemaking**, as the council sought to prevent division and foster harmony between Jewish and Gentile believers, ensuring the gospel's unhindered spread. Furthermore, the selection of "chosen men" like Judas and Silas, who were respected leaders, speaks to the theme of **Wise Leadership and Delegation**, showcasing the strategic wisdom employed by the early church to effectively communicate and implement its decisions, thereby validating the ministry of Paul and Barnabas and the work of God among the Gentiles, which was a central point of testimony in [Acts 15:12](/acts/15-12 "Acts 15:12 - Paul and Barnabas's Testimony").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pleased it (Greek, _dokéō'_):** This verb, G1380, signifies a formal decision or a decree reached after deliberation, implying a consensus or an agreed-upon resolution. It suggests that the decision was not arbitrary but was the result of careful consideration and collective agreement by the assembled body. In this context, it conveys the sense of "it seemed good" or "it was decided by common consent," highlighting the deliberative and authoritative nature of the Jerusalem Council's resolution.
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** G1577, derived from "a calling out," refers to a popular meeting or, more specifically, a religious congregation. Here, it denotes the entire Christian community in Jerusalem, indicating that the decision was not solely the purview of the apostles and elders but involved the broader body of believers. This emphasizes the communal aspect of decision-making in the early church, where the congregation's assent was valued, reinforcing the idea of a unified body acting together.
* **chosen (Greek, _eklégomai'_):** G1586, meaning "to select" or "to make choice," indicates that Judas and Silas were not randomly selected but were specifically appointed for this crucial mission. Their selection implies a deliberate act based on their character, trustworthiness, and ability to accurately represent the council's decision. This highlights the importance of sending qualified and respected individuals for sensitive diplomatic and theological tasks.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church,"**: This opening clause establishes the collective authority and broad consensus behind the decision. It was not a unilateral decree but a resolution that "seemed good" (was agreeable) to the spiritual leaders (apostles and elders) and was affirmed by the entire congregation. This demonstrates a model of shared governance and communal agreement in significant matters.
* **"to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas;"**: This specifies the purpose and method of communication. The council decided to dispatch specific individuals, "chosen men," from their own ranks. This act of delegation was strategic, aiming to lend credibility and authority to the message. Their destination was Antioch, the very place where the controversy originated, and they were to accompany Paul and Barnabas, who had brought the dispute to Jerusalem and would now return with the resolution.
* **"[namely], Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:"**: This clause identifies the specific individuals chosen for this critical mission. Judas Barsabas and Silas are explicitly named, underscoring their importance. The descriptive phrase "chief men among the brethren" highlights their esteemed status, leadership, and respect within the Jerusalem church, making them ideal envoys to convey the council's decision with weight and integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 15:22 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Delegation**, where the Jerusalem church, through its collective leadership, formally dispatches specific individuals to carry out a crucial task. This act of sending chosen representatives is a practical manifestation of the council's authority and its commitment to clear communication. Closely related is **Consensus**, implied by the phrase "pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church," which underscores the unified agreement reached after deliberation, presenting a picture of harmonious decision-making. The naming of "Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas" serves as **Identification** or **Nomination**, lending specificity and historical grounding to the narrative, while also emphasizing the personal integrity and standing of the chosen messengers. Finally, the description "chief men among the brethren" acts as **Characterization**, immediately establishing the high regard and leadership qualities of Judas and Silas, which in turn enhances the credibility and authority of the message they are to deliver.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 15:22 is a powerful testament to the early church's commitment to unity, truth, and Spirit-led governance. The collective decision-making involving apostles, elders, and the entire church underscores the principle of corporate discernment, where significant doctrinal and practical matters are resolved through prayerful deliberation and communal consensus, guided by the Holy Spirit. This verse highlights the importance of authoritative communication in resolving theological disputes and maintaining the integrity of the gospel message. By sending trusted envoys, the Jerusalem church modeled a proactive approach to peacemaking and reconciliation, ensuring that the foundational truth of salvation by grace through faith alone, without the burden of Mosaic Law for Gentiles, was clearly and credibly conveyed, thus preserving the unity of the body of Christ across cultural and ethnic lines.

* [Acts 15:28](/acts/15-28 "Acts 15:28 - The Holy Spirit's Guidance in Council Decisions")
* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Endeavoring to Keep the Unity of the Spirit")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is Not a God of Confusion but of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 15:22 offers profound insights for contemporary church life, emphasizing the enduring importance of unity, wise leadership, and clear communication in the body of Christ. Just as the early church navigated complex theological and cultural challenges, modern congregations face their own divisions and disagreements. This verse reminds us that significant decisions should ideally involve a broad representation of leadership—pastors, elders, and, where appropriate, the entire congregation—fostering a sense of shared ownership and collective responsibility. It underscores the necessity of seeking consensus, not merely majority rule, and relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance in all matters of faith and practice. Furthermore, the act of sending trusted messengers highlights the value of personal relationships and credible communication in bridging divides and ensuring that the truth is conveyed with both authority and pastoral sensitivity. We are called to prioritize the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, actively working to resolve conflicts and affirm the foundational truths of the gospel, just as the Jerusalem church did.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the collective decision-making process in Acts 15:22 challenge or affirm the decision-making structures in your own church or organization?**
* **In what ways can we, like the early church, prioritize unity and clear communication when facing disagreements or theological challenges today?**
* **What qualities do "chief men among the brethren" possess that are essential for effective spiritual leadership and conflict resolution in the church?**
* **How can we ensure that our church's decisions are not merely human wisdom but are genuinely guided by the Holy Spirit, as was the case in Jerusalem?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary to send Judas and Silas with Paul and Barnabas, rather than just a letter?**

Answer: Sending Judas and Silas, described as "chief men among the brethren," was a strategic move to add significant weight, credibility, and personal assurance to the council's decision. While a letter (mentioned in [Acts 15:23-29](/acts/15-23-29 "Acts 15:23-29 - The Council's Official Letter")) provided the official written decree, the presence of these respected leaders allowed for direct explanation, clarification, and personal testimony. They could answer questions, address concerns, and personally vouch for the authenticity and unanimous nature of the council's resolution, thereby preventing misinterpretations and fostering greater trust and unity among the Gentile believers in Antioch, where the dispute originated. Their presence underscored the council's pastoral care and commitment to peace.

**Who were Judas Barsabas and Silas, and why were they chosen?**

Answer: Judas, surnamed Barsabas (not to be confused with Judas Iscariot or the Barsabas from [Acts 1:23](/acts/1-23 "Acts 1:23 - Joseph Barsabas, Candidate for Apostle")), and Silas were prominent and respected leaders within the Jerusalem church, referred to as "chief men among the brethren." They were chosen for their integrity, theological understanding, and ability to accurately represent the council's decision. Silas, in particular, would later become a significant companion and co-laborer with Paul on his second missionary journey, as seen in [Acts 15:40](/acts/15-40 "Acts 15:40 - Paul Chooses Silas"). Their selection ensured that the message was delivered by trustworthy individuals whose character and standing would lend authority and legitimacy to the council's decree, helping to bridge the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 15:22, though a narrative of early church administration, profoundly points to Christ's ongoing work in building His church and uniting diverse peoples under His headship. The consensus reached by the apostles, elders, and the whole church, guided by the Holy Spirit (as affirmed in [Acts 15:28](/acts/15-28 "Acts 15:28 - The Holy Spirit's Guidance")), reflects Christ's promise to build His church and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church's Foundation")). The decision to send chosen men to Antioch to affirm the inclusion of Gentiles without requiring circumcision directly fulfills the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Just as Christ Himself was sent by the Father to reconcile the world to Himself ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son")), the church, as His body, sends forth messengers to proclaim His unifying gospel. The unity forged in Acts 15, facilitated by these chosen envoys, foreshadows the ultimate unity of all believers in Christ, who is the cornerstone of a spiritual house where all are welcomed into God's family ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 15:27

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

Acts 15:40

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

1 Peter 5:12

By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

Acts 18:5

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews [that] Jesus [was] Christ.

Acts 1:23

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

2 Thessalonians 1:1

¶ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

1 Thessalonians 1:1

¶ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians [which is] in God the Father and [in] the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.