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Commentary on Acts 15 verses 22–35
We have here the result of the consultation that was held at Jerusalem about the imposing of the ceremonial law upon the Gentiles. Much more, it is likely, was said about it than is here recorded; but at length it was brought to a head, and the advice which James gave was universally approved and agreed to nemine contradicente - unanimously; and letters were accordingly sent by messengers of their own to the Gentile converts, acquainting them with their sentiments in this matter, which would be a great confirmation to them against the false teachers. Now observe here,
I. The choice of the delegates that were to be sent with Paul and Barnabas on this errand; not as if they had any suspicion of the fidelity of these great men, and could not trust them with their letters, nor as if they thought that those to whom they sent them would suspect them to have altered any thing in their letter; no, their charity thought no such evil concerning men of such tried integrity; but,
1.They thought fit to send men of their own company to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, Act 15:22. This was agreed to by the apostles and elders, with the whole church, who, it is likely, undertook to bear their charges, Co1 9:7. They sent these messengers, (1.) To show their respect to the church at Antioch, as a sister-church, though a younger sister, and that they looked upon it as upon the same level with them; as also that they were desirous further to know their state. (2.) To encourage Paul and Barnabas, and to make their journey home the more pleasant (for it is likely they travelled on foot) by sending such excellent men to bear them company; amicus pro vehiculo - a friend instead of a carriage. (3.) To put a reputation upon the letters they carried, that it might appear a solemn embassy, and so much the more regard might be paid to the message, which was likely to meet with opposition from some. (4.) To keep up the communion of the saints, and cultivate an acquaintance between churches and ministers that were at a distance from each other, and to show that, though they were many, yet they were one.
2.Those they sent were not inferior persons, who might serve to carry the letters, and attest the receipt of them from the apostles; but they were chosen men, and chief men among the brethren, men of eminent gifts, graces, and usefulness; for these are the things which denominate men chief among the brethren, and qualify them to be the messengers of the churches. They are here named: Judas, who was called Barsabas (probably the brother of that Joseph who was called Barsabas, that was a candidate for the apostleship, Act 1:23), and Silas. The character which these men had in the church at Jerusalem would have some influence upon those that came from Judea, as those false teachers did, and engage them to pay the more deference to the message that was sent by them.
II. The drawing up of the letters, circular letters, that were to be sent to the churches, to notify the sense of the synod in this matter.
1.Here is a very condescending obliging preamble to this decree, Act 15:23. There is nothing in it haughty or assuming, but, (1.) That which intimates the humility of the apostles, that they join the elders and brethren in commission with them, the ministers, the ordinary Christians, whom they had advised with in this case, as they used to do in other cases. Though never men were so qualified as they were for a monarchical power and authority in the church, nor had such a commission as they had, yet their decrees run not, "We, the apostles, Christ's vicars upon earth, and pastors of all the pastors of the churches" (as the pope styles himself), "and sole judges in all matters of faith;" but the apostles, and elders, and brethren, agree in their orders. Herein they remembered the instructions their Master gave them (Mat 23:8): Be not you called Rabbi; for you are all brethren. (2.) That which bespeaks their respect to the churches they wrote to; they send to them greeting, wish them health and happiness and joy, and call them brethren of the Gentiles, thereby owning their admission into the church, and giving them the right hand of fellowship: "You are our brethren, though Gentiles; for we meet in Christ, the first born among many brethren, in God our common Father." Now that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs and of the same body, they are to be countenanced and encouraged, and called brethren.
2.Here is a just and severe rebuke to the judaizing teachers (Act 15:24): "We have heard that certain who went out from us have troubled you with words, and we are very much concerned to hear it; now this is to let them know that those who preached this doctrine were false teachers, both as they produced a false commission and as they taught a false doctrine." (1.) They did a great deal of wrong to the apostles and ministers at Jerusalem, in pretending that they had instructions from them to impose the ceremonial law upon the Gentiles, when there was no colour for such a pretension. "They went out from us indeed - they were such as belonged to our church, of which, when they had a mind to travel, we gave them perhaps a testimonial; but, as for their urging the law of Moses upon you, we gave them no such commandment, nor had we ever thought of such a thing, nor given them the least occasion to use our names in it." It is no new thing for apostolical authority to be pleaded in defence of those doctrines and practices for which yet the apostles gave neither command nor encouragement. (2.) They did a great deal of wrong to the Gentile converts, in saying, You must be circumcised, and must keep the law. [1.] It perplexed them: "They have troubled you with words, have occasioned disturbance and disquietment to you. You depended upon those who told you, If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you shall be saved; and now you are startled by those that tell you you must keep the law of Moses or you cannot be saved, by which you see yourselves drawn into a snare. They trouble you with words - words, and nothing else - mere words - sound, but no substance." How has the church been troubled with words, by the pride of men that loved to hear themselves talk! [2.] It endangered them; they subverted their souls, put them into disorder, and pulled down that which had been built up. They took them off from pursuing pure Christianity, and minding the business of that, by filling their heads with the necessity of circumcision, and the law of Moses, which were nothing to the purpose.
3.Here is an honourable testimony given of the messengers by whom these letters were sent.
(1.)Of Paul and Barnabas, whom these judaizing teachers had opposed and censured as having done their work by the halves, because they had brought the Gentile converts to Christianity only, and not to Judaism. Let them say what they will of these men, [1.] "They are men that are dear to us; they are our beloved Barnabas and Paul - men whom we have a value for, a kindness for, a concern for." Sometimes it is good for those that are of eminence to express their esteem, not only for the despised truth of Christ, but for the despised preachers and defenders of that truth, to encourage them, and weaken the hands of their opposers. [2.] "They are men that have signalized themselves in the service of Christ, and therefore have deserved well of all the churches: they are men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Act 15:26), and therefore are worthy of double honour, and cannot be suspected of having sought any secular advantage to themselves; for they have ventured their all for Christ, have engaged in the most dangerous services, as good soldiers of Christ, and not only in laborious services." It is not likely that such faithful confessors should be unfaithful preachers. Those that urged circumcision did it to avoid persecution (Gal 6:12, Gal 6:13); those that opposed it knew they thereby exposed themselves to persecution; and which of these were most likely to be in the right?
(2.)Of Judas and Silas: "They are chosen men (Act 15:25), and they are men that have heard our debates, and are perfectly apprized of the matter, and will tell you the same things by mouth," Act 15:27. What is of use to us it is good to have both in writing and by word of mouth, that we may have the advantage both of reading and of hearing it. The apostles refer them to the bearers for a further account of their judgment and their reasons, and the bearers will refer them to their letters for the certainty of the determination.
4.Here is the direction given what to require from the Gentile converts, where observe,
(1.)The matter of the injunction, which is according to the advice given by James, that, to avoid giving offence to the Jews, [1.] They should never eat any thing that they knew had been offered in sacrifice to an idol, but look upon it as, though clean in itself, yet thereby polluted to them. This prohibition was afterwards in part taken off, for they were allowed to eat whatever was sold in the shambles, or set before them at their friend's table, though it had been offered to idols, except when there was danger of giving offence by it, that is, of giving occasion either to a weak Christian to think the worse of our Christianity, or to a wicked heathen to think the better of his idolatry; and in these cases it is good to forbear, Co1 10:25, etc. This to us is an antiquated case. [2.] That they should not eat blood, nor drink it; but avoid every thing that looked cruel and barbarous in that ceremony which had been of so long standing. [3.] That they should not eat any thing that was strangled, or died of itself, or had not the blood let out. [4.] That they should be very strict in censuring those that were guilty of fornication, or marrying within the degrees prohibited by the Levitical law, which, some think, is principally intended here. See Co1 5:1. Dr. Hammond states this matter thus: The judaizing teachers would have the Gentile converts submit to all that those submitted to whom they called the proselytes of righteousness, to be circumcised and keep the whole law; but the apostles required no more of them than what was required of the proselytes of the gate, which was to observe the seven precepts of the sons of Noah, which, he thinks, are here referred to. But the only ground of this decree being in complaisance to the rigid Jews that had embraced the Christian faith, and, except in that one case of scandal, all meats being pronounced free and indifferent to all Christians as soon as the reason of the decree ceased, which, at furthest, was after the destruction of Jerusalem, the obligation of it ceased likewise. "These things are in a particular manner offensive to the Jews, and therefore do not disoblige them herein for the present; in a little time the Jews will incorporate with the Gentiles, and then the danger is over."
(2.)The manner in which it is worded. [1.] They express themselves with something of authority, that what they wrote might be received with respect, and deference paid to it: It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, that is, to us under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and by direction from him: not only the apostles, but others, were endued with spiritual gifts extraordinary, and knew more of the mind of God than any since those gifts ceased can pretend to; their infallibility gave an incontestable authority to their decrees, and they would not order any thing because it seemed good to them, but that they knew it first seemed good to the Holy Ghost. Or it refers to what the Holy Ghost had determined in this matter formerly. When the Holy Ghost descended upon the apostles, he endued them with the gift of tongues, in order to their preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, which was a plain indication of God's purpose to call them in. When the Holy Ghost descended upon Cornelius and his friends, upon Peter's preaching, it was plain that Christ designed the taking down of the Jewish pale, within which they fancied the spirit had been enclosed. [2.] They express themselves with abundance of tenderness and fatherly concern. First, They are afraid of burdening them: We will lay upon you no greater burden. So far were they from delighting to impose upon them that they dreaded nothing so much as imposing too far upon them, so as to discourage them at their setting out. Secondly, They impose upon them no other than necessary things. "The avoiding of fornication is necessary to all Christians at all times; the avoiding of things strangled, and of blood, and of things offered to idols, is necessary at this time, for the keeping up of a good understanding between you and the Jews, and the preventing of offence;" and as long as it continues necessary for that end, and no longer, it is enjoined. Note, Church-rulers should impose only necessary things, things which Christ has made our duty, which have a real tendency to the edification of the church, and, as here, to the uniting of good Christians. If they impose things only to show their own authority, and to try people's obedience, they forget that they have not authority to make new laws, but only to see that the laws of Christ be duly executed, and to enforce the observance of them. Thirdly, They enforce their order with a commendation of those that shall comply with it, rather than with the condemnation of those that shall transgress it. They do not conclude, "From which if you do not keep yourselves, you shall be an anathema, you shall be cast out of the church, and accursed," according to the style of after-councils, and particularly that of Trent; but "From which if you keep yourselves, as we do not question but you will, you will do well; it will be for the glory of God, the furtherance of the gospel, the strengthening of the hands of your brethren, and your own credit and comfort." It is all sweetness and love and good humour, such as became the followers of him who, when he called us to take his yoke upon us, assured us we should find him meek and lowly in heart. The difference of the style of the true apostles from that of the false is very observable. Those that were for imposing the ceremonial laws were positive and imperious: Except you keep it, you cannot be saved (Act 15:1), you are excommunicated ipso facto - at once, and delivered to Satan. The apostles of Christ, who only recommend necessary things, are mild and gentle: "From which if you keep yourselves, you will do well, and as becomes you. Fare ye well; we are hearty well-wishers to your honour and peace."
III. The delivering of the letters, and how the messengers disposed of themselves.
1.When they were dismissed, had had their audience of leave of the apostles (it is probable that they were dismissed with prayer, and a solemn blessing in the name of the Lord, and with instructions and encouragements in their work), They then came to Antioch; they staid no longer at Jerusalem than till their business was done, and then came back, and perhaps were met at their return by those that brought them on their way at their setting out; for those that have taken pains in public service ought to be countenanced and encouraged.
2.As soon as they came to Antioch, they gathered the multitude together, and delivered the epistle to them (Act 15:30, Act 15:31), that they might all know what it was that was forbidden them, and might observe these orders, which would be no difficulty for them to do, most of them having been, before their conversion to Christ, proselytes of the gate, who had laid themselves under these restrictions already. But this was not all; it was that they might know that no more than this was forbidden them, that it was no longer a sin to eat swine's flesh, no longer a pollution to touch a grave or a dead body.
3.The people were wonderfully pleased with the orders that came from Jerusalem (Act 15:31): They rejoiced for the consolation; and a great consolation it was to the multitude, (1.) That they were confirmed in their freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, and were not burdened with that, as those upstart teachers would have had them to be. It was a comfort to them to hear that the carnal ordinances were no longer imposed on them, which perplexed the conscience, but could not purify nor pacify it. (2.) That those who troubled their minds with an attempt to force circumcision upon them were hereby for the present silenced and put to confusion, the fraud of their pretensions to an apostolical warrant being now discovered. (3.) That the Gentiles were hereby encouraged to receive the gospel, and those that had received it to adhere to it. (4.) That the peace of the church was hereby restored, and that removed which threatened a division. All this was consolation which they rejoiced in, and blessed God for.
4.They got the strange ministers that came from Jerusalem to give them each a sermon, and more, Act 15:32. Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, endued with the Holy Ghost, and called to the work, and being likewise entrusted by the apostles to deliver some things relating to this matter by word of mouth, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. Even those that had the constant preaching of Paul and Barnabas, yet were glad of the help of Judas and Silas; the diversity of the gifts of ministers is of use to the church. Observe what is the work of ministers with those that are in Christ. (1.) To confirm them, by bringing them to see more reason both for their faith in Christ and their obedience to him; to confirm their choice of Christ and their resolutions for Christ. (2.) To exhort them to perseverance, and to the particular duties required of them: to quicken them to that which is good, and direct them in it. They comforted the brethren (so it may be rendered), and this would contribute to the confirming of them; for the joy of the Lord will be our strength. They exhorted them with many words; they used a very great copiousness and variety of expression. One word would affect one, and another another; and therefore, though what they had to say might have been summed up in a few words, yet it was for the edification of the church that they used many words, dia logou pollou - with much speech, much reasoning; precept must be upon precept.
5.The dismission of the Jerusalem ministers, Act 15:33. When they had spent some time among them (so it might be read), poiēsantes chronon - having made some stay, and having made it to good purpose, not having trifled away time, but having filled it up, they were let go in peace from the brethren at Antioch, to the apostles at Jerusalem, with all possible expressions of kindness and respect; they thanked them for their coming and pains, and the good service they had done, wished them their health and a good journey home, and committed them to the custody of the peace of God.
6.The continuance of Silas, notwithstanding, together with Paul and Barnabas, at Antioch. (1.) Silas, when it came to the setting to, would not go back with Judas to Jerusalem, but let him go home by himself, and chose rather to abide still at Antioch, Act 15:34. And we have no reason at all to blame him for it, though we know not the reason that moved him to it. I am apt to think the congregations at Antioch were both more large and more lively than those at Jerusalem, and that this tempted him to stay there, and he did well: so did Judas, who, notwithstanding this, returned to his post of service at Jerusalem. (2.) Paul and Barnabas, though their work lay chiefly among the Gentiles, yet continued for some time in Antioch, being pleased with the society of the ministers and people there, which, it should seem by divers passages, was more than ordinarily inviting. They continued there, not to take their pleasure, but teaching and preaching the word of God. Antioch, being the chief city of Syria, it is probable there was a great resort of Gentiles thither from all parts upon one account or other, as there was of Jews to Jerusalem; so that in preaching there they did in effect preach to many nations, for they preached to those who would carry the report of what they preached to many nations, and thereby prepare them for the apostles' coming in person to preach to them. And thus they were not only not idle at Antioch, but were serving their main intention. (3.) There were many others also there, labouring at the same oar. The multitude of workmen in Christ's vineyard does not give us a writ of ease. Even where there are many others labouring in the word and doctrine, yet there may be opportunity for us; the zeal and usefulness of others should excite us, not lay us asleep.
In ordinations of the clergy, beloved brethren, we usually consult you beforehand, and weigh the character and deserts of individuals, with the general advice. But human testimonies must not be waited for when the divine approval precedes. Aurelius, our brother, an illustrious youth, already approved by the Lord, and dear to God, in years still very young, but, in the praise of virtue and of faith, advanced; inferior in the natural abilities of his age, but superior in the honour he has merited,-has contended here in a double conflict, having twice confessed and twice been glorious in the victory of his confession, both when he conquered in the course and was banished, and when at length he fought in a severer conflict, he was triumphant and victorious in the battle of suffering. As often as the adversary wished to call forth the servants of God, so often this prompt and brave soldier both fought and conquered. It had been a slight matter, previously to have engaged under the eyes of a few when he was banished; he deserved also in the forum to engage with a more illustrious virtue so that, after overcoming the magistrates, he might also triumph over the proconsul, and, after exile, might vanquish tortures also. Nor can I discover what I ought to speak most of in him,-the glory of his wounds or the modesty of his character; that he is distinguished by the honour of his virtue, or praiseworthy for the admirableness of his modesty. He is both so excellent in dignity and so lowly in humility, that it seems that he is divinely reserved as one who should be an example to the rest for ecclesiastical discipline, of the way in which the servants of God should in confession conquer by their courage, and, after confession, be conspicuous for their character.
Then the decree is made in common. "Then pleased it the Apostles and elders, together with the whole Church, to choose men of their own company" - do you observe they do not merely enact these matters, and nothing more? - "and send them 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." And observe, the more to authenticate the decree, they send men of their own, that there may be no room for regarding Paul and his company with suspicion. There was a design of Providence in the disputation also, that after the disputation the doctrine might be more firm.
"Then it pleased the apostles, and the ancients, and the whole church, to choose men and to send to Antioch." It pleased the apostles and the ancients who dwelt in Jerusalem to send with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch Judas, who is surnamed Basabas, and Silas, through whom they sent a letter to this effect: they should not believe that the law of circumcision was necessary for them, but they should only abstain from idols, fornication and strangled blood, and trust that they were in a good position if they persevered in the grace of the Lord.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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) 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), 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. 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), reflects Christ's promise to build His church and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). 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). Just as Christ Himself was sent by the Father to reconcile the world to Himself (John 3:17), 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).