Acts 15:40

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Paul {G3972} chose {G1951} Silas {G4609}, and departed {G1831}, being recommended {G3860} by {G5259} the brethren {G80} unto the grace {G5485} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, Sha’ul chose Sila and left, after the brothers had committed him to the love and kindness of the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

American Standard Version

but Paul chose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:40 marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian mission, detailing the commencement of Paul's second missionary journey. Following a significant dispute with Barnabas, Paul chooses Silas as his new traveling companion. This verse highlights the Antioch church's formal endorsement and prayerful commissioning of Paul and Silas, entrusting them to the divine favor and empowering presence of God as they set out to further spread the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 15:40 immediately follows a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas concerning whether John Mark, who had previously deserted them (cf. [Acts 13:13](/acts/13-13 "Acts 13:13 - John Mark Deserts Paul and Barnabas")), should accompany them on another missionary endeavor. This contention, described as "sharp" (παροξυσμός) in [Acts 15:39](/acts/15-39 "Acts 15:39 - The Sharp Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas"), led to their separation. Despite this personal friction, the narrative demonstrates that the work of spreading the Gospel continued, with Paul forming a new partnership with Silas, who had been a prominent leader and prophet from the Jerusalem church and a bearer of the Jerusalem Council's decrees (cf. [Acts 15:22](/acts/15-22 "Acts 15:22 - Silas Chosen by the Apostles") and [Acts 15:27](/acts/15-27 "Acts 15:27 - Silas and Judas Sent to Antioch")). This verse, therefore, serves as the narrative bridge from the resolution of the Jerusalem Council to the active expansion of the Christian mission into new territories.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Antioch in Syria, which had become a crucial hub for Gentile missions after Jerusalem (cf. [Acts 11:19-26](/acts/11-19-26 "Acts 11:19-26 - The Church in Antioch")). The early church operated with a strong sense of communal responsibility and spiritual authority. The act of "recommending" (παραδοθεὶς) missionaries was a formal and significant practice, signifying the church's blessing, financial and prayerful support, and an acknowledgment of God's call upon the individuals. It was not merely a farewell but a solemn act of entrusting the missionaries to God's care and power for their arduous and often perilous task. Such endorsements provided legitimacy and spiritual backing for their ministry in new regions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it illustrates **Divine Providence Amidst Human Imperfection**, showing that even through personal conflict and disagreement between respected leaders, God's overarching plan for spreading the gospel moves forward, opening new avenues and partnerships. The separation of Paul and Barnabas ultimately led to two distinct missionary teams, effectively doubling the reach of the Gospel. Secondly, it underscores the **Importance of Church Endorsement and Blessing** for missionary endeavors, highlighting that ministry is a communal effort, not a solitary pursuit. The "brethren" (the church in Antioch) formally recommended Paul and Silas, signifying their approval and spiritual support for the mission, echoing the initial commissioning of Paul and Barnabas in [Acts 13:1-3](/acts/13-1-3 "Acts 13:1-3 - The Sending of Paul and Barnabas"). Finally, the phrase "unto the grace of God" emphasizes **Reliance on God's Sovereign Grace** as the foundational principle for all effective ministry, reminding believers that success and protection are not dependent on human strength or strategy, but entirely on divine favor and empowerment, a concept foundational to Paul's theology (cf. [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chose (Greek, _epilégomai'_):** This verb, G1951, means "to surname, select." In this context, it signifies Paul's deliberate and intentional selection of Silas as his new missionary partner. It implies a considered choice based on Silas's known character, spiritual gifts (as a prophet), and his recent involvement with the Jerusalem Council's decrees, making him a suitable and trusted companion for the demanding journey ahead.
* **recommended (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** G3860, meaning "to surrender, i.e., yield up, intrust, transmit." This term is crucial. It signifies more than a simple farewell; it denotes a formal act of committing or entrusting Paul and Silas to God's care and power by the church. It implies a transfer of responsibility, a solemn handing over of the missionaries and their mission into the hands of God, accompanied by the church's prayers and blessing.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** G5485, meaning "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act... especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude." Here, "grace of God" refers to God's unmerited favor, enabling power, and divine assistance. It highlights that the success, protection, and fruitfulness of their arduous missionary journey would depend entirely on God's supernatural provision and empowering presence, not on their own abilities or resources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Paul chose Silas":** This clause highlights Paul's decisive action in forming a new missionary team. After the separation from Barnabas, Paul did not cease his missionary endeavors but proactively selected a new, equally capable partner in Silas, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the Great Commission.
* **"and departed":** This simple phrase signifies the immediate and active commencement of Paul's second missionary journey. It marks the physical departure from Antioch, initiating a new phase of evangelistic outreach and church planting across the Roman world.
* **"being recommended by the brethren":** This emphasizes the crucial role of the local church in commissioning and supporting missionary work. The "brethren" (the church in Antioch) formally endorsed Paul and Silas, signifying their collective approval, prayerful support, and spiritual backing for the mission, entrusting them to God's care.
* **"unto the grace of God":** This powerful theological statement underscores the ultimate source of strength and success for their ministry. It means they were committed to God's favor, empowering presence, and divine enabling. Their journey and its fruitfulness were understood to be entirely dependent on God's undeserved grace, not on human effort alone.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 15:40 functions as a significant **Transition** in the narrative, marking the end of one phase of missionary partnership and the beginning of another, thereby propelling the story of the Gospel's spread forward. The mention of specific individuals, Paul and Silas, serves as **Epithet** or direct naming, grounding the theological narrative in the actions of historical figures. The phrase "the brethren" functions as a **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where a part (the brothers) stands for the whole (the church community in Antioch), signifying the collective will and spiritual authority of the entire congregation. Most profoundly, the concluding phrase "unto the grace of God" acts as a concise **Theological Statement**, summarizing the spiritual foundation and ultimate reliance of their mission, emphasizing divine enablement over human strength.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 15:40 profoundly illustrates the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency in the expansion of God's kingdom. Even amidst the very human reality of disagreement and separation, God's purposes are not thwarted but often advanced through new avenues and partnerships. The church's act of "recommending" underscores the communal nature of Christian ministry, highlighting that those sent out are not isolated individuals but representatives of the body of Christ, sustained by its prayers and spiritual authority. Ultimately, the verse anchors all missionary endeavor in the "grace of God," reminding us that effective ministry flows from and depends upon God's unmerited favor and empowering presence, not human wisdom or strength. This theological truth liberates ministers from self-reliance and fosters a deep dependence on the Lord.

* [Acts 13:2-3](/acts/13-2-3 "Acts 13:2-3 - The Holy Spirit Commissions Paul and Barnabas"): This passage details the initial commissioning of Paul and Barnabas by the church in Antioch, establishing a precedent for communal sending that is echoed in Acts 15:40.
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2-corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient for Paul's Weakness"): Paul's own testimony here directly affirms the sufficiency of God's grace for ministry, even in weakness, reinforcing the theme of reliance on divine favor.
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good"): This verse speaks to God's ability to work all things, even human disagreements and setbacks, for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, providing a theological lens through which to view the Paul-Barnabas split and subsequent new partnerships.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 15:40 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church. It challenges us to consider how we navigate disagreements within Christian community: while painful, conflict does not have to be an end to ministry but can, under God's sovereign hand, lead to new and fruitful directions. The church's formal act of "recommending" Paul and Silas highlights the vital importance of communal support for those engaged in ministry—whether local or global. We are called to pray for, encourage, and materially support those whom God has called and sent, recognizing that ministry is a corporate endeavor. Most importantly, the verse reminds us that all effective service, indeed all Christian living, is ultimately dependent on "the grace of God." This calls us to a posture of humility and dependence, acknowledging that our strength, wisdom, and success come not from ourselves but from His divine favor and enabling power. It encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that God's grace will be sufficient for every task.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the narrative of Paul and Barnabas's disagreement, followed by new partnerships, inform our approach to conflict resolution within the church today?**
* **In what practical ways can our local church more intentionally "recommend" and support those called to serve in full-time ministry or missions?**
* **What does it mean for your personal ministry or daily life to be "unto the grace of God," and how can you cultivate a deeper reliance on His grace?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul choose Silas, and what was Silas's significance?**

Answer: Paul chose Silas (also known as Silvanus) as his new companion after a sharp disagreement with Barnabas over John Mark. Silas was an excellent choice because he was a leading figure in the Jerusalem church, a prophet, and had recently served as a messenger, along with Judas Barsabbas, to deliver the decrees of the Jerusalem Council to the churches, including Antioch (cf. [Acts 15:22](/acts/15-22 "Acts 15:22 - Silas Chosen by the Apostles") and [Acts 15:27](/acts/15-27 "Acts 15:27 - Silas and Judas Sent to Antioch")). His background provided a strong link to the Jerusalem apostles and ensured continuity in the message of the Gospel, particularly regarding Gentile inclusion. Silas proved to be a steadfast and effective partner, enduring imprisonment with Paul (cf. [Acts 16:25](/acts/16-25 "Acts 16:25 - Paul and Silas in Prison")) and contributing significantly to the establishment of churches throughout the second missionary journey.

**What does "being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God" imply about the early church's practice?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a formal and profound act of commissioning and spiritual endorsement by the church in Antioch. It was not merely a casual farewell but a solemn act of entrusting Paul and Silas to God's care, protection, and empowering favor for their arduous missionary task. It implies that the "brethren" (the church community) recognized God's call on Paul and Silas, affirmed their mission, and committed them through prayer and blessing to the divine enabling power of God's grace. This practice highlights the early church's understanding that missionary endeavors were a corporate undertaking, dependent on communal support and, ultimately, on God's sovereign provision and blessing. It underscores the church's role in sending out and supporting those called to spread the Gospel, echoing the initial commissioning of Paul and Barnabas in [Acts 13:1-3](/acts/13-1-3 "Acts 13:1-3 - The Sending of Paul and Barnabas").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 15:40, while a historical account of early church missions, deeply resonates with Christ-centered truths. The entire enterprise of spreading the Gospel, exemplified by Paul and Silas's journey, is a direct fulfillment of Christ's Great Commission to His disciples, commanding them to "go and make disciples of all nations" (cf. [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Their reliance on "the grace of God" for their mission finds its ultimate source and embodiment in Jesus Christ Himself, who is "full of grace and truth" (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The power and authority by which they embarked were not their own, but Christ's, who promised His disciples, "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses" (cf. [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Furthermore, the spirit of self-sacrifice, endurance, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel displayed by Paul and Silas, even amidst human disagreements, mirrors the ultimate self-giving love and obedience of Christ, who "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" (cf. [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Thus, their journey, empowered by grace and endorsed by the church, is a continuation of Christ's redemptive work in the world, building His church and gathering His people from every tribe and nation.

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 15:22

¶ 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:

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.

Acts 11:23

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

2 Corinthians 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen.

Acts 15:32

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

Acts 16:1

¶ Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father [was] a Greek: