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Acts 15:28
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

Matthew 11:26
Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Luke 1:3
It 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,

being.

Acts 15:6
And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

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 2:1,46
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place…

to send.

Acts 15:22,27
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: …

our.

Romans 16:12
Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.

Ephesians 6:21
But that ye also may know my affairs,and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

Colossians 4:7,9
All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you,who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: …

Barnabas.

Acts 15:2,35
When 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…

Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that weshould go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

to choose men to send to you
The decision to send representatives underscores the importance of personal communication and accountability in the early church. It was common in the ancient world to send envoys to convey important messages, ensuring clarity and authority. This practice is seen throughout the New Testament, where apostles and leaders often sent trusted individuals to deliver letters and provide guidance (e.g., Titus, Timothy).

along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul
Barnabas and Paul were key figures in the early church, known for their missionary work and leadership. Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," was instrumental in introducing Paul to the apostles and supporting his ministry. Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee who became a leading apostle to the Gentiles after his dramatic conversion. Their mention here highlights their respected status and the trust placed in them by the church. The use of "beloved" indicates the deep affection and respect the church leaders had for them, reflecting the close-knit community and mutual support among early Christians.

The apostles, elders, and whole Jerusalem church reached a united conclusion (Acts 15:22). That harmony shows:

• The fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:21).

• A model of the Spirit-led oneness Paul later urges: “be perfectly united in mind and conviction” (1 Corinthians 1:10; cf.Philippians 2:2).

• Shared authority. Decisions about doctrine and practice were not made by lone voices but by the gathered, Spirit-guided body (Acts 15:28).

Unity gives weight to the council’s instruction and guards the churches against confusion.

Selecting specific representatives mattered. It provided:

• Verified testimony—“choose seven men…full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3) sets the pattern of qualified messengers.

• Personal accountability—these men could answer questions face-to-face, unlike a letter alone (Proverbs 11:14).

• Continuity—Paul and Barnabas had earlier been “set apart” by the Spirit (Acts 13:2-3); now additional trustworthy brothers join them, echoingTitus 1:5, “appoint elders in every town.”

God works through identifiable, tested servants so that truth is preserved and delivered intact (2 Timothy 2:2).

The Jerusalem church did more than make a decision; they acted on it. Sending shows:

• Pastoral concern—“I have sent him to you for this very reason…to encourage your hearts” (Colossians 4:8).

• Missionary momentum—“How can they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:15).

• Relational connection—previously Jerusalem had sent Barnabas to Antioch (Acts 11:22); now they strengthen that bond again.

The gospel’s spread is always intentional, never accidental; faithful believers go where clarity is needed (Acts 8:14).

Calling them “beloved” affirms:

• Their proven character—“men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26).

• Their fruitfulness—“they reported all that God had done through them” (Acts 14:27).

• Their acceptance—Peter and James publicly endorsed Paul’s call to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:9).

Even Peter later writes, “our beloved brother Paul” (2 Peter 3:15), underscoring this affection. By pairing new delegates with Barnabas and Paul, the council amplifies credibility and shows wholehearted support for their ministry.

Acts 15:25 displays the early church’s Spirit-led unity, careful selection of trustworthy messengers, proactive sending for the sake of clarity, and open affection for Barnabas and Paul. Together these elements underline the reliability of the council’s decision and the loving commitment of God’s people to guard the gospel and shepherd His flock.

To send chosen men unto you.--Literally,to choose men and send them unto you. The men, are, of course, Barsabas and Silas.

With our beloved Barnabas and Paul.--The order in which the names stand is, perhaps, characteristic of the Church of Jerusalem, to whom Barnabas was still the more conspicuous teacher of the two. The way in which the two are named may be taken as illustrating St. Paul's statement that the "pillars" of the Church of Jerusalem gave to him and Barnabas the "right hand of fellowship" (Galatians 2:9).