Acts 15:25

It seemed good. Gr. dokeo, see on v. 22. If the words are taken in their official sense, the first part of this verse may be translated, “We have voted unanimously to send.” An alternative translation is, “Having come to agreement, we have decided to send.”

Chosen men. That is, Judas Barsabas and Silas.

Beloved. Gr. agapetos, an adjective that in the NT is particularly applied to those who are united in faith and love. The whole letter does intentional honor to Paul and Barnabas, and the expression “beloved” illuminates Paul’s statement that the “pillars” of the church at Jerusalem gave to him and Barnabas the “right hands of fellowship” (Gal. 2:9). Peter speaks of Paul with this term (2 Peter 3:15).

Barnabas and Paul. Probably the name of Barnabas is put first here because he had been formerly a special messenger sent from the church in Jerusalem to Antioch (ch. 11:22).