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

ACTS 15:25KJV
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Acts 15:25 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:25 mean?

Acts 15:25 means that the leaders of the early church, after coming to a united decision, chose to send specific representatives along with Barnabas and Paul to deliver an important message. The verse highlights their agreement and affection for Barnabas and Paul as trusted messengers.

In this verse, the apostles and elders in Jerusalem are writing to Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. They are responding to a controversy about whether Gentile Christians must follow Jewish customs. The leaders emphasize that their decision was made together, showing unity, and that they are sending chosen men with Barnabas and Paul to confirm their message.

The Greek behind Acts 15:25

  • "with one accord" (ὁμοθυμαδόν, homothymadon): This Greek word means being of one mind or unanimous. It stresses the strong unity and agreement among the church leaders, not just a majority vote.
  • "chosen" (ἐκλέγομαι, eklegomai): This word means to select or choose out. The leaders did not send just anyone; they carefully selected trustworthy men for this task.
  • "beloved" (ἀγαπητός, agapētos): This word means dearly loved or esteemed. Referring to Barnabas and Paul as "beloved" shows the deep respect and affection the church had for them.

Why Acts 15:25 matters

  • Acts 15:25 clears up that the decision to send the letter and representatives was not made by a single leader but was a united action by the whole group.
  • The verse emphasizes the trustworthiness and value of Barnabas and Paul, showing that the church leaders wanted to reassure the recipients about the reliability of their message.
  • This verse connects to the broader context of Acts 15, where the early church is working through disagreements and modeling how to resolve conflict with unity and careful communication.

Where else these words appear

“accord” Greek G3661 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
  • Acts 4:24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
  • Acts 12:20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.

“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.

“Barnabas” Greek G921 · used in 28 verses

  • Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,(which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
  • Acts 13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
  • Acts 15:35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

“beloved” Greek G27 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
  • 1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;