Acts 15:40 kjv
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
Acts 15:40 nkjv
but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.
Acts 15:40 niv
but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.
Acts 15:40 esv
but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
Acts 15:40 nlt
Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord's gracious care.
Acts 15 40 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 15:36 | Some days later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit...” | Context of proposed visit leading to dispute |
| Acts 15:39 | And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated... | Direct context of separation from Barnabas |
| Acts 16:1 | Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy. | Beginning of Paul's second journey, adding Timothy |
| Acts 16:4 | As they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decisions... | Apostolic decrees shared on the journey |
| 2 Tim 4:11 | Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. | Later reconciliation and value of John Mark |
| Col 4:10 | Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas... | Paul commends Mark to Colossians |
| Phlm 1:24 | and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. | Mark identified as Paul's fellow worker |
| Acts 13:2 | While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." | Divine calling for missionary work |
| Acts 13:3 | Then, after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off. | Commendation by the church for mission |
| Gal 2:7 | But on the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised... | Paul's apostleship to Gentiles |
| Gal 2:9 | and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me... | Recognition of grace and partnership |
| Rom 15:20 | thus making it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named... | Paul's missionary strategy and ambition |
| Prov 16:9 | The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. | Divine guidance in human planning |
| Ps 37:23 | The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; | God directs righteous steps |
| Acts 15:22 | 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... (including Silas) | Silas's reputable standing in the church |
| 1 Thess 1:1 | Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. | Silas (Silvanus) as a constant companion |
| 2 Cor 3:5 | Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God. | Reliance on God for all ministry sufficiency |
| Phil 1:7 | It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace... | Partnership in God's grace |
| Heb 4:16 | Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. | Seeking grace for every need |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers... for the work of ministry... | Equipping for Christian service |
| Matt 28:19 | Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... | Great Commission - call to go and disciple |
| 1 Cor 3:6 | I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. | God provides growth in ministry |
| 2 Tim 2:1 | You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. | Grace as foundational strength for ministry |
Acts 15 verses
Acts 15 40 Meaning
Acts 15:40 records Paul's subsequent action after the significant dispute with Barnabas regarding John Mark. It states that Paul chose Silas, an esteemed leader and prophet from the Jerusalem church, and embarked on a new missionary journey, having been commended by the Antiochian brethren to the grace of God. This verse marks a pivotal point, initiating Paul's second missionary journey and highlighting the divine commissioning and spiritual reliance for such an undertaking.
Acts 15 40 Context
Acts chapter 15 records the pivotal Jerusalem Council, which addressed the significant theological and practical question of whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law to be saved. The council, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with contributions from Paul, Barnabas, Peter, and James, concluded that Gentiles were saved by grace through faith in Christ and were not bound by the ceremonial law. Following this decision, Judas (Barsabbas) and Silas were sent with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to deliver the letter formalizing the council's decision. After a period in Antioch, Paul proposed another missionary journey to revisit the brethren they had evangelized earlier. It was at this point that a sharp disagreement arose between Paul and Barnabas concerning John Mark's participation, leading to their separation. Verse 40 details Paul's decision and the immediate step he took to continue the Great Commission despite the personal conflict.
Acts 15 40 Word analysis
- Paul (Παῦλος - Paulos): The name of Saul of Tarsus, now consistently referred to as Paul, indicating his central role in the Gentile mission. His dedication to spreading the Gospel across regions is paramount in the Book of Acts.
- chose (ἐπιλεξάμενος - epilexamenos): A middle voice participle, suggesting Paul made a deliberate and personal selection. This choice was not passive but an active decision to continue his apostolic work with a new companion, showcasing his resolved spirit.
- Silas (Σίλας - Silas): Also known as Silvanus (1 Thess 1:1). Silas was a leading member among the Jerusalem brethren (Acts 15:22), a prophet (Acts 15:32), and a trusted envoy. His inclusion ensured continuity and confirmed the bond between the Jerusalem church and Paul's mission. He proved to be a steadfast and reliable fellow worker for Paul.
- departed (ἐξῆλθεν - exelthen): Signifies going forth, a resolute departure from Antioch to begin the next phase of his missionary endeavors. It marks the commencement of a new journey, undeterred by the recent disagreement.
- being entrusted/commended (παραδοθείς - paradotheis): A passive participle, meaning "handed over," "delivered," or "commended." This implies that the action of commendation was done to Paul, rather than by Paul himself. It highlights a divine aspect or, at the very least, an acknowledgement of divine approval, facilitated by human agents.
- by the brethren (ὑπὸ τῶν ἀδελφῶν - hypo ton adelphōn): Refers to the Christian community in Antioch, specifically the church leaders. This signifies the church's blessing and spiritual endorsement of Paul's mission and his new partnership with Silas. Even amidst the personal split, the broader church unity and support for the mission remained.
- to the grace (τῇ χάριτι - tē chariti): Refers to God's undeserved favor and empowering presence. This grace is not merely a warm feeling but an active divine power enabling ministry and sustenance.
- of God (τοῦ Θεοῦ - tou Theou): Points to the ultimate source of all divine grace and power. The missionaries were dependent entirely on God for their protection, provision, guidance, and the success of their gospel proclamation.
Word-Group Analysis:
- "Paul chose Silas and departed": This phrase reveals Paul's proactive leadership and determination. Despite the human disagreement with Barnabas, Paul did not cease his missionary activity. He strategically chose a new partner, ensuring the Gospel's propagation would continue unhindered, indicating his primary commitment to Christ's commission.
- "being entrusted by the brethren to the grace of God": This powerful concluding phrase underscores the spiritual nature of their mission. It signifies that their journey was not simply a human enterprise but one spiritually authorized and supernaturally empowered. The "brethren" (the Antiochian church) did not merely bid farewell; they ritually committed Paul and Silas to God's benevolent power, acknowledging that any success would flow from divine grace, not human strength or merit. This act of commendation was a recognition of God's calling on Paul and Silas' lives.
Acts 15 40 Bonus section
The seemingly negative outcome of Paul and Barnabas's disagreement ultimately served a greater purpose, demonstrating God's ability to redeem and multiply effort even through human imperfections. Instead of one missionary team, two vital teams emerged (Paul and Silas; Barnabas and Mark, presumably heading to Cyprus per Acts 15:39), thus expanding the reach of the Gospel. Furthermore, John Mark, initially deemed unfit by Paul, matured and was later recognized as "very useful to me for ministry" (2 Tim 4:11), highlighting themes of redemption, spiritual growth, and the ongoing work of grace in individuals. The commendation "to the grace of God" implies an understanding that success in mission depends not on perfect human relationships or flawless plans, but on the Holy Spirit's empowerment and God's sovereign favor.
Acts 15 40 Commentary
Acts 15:40 is a profound testament to God's sovereignty over human circumstances, even in times of dispute and division. Paul's determined choice of Silas and immediate departure demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the Great Commission. Despite the "sharp disagreement" that separated him from Barnabas, a conflict that stemmed from differing convictions rather than malicious intent, the work of God did not stop. Instead, it effectively multiplied, as two missionary teams eventually emerged. The emphasis on being "commended by the brethren to the grace of God" is critical; it shows that even in human brokenness, the church remained united in purpose, entrusting their missionaries to the Lord's enabling power. This was not a mere farewell, but a recognition that the effectiveness of their ministry rested entirely on God's unmerited favor. This act of commendation was vital, affirming the divine nature of the mission and grounding the missionaries' confidence not in their own abilities or decisions but in the inexhaustible grace of God, equipping them for the trials and triumphs ahead.