Acts 15:40

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Acts 15:40 marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, immediately following a significant disagreement between the apostle Paul and Barnabas regarding John Mark. This sharp contention, detailed in Acts 15:39, led to their separation. Despite this personal friction, the work of spreading the Gospel continued. This verse signifies the beginning of Paul's second missionary journey, where he chose a new companion, Silas, who had previously been a leading figure in the Jerusalem church and a messenger of the Jerusalem Council's decrees (see Acts 15:22).

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence Amidst Disagreement: Even through personal conflict, God's overarching plan for spreading the gospel moved forward, opening new avenues and partnerships.
  • Church Endorsement and Blessing: The "brethren" (the church in Antioch, where Paul and Barnabas had served) formally recommended Paul and Silas, signifying their approval and spiritual support for the mission. This highlights the importance of communal prayer and sending in Christian ministry.
  • Reliance on God's Grace: The phrase "unto the grace of God" underscores that the success and protection of their journey were not dependent on human strength or strategy, but entirely on divine favor and empowerment. This concept of salvation by grace through faith is a foundational theme in Paul's theology.
  • New Beginnings and Partnerships: The selection of Silas forged a powerful new missionary team, leading to significant evangelistic efforts and church planting throughout Asia Minor and Greece.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "recommended" is paradotheis (παραδοθεὶς), which carries the meaning of being committed, entrusted, or delivered. It implies a formal act of sending off with a blessing and a commission. This was not merely a farewell, but a solemn act of entrusting Paul and Silas to God's care and power for their arduous and important task. The phrase "grace of God" (chariti tou Theou - χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ) emphasizes God's undeserved favor and enabling power, which was essential for their mission.

Practical Application

Acts 15:40 offers several powerful lessons for believers today. It reminds us that disagreements, while sometimes painful, do not have to halt God's work; they can even lead to new and fruitful directions. It emphasizes the critical role of church support and prayer for those engaged in ministry, recognizing that spiritual endeavors are best undertaken with the blessing and backing of the faith community. Most importantly, it underscores that all effective ministry, and indeed all Christian living, is ultimately dependent on the enabling "grace of God." We are sent out, sustained, and succeed not by our own might, but by His divine favor.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 15:22 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Acts 16:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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: