Acts 15 25

Acts 15:25 kjv

It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Acts 15:25 nkjv

it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Acts 15:25 niv

So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul?

Acts 15:25 esv

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,

Acts 15:25 nlt

So we decided, having come to complete agreement, to send you official representatives, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Acts 15 verses

Acts 15 25 Meaning

Acts 15:25 signifies the collective and unanimous decision of the apostles and elders gathered at the Jerusalem Council to send official delegates to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. This action was taken in complete unity and agreement, confirming the validity and truth of the message regarding Gentile freedom from the full Mosaic Law. The verse highlights the purpose of sending "chosen men" alongside the highly esteemed apostles Barnabas and Paul, who had been instrumental in bringing the issue to the council.

Acts 15 25 Context

Acts chapter 15 records the pivotal Jerusalem Council, which addressed a fundamental doctrinal controversy: whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law (specifically its ceremonial aspects) to be truly saved. This issue arose after certain Jewish believers from Judea came to Antioch, teaching that salvation required adherence to the Law, contradicting the gospel message preached by Paul and Barnabas. After significant debate, Peter recounted God's saving work among the Gentiles, followed by Barnabas and Paul sharing their testimonies of God's signs and wonders among the Gentiles. Finally, James, quoting Amos 9, affirmed the inclusion of Gentiles. The verse Acts 15:25 encapsulates the decisive action following this debate: the unanimous resolution of the council to communicate their authoritative decision through trusted envoys and a formal letter. It follows the testimonies and theological consensus, indicating the practical implementation of their judgment.

Acts 15 25 Word analysis

• It seemed good: (Greek: ἔδοξεν - edoxen, from dokeō) - This verb implies a deliberate, carefully considered, and authoritative judgment or decision, not merely an opinion. When coupled with the phrase in Acts 15:28 ("it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us"), it signifies a divine sanction and guidance behind the human consensus, indicating the church's discernment of God's will.
• to us,: (Greek: ἡμῖν - hēmin) - Refers collectively to the apostles, elders, and the entire Jerusalem church gathered for the council. This underscores the corporate nature of the decision-making process, highlighting the authority and consensus of the gathered believing community.
• having come to one accord,: (Greek: γενομένοις ὁμοθυμαδόν - genomenois homothymadon) - Homothymadon is a crucial Greek term often translated as "with one mind," "unanimously," "with one passion," or "with one spirit." It denotes a deep, spiritual unity and complete consensus, moving beyond mere agreement to a unified heart and purpose. This powerful term is frequently used in Acts (e.g., Acts 1:14, 2:46, 4:24) to describe the early church's supernatural unity, often empowered by the Holy Spirit. Despite prior "much dispute" (Acts 15:7), the council reached a profound spiritual agreement.
• to send: (Greek: πέμψαι - pempsai) - An action verb, signifying the decision to dispatch official representatives. This highlights the council's proactive approach to address the doctrinal issue and affirm the Gentile believers.
• chosen men: (Greek: ἄνδρας ἐκλεξαμένοις - andras eklexamenois) - Literally, "having chosen men" or "men having been selected." This indicates a deliberate and careful selection process. The chosen men (Judas Barsabbas and Silas, mentioned in Acts 15:22) were individuals of high reputation and trustworthiness within the Jerusalem church, giving weight and authority to their mission and the message they carried.
• to you: Referring specifically to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, the audience of the council's letter and the destination of the delegates.
• with our beloved: (Greek: σὺν τοῖς ἀγαπητοῖς ἡμῶν - syn tois agapētois hēmōn) - "Beloved" (agapētois) expresses affection, esteem, and deep regard. This term counters any notion that Barnabas and Paul were disfavored due to the controversy they brought or any previous disagreements. It emphatically affirms their esteemed status within the apostolic community and their vital role in carrying this message.
• Barnabas and Paul: The key apostles ministering among the Gentiles. Their accompanying the chosen delegates provided undeniable credibility and authentic confirmation of the council's decision, especially since they were central figures in the dispute. Their presence would dispel any doubts among the Gentile churches that the resolution truly supported their gospel ministry.

Words-group analysis:

• "It seemed good to us, having come to one accord": This phrase highlights the blend of divine guidance and human consensus. The unity described (homothymadon) signifies not just superficial agreement but a deep, Spirit-led alignment among the leadership, giving their decision spiritual authority and weight for the broader church. This process models how important doctrinal matters should be addressed within the Christian community—through prayer, debate, and spiritual unity leading to an agreed course of action.
• "to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul": This composite statement outlines the comprehensive strategy for validating and delivering the council's resolution. The combined effort of specially chosen men (Judas and Silas, acting as official envoys to articulate the message) and beloved Barnabas and Paul (the foundational apostles whose ministry had initially provoked the question) was intended to ensure maximum credibility and authenticity for the message received by the Gentile believers. The beloved status confirms Barnabas and Paul's standing, indicating reconciliation and unified support for their mission.

Acts 15 25 Bonus section

• The strategic decision to send Judas and Silas along with Barnabas and Paul indicates the importance of confirming doctrinal matters through multiple, reliable witnesses, reinforcing the truth both orally and in writing. This aligns with biblical principles of validation, often seen in the requirement of two or three witnesses (e.g., Deut 19:15, 2 Cor 13:1).
• The use of homothymadon is a hallmark of the Spirit-filled early church in Acts. It demonstrates that true unity in the body of Christ is not merely absence of conflict, but an active, shared spiritual purpose and understanding that emerges from collective discernment under God's Spirit.
• The appellation "beloved" for Barnabas and Paul serves not just as a term of endearment, but as a public affirmation of their character, faithfulness, and standing within the apostolic leadership, crucial for a sensitive mission.

Acts 15 25 Commentary

Acts 15:25 is a critical articulation of the Jerusalem Council's practical resolution to a pressing theological controversy. It reveals a robust and spiritually guided decision-making process within the early church, characterized by initial rigorous debate followed by genuine unity (homothymadon). This unanimity, described as having "seemed good to us" (and later to the Holy Spirit, Acts 15:28), underscores a conviction that their conclusion aligned with God's will. By dispatching "chosen men" alongside the apostles Barnabas and Paul, the council strategically authenticated its decree. The inclusion of Barnabas and Paul, especially designated "beloved," was crucial. It visibly demonstrated the council's full endorsement of their Gentile mission and eliminated any perception that they or their message were at odds with the church in Jerusalem. This decisive action paved the way for broader Gentile evangelism by formally addressing the legalistic challenges that threatened to divide the early Christian community, thus affirming salvation by grace through faith for all believers, whether Jew or Gentile.