Acts 15:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:26 serves as a powerful commendation from the Jerusalem Council, affirming the unwavering commitment and profound personal sacrifice of Paul and Barnabas. This verse, embedded within a pivotal letter to the Gentile churches, highlights their willingness to face extreme peril and even death for the sake of proclaiming the Gospel and upholding the authority and character embodied in the name of Jesus Christ, thereby validating their ministry and the Council's decision regarding Gentile inclusion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 15:26 is found within the letter drafted by the Jerusalem Council, addressed to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. This letter, delivered by Judas (Barsabbas) and Silas, serves as the official resolution to the contentious debate regarding the necessity of circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for Gentile converts. The verse specifically refers to Paul and Barnabas, who had just returned from their first missionary journey, having witnessed an outpouring of the Holy Spirit among Gentiles. The Council's endorsement of these men as those who "hazarded their lives" lends immense credibility to their ministry and the Council's decision, effectively silencing the dissenting voices of the "certain men from Judea" who were troubling the Gentile churches (cf. [Acts 15:1-5](/acts/15-1-5 "The Jerusalem Council's Initial Debate")). The immediate verses (Acts 15:22-29) detail the Council's decision-making process, the selection of messengers, and the content of the letter, making this verse a crucial part of the validation of the apostles' work and the unity of the early church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was grappling with its identity as it expanded beyond its Jewish roots. The question of whether Gentile converts needed to become Jewish proselytes (including circumcision and adherence to dietary laws) before becoming Christians was a major point of contention. This issue threatened to divide the nascent Christian movement. The historical backdrop includes the Roman Empire's relative peace (Pax Romana), which facilitated travel, but also the inherent dangers of missionary journeys, including persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities, brigands, and natural perils. The cultural understanding of "name" (Greek _ónoma_) in the ancient world carried significant weight, representing a person's character, authority, and reputation. To "hazard one's life for the name" was understood as an ultimate act of loyalty and devotion, indicating that Paul and Barnabas were not merely risking their lives for a cause, but for the very person and authority of Jesus Christ.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **self-sacrifice and courage** in the face of immense opposition, a hallmark of apostolic ministry as seen throughout Paul's missionary accounts (e.g., [Acts 14:19-20](/acts/14-19-20 "Paul Stoned in Lystra")). Secondly, it highlights **devotion to Christ's Lordship and authority**, emphasizing that the apostles' actions were not for personal glory but "for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," signifying their complete allegiance to Him. This aligns with the broader theme of Christ's supremacy and the call to live for His glory (cf. [Philippians 1:20-21](/philippians/1-20-21 "To Live is Christ")). Thirdly, the verse plays into the theme of **apostolic validation and unity**, as the Jerusalem Council's endorsement of Paul and Barnabas's perilous ministry served to affirm their divine calling and foster unity between Jewish and Gentile believers within the expanding Christian community (cf. [Acts 15:22-29](/acts/15-22-29 "The Council's Letter to the Gentiles")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hazarded (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From G3860, meaning "to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit." In this context, it powerfully conveys the idea of Paul and Barnabas willingly "delivering up" or "handing over" their lives, putting them in extreme peril. It implies a profound indifference to personal safety in pursuit of their divine calling, demonstrating a radical commitment.
* **Lives (Greek, _psychḗ'_):** From G5590, referring to "breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from πνεῦμα, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from ζωή, which is mere vitality, even of plants)." Here, it refers to their very physical existence and vitality, emphasizing that they risked their earthly lives.
* **Name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** From G3686, meaning a "name" (literally or figuratively) representing "authority, character." In biblical thought, a "name" is far more than a label; it encapsulates the essence, authority, and reputation of the person. To act "for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" means to act for His honor, under His authority, and in accordance with His character and mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Men that have hazarded their lives":** This clause refers specifically to Paul and Barnabas, as indicated by the preceding context of the letter from the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:25). The phrase "hazarded their lives" (KJV) translates a Greek idiom that signifies putting one's life in extreme danger or delivering it up to peril. It is a strong affirmation of their courage and the immense personal risk they undertook during their missionary journeys, facing beatings, imprisonments, and attempts on their lives (e.g., [Acts 14:5](/acts/14-5 "Plot to Stone Paul and Barnabas in Iconium"), [Acts 14:19](/acts/14-19 "Paul Stoned in Lystra")).
* **"for the name":** This prepositional phrase clarifies the ultimate motivation and purpose behind their perilous actions. "The name" of Christ is a comprehensive biblical concept, representing His entire person, authority, character, and redemptive work. It signifies that their self-endangerment was not for personal gain, fame, or any earthly cause, but solely for the honor, spread, and establishment of Jesus Christ's reign and message.
* **"of our Lord Jesus Christ":** This full title emphasizes the supreme authority and identity of the one for whom they risked everything. "Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_) denotes His sovereignty and mastery. "Jesus" (G2424, _Iēsoûs_) identifies Him as the historical Messiah of Israel. "Christ" (G5547, _Christós_) confirms His anointing as the promised Savior. The inclusion of "our" (G2257, _hēmōn_) highlights the personal and communal relationship believers have with Him, making their sacrifice a deeply personal act of devotion to their shared Master.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Commendation** and **Eulogy**, serving as a formal declaration of praise and honor for Paul and Barnabas by the Jerusalem Council. This commendation is not merely descriptive but **Performative**, as it aims to validate their ministry and establish their credibility among the Gentile churches. The phrase "hazarded their lives" uses **Figurative Language**, specifically **Hyperbole**, to emphasize the extreme danger and self-sacrificial nature of their work, rather than implying they literally died and were resurrected. Furthermore, "the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" is an example of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands in for the entire person, authority, and character of Jesus Christ, underscoring that their devotion was to Him fully and completely.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 15:26 profoundly connects to the biblical theology of costly discipleship and the supremacy of Christ's mission. It illustrates that genuine faith often demands significant personal sacrifice, even to the point of risking one's life. The apostles' willingness to "hazard their lives" for the "name" of Jesus underscores that the Christian mission is not merely an intellectual pursuit or a social program, but a radical commitment to a living Lord whose authority and glory are paramount. This selfless devotion serves as a foundational example for all believers, demonstrating that the advancement of the Gospel and the honor of Christ's name should supersede personal comfort, safety, or gain. The Council's recognition of this sacrifice also highlights the importance of affirming and supporting those who faithfully bear witness, especially in the face of adversity.

* [Matthew 16:25](/matthew/16-25 "Losing Life for Christ's Sake")
* [Philippians 1:20](/philippians/1-20 "Christ Magnified in Body or Death")
* [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "Paul's Sufferings and Labors")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 15:26 challenges contemporary believers to examine the depth of their commitment to Christ and His mission. While few may be called to face the same physical perils as Paul and Barnabas, the principle of "hazarding our lives" for Christ's name remains profoundly relevant. This can manifest as risking social standing for unpopular truths, sacrificing financial security for vocational ministry, enduring criticism for ethical stands, or prioritizing evangelism over personal comfort. It calls us to a radical discipleship where our lives are not our own, but are surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus. This verse encourages a spirit of selfless service, bold witness, and unwavering trust in God's sovereignty, even when the path ahead is fraught with opposition or discomfort. It prompts us to consider what we truly value and whether our actions reflect a genuine willingness to lay down our lives—in whatever form that may take—for the advancement of His kingdom and the glory of His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "hazard my life" for the name of Jesus Christ in my current circumstances?**
* **What comforts, reputations, or resources am I unwilling to risk for the sake of the Gospel? How might God be calling me to greater surrender?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate my devotion to the "name of our Lord Jesus Christ" as the ultimate authority and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "men" referred to in Acts 15:26?**

Answer: The "men" explicitly referred to in Acts 15:26 are the apostles Paul and Barnabas. This is made clear in the preceding verse, Acts 15:25, where the Jerusalem Council states, "it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul." The letter itself serves to validate their ministry and confirm the Council's decision regarding Gentile converts, emphasizing the immense personal cost and danger they faced while spreading the Gospel among the Gentiles during their first missionary journey (cf. [Acts 13-14](/acts/13-14 "Paul and Barnabas's First Missionary Journey")).

**What does it mean to "hazard their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"?**

Answer: To "hazard their lives" means to put their lives in extreme peril or to deliver them up to danger, demonstrating a profound willingness to face persecution, suffering, and even death. The Greek word translated "hazarded" (_paradídōmi_) implies a handing over or surrendering of one's life. Doing so "for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" signifies that their motivation was entirely for the honor, authority, and character of Jesus Christ. It was not for personal gain or glory, but for the advancement of His kingdom and the proclamation of His message. This phrase powerfully conveys their complete devotion and the radical nature of their commitment to Christ, as evidenced by the numerous trials and tribulations they endured (e.g., [Acts 14:19](/acts/14-19 "Paul Stoned in Lystra"), [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "Paul's Sufferings")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 15:26 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in Jesus as the object of Paul and Barnabas's devotion but also as the supreme example of one who truly "hazarded His life." Jesus Himself perfectly embodied this sacrificial principle, willingly "delivering up" His life (the same Greek root, _paradídōmi_, is often used for His betrayal and surrender to death) for the sake of humanity's salvation. He did not merely risk His life; He laid it down completely, obediently humbling Himself even to the point of death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). His entire earthly ministry, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection, was "for the name" of God the Father, bringing glory to Him and establishing His own sovereign authority (cf. [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "Jesus Glorifies the Father")). Thus, Paul and Barnabas's courageous acts are not just admirable human endeavors, but a direct reflection and participation in the self-sacrificial love of Christ, who calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him (cf. [Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Take Up Your Cross")). Their willingness to suffer for His name is a testament to the transformative power of His own ultimate sacrifice, inspiring all believers to live lives surrendered to the One who gave His all for them (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice")).

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 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.