And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

ACTS 15:40KJV
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Acts 15:40 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:40 mean?

Acts 15:40 describes how Paul chose Silas to accompany him on his journey after parting ways with Barnabas, and how the local believers commended Paul and Silas to the grace of God as they departed. The verse highlights both the new partnership between Paul and Silas and the supportive blessing of the Christian community.

This moment takes place after a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas about who should join them on their missionary travels. Paul selects Silas, who was respected among the believers, and the church expresses their trust and goodwill by recommending them to God’s grace. The verse marks the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey, showing the church’s role in sending and supporting its leaders.

The Greek behind Acts 15:40

  • παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi, "recommended"): This word is often used for handing over or entrusting someone to another’s care. Here, it suggests that the church is intentionally committing Paul and Silas to God’s protection and favor as they set out.
  • χάρις (charis, "grace"): This word means favor, kindness, or blessing. The phrase "unto the grace of God" emphasizes that Paul and Silas are being entrusted to God’s ongoing help and guidance, not just sent out on their own.

Why Acts 15:40 matters

  • Acts 15:40 clarifies that Paul’s new journey was not just a personal decision but was supported by the church community, showing the importance of unity and blessing in early Christian missions.
  • The verse highlights the idea that missionary work was seen as something done under God’s grace, not merely by human effort or planning.
  • This verse connects to the wider story by showing how, even after disagreements, the mission of spreading the message continued with the church’s encouragement and prayerful support.

Where else these words appear

“chose” Greek G1951 · used in 2 verses

  • John 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

“Silas” Greek G4609 · used in 13 verses

  • Acts 15:22 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 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.

“recommended” Greek G3860 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
  • Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
  • John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

“grace” Greek G5485 · used in 147 verses

  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.