Acts 15:40
What does Acts 15:40 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 15:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 15:40 means
Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord. Silas had just served as an envoy of the Jerusalem council and was a trusted, gifted leader. The church’s commendation indicates formal support and prayerful sending, not a rogue venture. Grace is again central: their confidence rests not in Paul’s strength but in the Lord’s favor. This new partnership also symbolizes the unity secured at the council—Jerusalem and Antioch working together. Paul and Silas will carry the decree and the gospel to strengthen and expand the Gentile churches.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but Paul chose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but Paul chose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But Paul took Silas and went away with the blessing of the brothers.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Paul having chosen Silas, went forth, having been given up to the grace of God by the brethren;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But Paul, choosing Silas, departed, being delivered by the brethren to the grace of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but Paul having chosen Silas went forth, committed by the brethren to the grace ofGod.
Context
With Barnabas and Mark heading to Cyprus, Acts turns to Paul and Silas. The commendation shows the church’s continuing order and blessing. The closing verse reports their itinerary through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches—precisely the aim Paul proposed—to ensure the decree is implemented and believers are strengthened.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 4:22
The Lord be with thy spirit. Grace be with you.
- Acts 16:1
And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess that believed; but his father was a Greek.
- Acts 14:26
and thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled.
- 2 John 1:10
If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting:
- Titus 3:15
All that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in faith. Grace be with you all.
- Acts 15:22
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:
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