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 · King James Version


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:


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


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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