Acts 15:25
It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Original Language Analysis
ἔδοξεν
It seemed good
G1380
ἔδοξεν
It seemed good
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
1 of 16
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
γενομένοις
being assembled
G1096
γενομένοις
being assembled
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 16
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
πέμψαι
to send
G3992
πέμψαι
to send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
7 of 16
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
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 16
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
10 of 16
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Βαρναβᾷ
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾷ
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
14 of 16
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
Cross References
Acts 15:2When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.Acts 1:14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.Acts 15:22Then 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:2 Peter 3:15And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;Luke 1:3It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Historical Context
This unanimity was remarkable given the council's diverse participants - conservative Jewish Christians, apostles with Gentile ministry experience, and Jerusalem elders. The Spirit overcame natural divisions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Holy Spirit produce unity among diverse believers?
- What role does corporate discernment play in knowing God's will?
- How can churches today pursue 'one accord' amid disagreements?
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'being assembled with one accord' (Greek 'homothymadon' - with one mind/passion) emphasizes the Spirit-led unity achieved through careful deliberation. Their unanimous decision demonstrates that the Spirit guides the church into truth through corporate discernment, not individual interpretation alone.