And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
Acts 15:40 stands within the settlement of the dispute over circumcision and the law of Moses. At that council Paul described his conversion and the work God had done among the Gentiles, the Holy Spirit affirmed his message, and the council set aside its prejudices and sent the churches a statement supporting the position Paul had presented. The council's decision concerning Gentile converts and the ceremonial law remained in force, and later advice to observe ceremonial customs was inconsistent with that decision and was not prompted by the Holy Spirit. In resolving differences, church leaders acted as counselors and left room for the Holy Spirit to guide the decision rather than settling matters by force of church authority, and this way of resolving disagreements brings consolation and lasting unity. The chapter is an example of the simple organization and church order ordained for the unity and perfection of the church, in which leaders are to advise, counsel, help, and carry burdens, not command the laborers.
The verse is part of Paul's proposal to revisit the believers in the cities where he had preached and see how they were doing. The purpose of that onward missionary journey was to help recent converts remain faithful and grow into strong, devoted Christians. The departure followed a sharp separation between Paul and Barnabas over whether to take Mark. Barnabas followed his convictions and took Mark with him in his work. Barnabas took Mark with him to Cyprus.
Paul chose Silas as his companion and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God as they set out for their work. The separation followed Paul's severe judgment of Mark's earlier desertion, and Barnabas's support helped Mark later become a valuable gospel worker. Paul was later reconciled to Mark and welcomed him as a fellow worker.
Acts 15:40 stands within the settlement of the dispute over circumcision and the law of Moses. At that council Paul described his conversion and the work God had done among the Gentiles, the Holy Spirit affirmed his message, and the council set aside its prejudices and sent the churches a statement supporting the position Paul had presented. The council's decision concerning Gentile converts and the ceremonial law remained in force, and later advice to observe ceremonial customs was inconsistent with that decision and was not prompted by the Holy Spirit. In resolving differences, church leaders acted as counselors and left room for the Holy Spirit to guide the decision rather than settling matters by force of church authority, and this way of resolving disagreements brings consolation and lasting unity. The chapter is an example of the simple organization and church order ordained for the unity and perfection of the church, in which leaders are to advise, counsel, help, and carry burdens, not command the laborers.
The verse is part of Paul's proposal to revisit the believers in the cities where he had preached and see how they were doing. The purpose of that onward missionary journey was to help recent converts remain faithful and grow into strong, devoted Christians. The departure followed a sharp separation between Paul and Barnabas over whether to take Mark. Barnabas followed his convictions and took Mark with him in his work. Barnabas took Mark with him to Cyprus.
Paul chose Silas as his companion and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God as they set out for their work. The separation followed Paul's severe judgment of Mark's earlier desertion, and Barnabas's support helped Mark later become a valuable gospel worker. Paul was later reconciled to Mark and welcomed him as a fellow worker.