Acts 15:22-35 (ESV)22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33 And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. 34 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.35 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
Acts 15:22-35 continues to reveal the response of the Council of Jerusalem to division that had arisen, a crucial moment in the early church’s development. This passage showcases the apostles’ and elders’ resolution regarding the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian community. By delving into Acts 15:22-35 verse by verse, we can uncover the theological significance of their decisions and draw relevant applications for our lives today.
Verse by Verse Exegesis:
Acts 15:22-23 (ESV):
“So it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, with the following letter: ‘The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.’
The apostles, elders, and the entire church community collaboratively decide to send representatives to convey their decision to the Gentile believers. Judas Barsabbas and Silas, esteemed leaders, are chosen for this crucial mission.
Scriptural Support:
– Philippians 2:2: “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
Acts 15:24-29 (ESV):
“Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
The letter addresses concerns about false teachers troubling the Gentile believers with their teachings. The apostles and elders affirm their solidarity with Paul and Barnabas and lay minimal requirements on the Gentile believers, emphasizing moral purity. Extensive rules and regulations have always caused decreased motivation in the church body. We serve the Lord in liberty but certainly are required to be holy as He is holy. Law kills by grace motivates to serve in purity.
Scriptural Support:
– Galatians 5:1: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” – 1 Corinthians 6:18: “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
Acts 15:30-35 (ESV):
“So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.”
Judas and Silas deliver the letter to the Gentile believers in Antioch, bringing encouragement and strengthening their faith. They are then sent off in peace, while Paul and Barnabas continue their ministry of teaching and preaching in Antioch.
Scriptural Support:
– Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Acts 15:22-35 provides invaluable insights into the early church’s decision-making process and the practical implications of their decisions. As we study this passage, may we learn from the unity, discernment, and commitment to the Gospel demonstrated by the apostles and elders. Let us also emulate the ministry of encouragement and edification seen in the actions of Judas, Silas, Paul, and Barnabas, as we continue to proclaim the Word of the Lord and build up the body of Christ. B