Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

ACTS 15:22KJV
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Acts 15:22 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:22 mean?

Acts 15:22 describes how the apostles and elders, together with the whole church in Jerusalem, decided to send some chosen representatives—Judas (called Barsabas) and Silas—along with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. These men were respected leaders among the believers and were sent to deliver an important message.

The setting is the early Christian church in Jerusalem, right after a major meeting to resolve a dispute about whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish law. The apostles, elders, and the wider church agreed on a decision and wanted to communicate it clearly to the believers in Antioch. By sending trusted leaders like Judas Barsabas and Silas, they showed unity and seriousness in their response, making sure the message would be received with authority and trust.

The Greek behind Acts 15:22

  • ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, "church"): This word refers to the gathered assembly of believers, not just a building or leadership group. The verse emphasizes that the whole community, not just a few leaders, supported the decision.
  • ἐκλελεγμένους (eklelegmenous, "chosen"): The Greek here means specifically selected or picked out. The men sent were not random; they were carefully chosen for this important task.
  • ἄνδρας (andras, "men"): This word often carries the sense of adult males with standing or responsibility, highlighting that those sent were respected figures.
  • ἡγουμένους (hēgoumenous, "chief men"): This term means leading or prominent men, underlining that Judas and Silas were recognized leaders among the believers.

Why Acts 15:22 matters

  • Acts 15:22 shows that the decision about Gentile believers was not made by a small group in secret, but with the agreement and involvement of the whole church community.
  • The verse highlights the importance of sending trustworthy, respected leaders to communicate decisions, which helped maintain unity and credibility among early Christians.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing how the early church handled disagreements and made decisions together, setting an example for handling conflict and communication.

Where else these words appear

“Barsabas” Greek G923 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

“Silas” Greek G4609 · used in 13 verses

  • Acts 15:27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
  • Acts 16:19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
  • Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

“Antioch” Greek G490 · used in 17 verses

  • Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
  • Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
  • Acts 15:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

“chosen” Greek G1586 · used in 19 verses

  • Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
  • John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
  • Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.