King James Version

What Does Acts 15:22 Mean?

Acts 15:22 in the King James Version says “Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Acts 15:22 · KJV


Context

20

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

21

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

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:

23

And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

24

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should churches balance leadership authority with congregational involvement?
  2. What safeguards prevent false teaching from spreading through churches?
  3. How does proper church governance protect gospel truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
Τότε1 of 34

Then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἔδοξεν2 of 34

pleased it

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

τοῖς3 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀποστόλοις4 of 34

the apostles

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

καὶ5 of 34

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῖς6 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρεσβυτέροις7 of 34

elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

σὺν8 of 34

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

ὅλῃ9 of 34

the whole

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τῇ10 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκκλησίᾳ11 of 34

church

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

ἐκλεξαμένους12 of 34

chosen

G1586

to select

ἄνδρας13 of 34

men

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἐξ14 of 34

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτῶν15 of 34

their own company

G846

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

πέμψαι16 of 34

to send

G3992

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

εἰς17 of 34

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἀντιόχειαν18 of 34

Antioch

G490

antioch (antiochia), a place in syria

σὺν19 of 34

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τῷ20 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παύλῳ21 of 34

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

καὶ22 of 34

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Βαρναβᾷ23 of 34

Barnabas

G921

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

Ἰούδαν24 of 34

namely Judas

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

τὸν25 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπικαλούμενον26 of 34

surnamed

G1941

to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)

Βαρσαβᾶν27 of 34

Barsabas

G923

son of sabas (or tsaba); bar-sabas, the name of two israelites

καὶ28 of 34

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Σιλᾶν29 of 34

Silas

G4609

silas, a christian

ἄνδρας30 of 34

men

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἡγουμένους31 of 34

chief

G2233

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

ἐν32 of 34

among

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς33 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοῖς34 of 34

the brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 15:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 15:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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