Acts 15:22

What does Acts 15:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 15:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 15:22 means

The apostles and elders, with the whole church, agreed to send chosen men—Judas called Barsabbas and Silas—alongside Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. These were leading men, adding credibility to the message. The unanimous action demonstrates unity across leadership and congregation. By appointing respected messengers, the council ensures the decision is delivered with clarity, authority, and pastoral care. This step also prevents misunderstandings or misrepresentations: the same decision will be shared face-to-face and in writing. The church values both written instruction and living testimony to foster trust and strengthen relationships.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then it seemed good to the Apostles and the rulers and all the church, to send men from among them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas, named Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, chosen men out of themselves to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas--Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then it pleased the apostles and ancients, with the whole church, to choose men of their own company and to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas, who was surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then it seemed good to the apostles and to the elders, with the whole assembly, to send chosen men from among them with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch, Judas called Barsabas and Silas, leading men among the brethren,

Context

With James’s judgment accepted, the council moves to communicate it. Choosing prominent delegates underlines that this is an official, church-wide resolution. The next verse introduces the letter’s address and greeting, which will acknowledge the earlier disturbance and affirm the authoritative, Spirit-led decision to come.

v.21For Moses from generations of old hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.

v.22This passage

v.23and they wrote thus by them, The apostles and the elders, brethren, unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 16:19

    But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they laid hold on Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers,

  • 2 Chronicles 30:12

    Also upon Judah came the hand of God to give them one heart, to do the commandment of the king and of the princes by the word of Jehovah.

  • Acts 15:25

    it seemed good unto us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

  • Acts 17:14

    And then immediately the brethren sent forth Paul to go as far as to the sea: and Silas and Timothy abode there still.

  • Acts 15:23

    and they wrote thus by them, The apostles and the elders, brethren, unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting:

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:1

    Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ;

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