Acts 15 26

Acts 15:26 kjv

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

Acts 15:26 nkjv

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

Acts 15:26 niv

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

Acts 15:26 esv

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

Acts 15:26 nlt

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

Acts 15 verses

Acts 15 26 Meaning

Acts 15:26 describes Paul and Barnabas as men who have willingly put their own lives at extreme hazard for the sake of glorifying and serving Jesus Christ, specifically in the work of spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. This statement from the Jerusalem Council's letter to the Gentile churches validates their ministry by acknowledging their profound self-sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the Lord's mission. It signifies that their lives were given over to God's purpose, despite the intense persecution and danger it entailed.

Acts 15 26 Context

Acts chapter 15 records the pivotal Jerusalem Council, convened to address the growing controversy within the early church regarding the salvation of Gentiles. Some Jewish believers, particularly those from the party of the Pharisees (v. 5), insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and observe the Law of Moses to be saved. Paul and Barnabas had brought this dispute from Antioch, after experiencing significant persecution and divine validation for their Gentile ministry. Peter and James, leaders in Jerusalem, ultimately supported Paul and Barnabas's teaching that Gentiles are saved by grace through faith, without needing to become proselytes to Judaism. This verse is part of the official letter dispatched by the Council to the churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, commending Paul and Barnabas ("our beloved Barnabas and Paul," v. 25) and explaining the Council's decision. It serves to endorse Paul and Barnabas as credible, dedicated apostles, directly countering any attempts to undermine their authority or methods by highlighting their extreme dedication to Christ. Historically and culturally, facing persecution and death for one's religious convictions was a real and constant threat in the Roman Empire, where the refusal to worship state gods or the emperor could be met with severe penalties. The Council's acknowledgment of Paul and Barnabas's sacrifice was a strong testament to their authenticity and God's hand on their mission.

Acts 15 26 Word analysis

• men (ἀνθρώποις - anthrōpois): This is the dative plural of anthrōpos, referring generally to human beings, but here specifically to Paul and Barnabas mentioned in the preceding verse (v. 25). It grounds their profound actions in their shared humanity, emphasizing that such extraordinary dedication came from men like any other, empowered by God.
• who have risked (παραδεδωκόσιν - paradedokosin): This is a perfect active participle, meaning "having handed over," "having delivered up," or "having entrusted." The nuance is not merely a passive "risking" but an active, deliberate surrender of one's person into a situation of extreme peril. It implies a completed action with continuing results—they had made the choice and lived with the consequences. It signifies an intentional, profound giving of oneself. This term carries a strong echo of how Jesus "delivered Himself over" for humanity (Gal 2:20).
• their lives (τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν - tas psychas autōn): Psychas (accusative plural of ψυχή - psychē) here means "lives" in the sense of physical existence, breath, or even their very self/being. It goes beyond a superficial "risk"; it is the surrender of one's whole self, embracing the possibility of martyrdom, that defines their commitment. This includes all aspects of one's being that animate life on earth.
• for the name (ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος - hyper tou onomatos):
  • for (ὑπὲρ - hyper): Means "on behalf of," "for the sake of," "over," "above." It indicates purpose or advocacy. Their sacrifice was not for personal gain or glory, but on behalf of the greater entity.
  • the name (τοῦ ὀνόματος - tou onomatos): In biblical thought, "the name" of God or Christ is not merely an appellation but represents the very person, character, authority, presence, and reputation. To act "for the name" is to act for the full essence of who Jesus Christ is, for His honor, for the advance of His kingdom, and for the demonstration of His power (e.g., healing in Acts 3:6, 16; authority in Mt 18:20). Their sacrifice was intrinsically tied to His divine person and mission.
• of our Lord Jesus Christ (τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ - tou Kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou): This full title confirms the identity of the One for whom Paul and Barnabas were willing to make such ultimate sacrifices.
  • Lord (Κυρίου - Kyriou): Denotes absolute authority, mastery, and, in this context, divine status. It underscores that Paul and Barnabas served Jesus as their supreme sovereign.
  • our (ἡμῶν - hēmōn): Emphasizes the collective ownership and allegiance of the church, including the Council members, to Jesus Christ.
  • Jesus (Ἰησοῦ - Iēsou): His personal name, signifying "Yahweh saves."
  • Christ (Χριστοῦ - Christou): His title as the Anointed One, the Messiah. It affirms His unique identity as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
• Words-Group Analysis:
  • men who have risked their lives: This phrase functions as a concise summary of Paul and Barnabas's history, recognizing their endured sufferings (Acts 13:50; 14:5-6; 14:19-20), which was crucial for validating their authority to the early church facing persecution and theological disputes. The choice of paradedokosin emphasizes an active, sacrificial handing over of life rather than a passive exposure to risk. This validates their authentic apostleship and ministry against accusers, showing that God was with them despite, or even through, their severe trials.
  • for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: This establishes the supreme motivation and ultimate allegiance of Paul and Barnabas. Their self-sacrifice was not for a human institution, personal gain, or any other god, but solely for the sovereign Person and mission of Jesus Christ. This declaration highlights the exclusivity of their devotion and the divine nature of the cause they championed. It confirms that the gospel they preached was authentically of Christ.

Acts 15 26 Bonus section

The concept of "handing over their lives" (paradedokosin tas psychas autōn) parallels how Christ "handed over" or "gave up" Himself for humanity (Gal 2:20; Eph 5:2, 25). This intentional relinquishing of life in service to God is a recurring theme in the New Testament as the ultimate demonstration of love and faithfulness. This statement also served a political purpose within the early church debates; by officially commending Paul and Barnabas through this powerful acknowledgment of their suffering for Christ, the Jerusalem Council bestowed significant authority upon them and their Gentile mission. This made it much harder for the Judaizers to discredit their ministry or argue against the legitimacy of Gentile conversion apart from circumcision, as their track record of sacrifice was undeniable. It also sets a foundational example of apostolic leadership not primarily defined by status, but by courageous, self-giving service even in the face of imminent danger.

Acts 15 26 Commentary

Acts 15:26 powerfully encapsulates the dedication of Paul and Barnabas as seen by the Jerusalem Council. It's an endorsement of their apostolic integrity, acknowledging that they "risked," or more accurately, "delivered over" their lives for Jesus' Name. This statement not only served to quiet detractors but also presented their suffering as proof of their genuine, God-honored ministry to the Gentiles. Their willingness to face death underscored their unswerving allegiance to Christ above all else, thereby validating the message of grace they proclaimed. This highlights that true service to Christ often involves radical self-denial and the prioritization of His Kingdom even above personal safety. For believers, it's a reminder that following Christ may lead to significant cost, yet such sacrifice for His "name" brings divine affirmation and lasting spiritual fruit.