Acts 15:26

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

Men {G444} that have hazarded {G3860} their {G846} lives {G5590} for {G5228} the name {G3686} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

who have dedicated their lives to upholding the name of our Lord, Yeshua the Messiah.

men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Acts 15:26 highlights the immense courage and devotion of key figures in the early Christian church, specifically referring to the apostles Paul and Barnabas. This verse is part of a crucial letter sent from the Jerusalem Council to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, affirming the validity of Paul and Barnabas's ministry and the Council's decision regarding Gentile converts.

Context

The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) convened to address a significant theological dispute: whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law to be saved. Paul and Barnabas, having just completed their first missionary journey and witnessed many Gentiles embrace the Gospel, were at the heart of this debate. The letter from the Council, carried by Judas and Silas, served to validate their work and clarify the path for Gentile inclusion in the church without requiring adherence to Jewish ceremonial law. The phrase "men that have hazarded their lives" serves as a powerful commendation, emphasizing their credibility and the immense personal cost of their missionary endeavors.

Key Themes

  • Self-Sacrifice and Courage: The verse underscores the willingness of Paul and Barnabas to face extreme danger and persecution for the sake of spreading the Gospel. Their missionary journeys were fraught with threats, beatings, imprisonments, and even attempts on their lives (e.g., Acts 14:19).
  • Devotion to Christ's Name: The phrase "for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" signifies that their hazardous actions were not for personal gain or glory, but entirely for the honor, authority, and spread of Christ's message. It speaks to their complete surrender and commitment to Jesus as Lord.
  • Apostolic Validation: The Council's acknowledgment of Paul and Barnabas as those who "hazarded their lives" lent significant weight to their ministry, helping to establish their authority and silence dissenting voices who questioned their methods or message.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "hazarded their lives" translates the Greek paradidōmi psuchas (παραδίδωμι ψυχάς). Paradidōmi means "to hand over," "to deliver up," or "to betray," while psuchas refers to "souls" or "lives." In this context, it powerfully conveys the idea of Paul and Barnabas willingly "handing over their lives" or putting them in extreme peril. It implies a profound indifference to personal safety in pursuit of their divine calling, demonstrating a radical commitment to the cause of Christ.

Practical Application

For believers today, Acts 15:26 serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of genuine discipleship and the call to prioritize Christ above all else. While not all are called to face physical peril, we are all called to "hazard" our comfort, reputation, resources, and self-interest for the sake of the Gospel and the Great Commission. This verse challenges us to consider: What are we willing to risk for the name of Jesus? It encourages a spirit of selfless service and bold witness, trusting in God's provision and protection even when facing opposition or discomfort.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 14:19

    ¶ And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

  • Acts 9:23

    ¶ And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

  • Acts 9:25

    Then the disciples took him by night, and let [him] down by the wall in a basket.

  • Philippians 2:29

    Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

  • Philippians 2:30

    Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:23

    Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:27

    In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back