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 26 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Acts 13:48"When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed."Gentile inclusion in salvation
Romans 3:21-22"But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction."Justification by faith
Romans 3:28"For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."Faith apart from Law
Romans 4:1-5"What then shall we say that Abraham our earthly ancestor found? If Abraham was justified by works, he has reason to boast, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.' Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness."Abraham justified by faith
Romans 9:30-33"What shall we say then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued the law of righteousness did not attain it. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, 'Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, but the one who believes in him will not be put to shame.'"Righteousness by faith
Galatians 2:16"yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law except through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."Justification by faith
Ephesians 2:8-9"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."Grace through faith
Titus 3:5"he saved us, not because of works done in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,"Salvation by mercy
1 John 5:11"And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son."Eternal life in Christ
John 3:16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."God's love and belief
Acts 4:12"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."Christ the only savior
Acts 11:18"When they heard these things, they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, 'Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.'"Gentile repentance
Romans 1:17"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"Righteousness by faith
Galatians 3:29"And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."Abraham's offspring through Christ
Ephesians 4:4-6"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."Unity in Christ
1 Corinthians 12:13"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."Baptism into one body
Genesis 12:3"I will bless those who bless you, and him who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."Abrahamic covenant
Genesis 22:18"and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice."Abraham's obedience and blessing
Psalm 87:2"The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob."God's love for Zion
Isaiah 42:6"I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant to the people, a light for the nations,"Christ as covenant and light

Acts 15 verses

Acts 15 26 Meaning

This verse confirms that salvation is offered through God's grace, received by faith, and is a gift bestowed upon both Jews and Gentiles alike, establishing unity in Christ. It emphasizes that the disciples of Jesus are not appointed to merely observe or administer judgment in a way that differentiates or separates, but rather to witness to the finished work of Christ, assuring believers of salvation apart from the works of the Mosaic Law.

Acts 15 26 Context

Acts chapter 15 addresses a significant debate within the early church concerning the requirements for Gentiles to become Christians. Specifically, some Jewish believers insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law to be saved. This chapter records the Jerusalem Council, where the apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, debated this issue. Peter and Paul presented arguments emphasizing salvation by grace through faith, not by adherence to the Law. James, the brother of Jesus, delivered a pivotal judgment that aligned with this perspective, referencing Old Testament prophecy to demonstrate God's intention to include Gentiles. Verse 26 is part of the conclusion drawn by the apostles and elders as they drafted a letter to the churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. This letter declared that believers are not required to follow the Mosaic Law for salvation, thereby establishing the inclusivity of the gospel for all nations.

Acts 15 26 Word Analysis

  • οὗτοι (houtoi): "these." Refers to Barnabas and Paul, the individuals delivering the message.
  • ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn): "men" or "people." Here, it emphasizes the humanity of Barnabas and Paul, signifying they are men entrusted with a divine message, not divine beings themselves.
  • παραδεδωκότων (paradōkotōn): "having given over" or "having delivered." This perfect participle indicates a completed action, signifying that Barnabas and Paul had already fully presented their lives and ministry as a testimony to Christ. It suggests they had fully committed themselves and their teachings.
  • τὴν ἑαυτῶν (tēn heautōn): "their own." Possessive pronoun emphasizing that the risk and dedication were their own personal sacrifices and commitments.
  • ψυχήν (psychēn): "life" or "soul." In this context, it signifies their very existence, their entire being, which they willingly put on the line for the sake of the gospel and their ministry among the Gentiles. It represents their utmost commitment, valuing the cause above their personal safety.
  • ὑπὲρ (hyper): "for" or "on behalf of." Denotes the reason or purpose for which they risked their lives – for the name of Jesus Christ.
  • τοῦ ὀνόματος (tou onomatos): "the name." Refers to the person and authority of Jesus Christ. To risk one's life for His name is to be devoted to Him, His cause, and His glory.
  • τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (tou Kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou): "of our Lord Jesus Christ." A full title affirming Jesus' lordship, his relationship to "us" (believers), and his identity as the Messiah.

Words-Group Analysis:

  • "These men who have given over their own lives": This phrase highlights the selfless dedication and willingness of Barnabas and Paul to face danger and hardship for their mission. It is an attestation to their sincerity and the conviction behind their message, contrasting with those who sought to impose legalistic requirements.

Acts 15 26 Bonus Section

The concept of "giving one's life" in the ancient world often meant facing certain death or enduring extreme hardship. The emphasis here is on their selfless devotion to spreading the gospel, making them credible witnesses for the council's decision. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of their integrity, supporting the apostles' decision to not burden the Gentiles with unnecessary requirements, but to emphasize the unity of believers through Christ. It highlights the stark contrast between those who add requirements and those whose lives are a living sacrifice for Christ, as taught in Romans 12:1.

Acts 15 26 Commentary

Barnabas and Paul are presented as individuals who have shown their absolute commitment by not hesitating to lay down their very lives for the cause of Christ. Their willingness to sacrifice so completely serves as powerful evidence of their authentic dedication and the truth of their gospel message. This testament from them is significant because it underscores that their ministry and message are not self-serving but deeply rooted in devotion to Jesus Christ and the spread of His name. It reassures the recipients of the letter that the apostles' stance on Gentile inclusion is backed by a life of self-denial and courage, rather than mere theological preference. Their "life" (psyche) risked for "the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" confirms their absolute allegiance and the divine authority behind their mission to bring salvation to both Jew and Gentile alike, through faith, independent of the Mosaic Law.