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:
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 34
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἔδοξεν
pleased it
G1380
ἔδοξεν
pleased it
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
2 of 34
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστόλοις
the apostles
G652
ἀποστόλοις
the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
4 of 34
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβυτέροις
elders
G4245
πρεσβυτέροις
elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
7 of 34
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
8 of 34
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
ὅλῃ
the whole
G3650
ὅλῃ
the whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
9 of 34
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίᾳ
church
G1577
ἐκκλησίᾳ
church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
11 of 34
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 of 34
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτῶν
their own company
G846
αὐτῶν
their own company
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 34
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πέμψαι
to send
G3992
πέμψαι
to send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
16 of 34
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 34
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
19 of 34
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλῳ
Paul
G3972
Παύλῳ
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
21 of 34
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Βαρναβᾷ
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾷ
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
23 of 34
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
Ἰούδαν
namely Judas
G2455
Ἰούδαν
namely Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
24 of 34
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπικαλούμενον
surnamed
G1941
ἐπικαλούμενον
surnamed
Strong's:
G1941
Word #:
26 of 34
to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)
Βαρσαβᾶν
Barsabas
G923
Βαρσαβᾶν
Barsabas
Strong's:
G923
Word #:
27 of 34
son of sabas (or tsaba); bar-sabas, the name of two israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
28 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡγουμένους
chief
G2233
ἡγουμένους
chief
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
31 of 34
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
Cross References
Acts 15:27We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.Acts 15:32And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.Acts 15:40And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.1 Peter 5:12By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.Acts 18:5And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.Acts 17:14And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.Acts 16:19And 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 16:29Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,Acts 17:10And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.Acts 1:23And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
Historical Context
This delegation method prevented forgery and confirmed official church positions. Silas (also called Silvanus) would later become Paul's missionary companion, showing how this council strengthened ministerial relationships.
Questions for Reflection
- How should churches balance leadership authority with congregational involvement?
- What safeguards prevent false teaching from spreading through churches?
- How does proper church governance protect gospel truth?
Analysis & Commentary
The apostles, elders, and whole church chose representatives to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. This demonstrates church government through leadership and congregational consent. Judas (Barsabas) and Silas, 'chief men among the brethren,' would confirm the council's decision. Their involvement ensured the letter's authenticity and authority.