Acts 15:22

Pleased it. Gr. dokeo, “to seem fitting,” or, as the word was used in an official sense, the passage here may be translated, “it was ordered,” “it was voted.”

The whole church. This shows the important position occupied by the members of the church. They concurred in the commissioning of the representatives sent with the letter. In later centuries the laity was largely excluded from official church councils.

With Paul and Barnabas. The men chosen were sent along with Paul and Barnabas, in order that the confirmation of the decrees adopted might come from lips other than those of these two men, who were so personally involved in the question. Thus there would be no chance of some recalcitrant Judaizer charging Paul and Barnabas with forgery.

Judas surnamed Barsabas. The name Barsabas was also borne by Joseph, “who was surnamed Justus” (see on ch. 1:23). If Barsabas is considered a family name, this Judas and Joseph were possibly brothers. Joseph at least had been one of the personal followers of Jesus. In ch. 15:32 Judas is called a prophet.

Silas. This may be an Aramaic name, or a contraction of the Roman Silvanus. Like Judas, he was a prophet (v. 32). He became the companion of Paul on the Second Missionary Journey (v. 40), and is probably the Silvanus mentioned in 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12.

Chief men. Or, “leading men,” “authorities.” Their position may have arisen from the fact that they were prophets (see v. 32). If they had been followers of Jesus, this also would have caused them to be greatly respected by the brethren.