22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders , with the whole church , to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas -Judas called Barsabbas , and Silas , leading men among the brethren , 23 and they sent this letter by them, " The apostles and the brethren who are elders , to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles , greetings . 24 "Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words , unsettling your souls , 25 it seemed good to us, having become of one mind , to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul , 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ . 27 "Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas , who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 "For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials : 29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication ; if you keep yourselves free from such things , you will do well . Farewell ." 30 So when they were sent away , they went down to Antioch ; and having gathered the congregation together , they delivered the letter . 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement . 32 Judas and Silas , also being prophets themselves , encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message . 33 After they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brethren in peace to those who had sent them out. 34 [But it seemed good to Silas to remain there .] 35 But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch , teaching and preaching with many others also , the word of the Lord .
36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas , "Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord , and see how they are." 37 Barnabas wanted to take John , called Mark , along with them also . 38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work . 39 And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another , and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus . 40 But Paul chose Silas and left , being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord . 41 And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia , strengthening the churches .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 15:22-41
Commentary on Acts 15:22-35
(Read Acts 15:22-35)
Being warranted to declare themselves directed by the immediate influence of the Holy Ghost, the apostles and disciples were assured that it seemed good unto God the Holy Spirit, as well as to them, to lay upon the converts no other burden than the things before mentioned, which were necessary, either on their own account, or from present circumstances. It was a comfort to hear that carnal ordinances were no longer imposed on them, which perplexed the conscience, but could not purify or pacify it; and that those who troubled their minds were silenced, so that the peace of the church was restored, and that which threatened division was removed. All this was consolation for which they blessed God. Many others were at Antioch. Where many labour in the word and doctrine, yet there may be opportunity for us: the zeal and usefulness of others should stir us up, not lay us asleep.
Commentary on Acts 15:36-41
(Read Acts 15:36-41)
Here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no less than Paul and Barnabas, yet made to end well. Barnabas wished his nephew John Mark to go with them. We should suspect ourselves of being partial, and guard against this in putting our relations forward. Paul did not think him worthy of the honour, nor fit for the service, who had departed from them without their knowledge, or without their consent: see 13. Neither would yield, therefore there was no remedy but they must part. We see that the best of men are but men, subject to like passions as we are. Perhaps there were faults on both sides, as usual in such contentions. Christ's example alone, is a copy without a blot. Yet we are not to think it strange, if there are differences among wise and good men. It will be so while we are in this imperfect state; we shall never be all of one mind till we come to heaven. But what mischief the remainders of pride and passion which are found even in good men, do in the world, and do in the church! Many who dwelt at Antioch, who had heard but little of the devotedness and piety of Paul and Barnabas, heard of their dispute and separation; and thus it will be with ourselves, if we give way to contention. Believers must be constant in prayer, that they may never be led by the allowance of unholy tempers, to hurt the cause they really desire to serve. Paul speaks with esteem and affection both of Barnabas and Mark, in his epistles, written after this event. May all who profess thy name, O loving Saviour, be thoroughly reconciled by that love derived from thee which is not easily provoked, and which soon forgets and buries injuries.