Acts 15:40
New International Version
but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.

New Living Translation
Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care.

English Standard Version
but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible
but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

Berean Literal Bible
But Paul, having chosen Silas, went forth, having been committed to the grace of the Lord by the brothers.

King James Bible
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

New King James Version
but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.

New American Standard Bible
But Paul chose Silas, and left after being entrusted by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

NASB 1995
But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.

NASB 1977
But Paul chose Silas and departed, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

Amplified Bible
But Paul chose Silas [who was again in Antioch] and set out [on his second journey], commended by the brothers to the grace and favor of the Lord.

Christian Standard Bible
But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers.

American Standard Version
but Paul choose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.

Contemporary English Version
but Paul took Silas and left after the followers had placed them in God's care.

English Revised Version
but Paul chose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Paul chose Silas and left after the believers entrusted him to the Lord's care.

Good News Translation
while Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the care of the Lord's grace.

International Standard Version
while Paul chose Silas and left after the brothers had entrusted him to the grace of the Lord.

Majority Standard Bible
but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of God.

NET Bible
but Paul chose Silas and set out, commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers and sisters.

New Heart English Bible
but Paul chose Silas, and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.

Weymouth New Testament
But Paul chose Silas as his travelling companion; and set out, after being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord;

World English Bible
but Paul chose Silas and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Paul having chosen Silas, went forth, having been given up to the grace of God by the brothers;

Berean Literal Bible
But Paul, having chosen Silas, went forth, having been committed to the grace of the Lord by the brothers.

Young's Literal Translation
and Paul having chosen Silas, went forth, having been given up to the grace of God by the brethren;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Paul, having chosen Silas, went forth, having been delivered to the grace of God by the brethren.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But Paul choosing Silas, departed, being delivered by the brethren to the grace of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, Paul, choosing Silas, set out, being delivered by the brothers to the grace of God.

New American Bible
But Paul chose Silas and departed after being commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

New Revised Standard Version
But Paul chose Silas and set out, the believers commending him to the grace of the Lord.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But Paulus chose Shila, and he went out when he was commended by the brethren to the grace of God.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But Paul chose Silas, and departed, having been commended to the grace of God by the brethren.

Godbey New Testament
And Paul, having chosen Silas, went out, committed to the grace of the Lord by the brethren;

Haweis New Testament
but Paul selecting Silas, departed, being commended by the brethren to the favour of God.

Mace New Testament
but Paul chose Silas, and having been recommended by the brethren to the favour of God,

Weymouth New Testament
But Paul chose Silas as his travelling companion; and set out, after being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord;

Worrell New Testament
And Paul, haring chosen Silas, went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.

Worsley New Testament
being recommended to the grace of God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
39Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.…

Cross References
Acts 13:2-3
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.

Acts 11:22-26
When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. / When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. / Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. ...

Acts 16:1-3
Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. / The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. / Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

Acts 18:23
After Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Acts 14:26-28
From Attalia they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed. / When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. / And they spent a long time there with the disciples.

Acts 13:46-47
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. / For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Acts 20:4
Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.

Acts 19:21
After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”

Acts 21:8
Leaving the next day, we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven.

Acts 22:21
Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Acts 26:16-18
‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you. / I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them / to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’

Acts 28:30-31
Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him. / Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 4:11
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry.


Treasury of Scripture

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brothers to the grace of God.

chose.

Acts 15:22,32
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 16:1-3
Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: …

being.

Acts 13:3
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Acts 14:26
And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

Acts 20:32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Jump to Previous
Blessing Choose Chose Chosen Commended Committed Companion Departed Forth Grace Paul Recommended Silas Travelling
Jump to Next
Blessing Choose Chose Chosen Commended Committed Companion Departed Forth Grace Paul Recommended Silas Travelling
Acts 15
1. Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision.
5. The apostles consult about it,
22. and send their determination by letters to the churches.
36. Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together,
39. disagree, and travel different ways.














but Paul chose Silas
Paul's choice of Silas is significant in the context of the early church's mission. Silas, also known as Silvanus, was a respected leader in the Jerusalem church and a Roman citizen, which would have been advantageous for travel and protection in the Roman Empire. His selection by Paul indicates a strategic decision to have a partner who was both spiritually mature and practically equipped for the missionary journey. This choice follows the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, highlighting the human element in ministry decisions and the sovereignty of God in using different teams for His purposes.

and left
The departure of Paul and Silas marks the beginning of Paul's second missionary journey, which would take them through regions such as Syria and Cilicia. This journey was crucial for the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world and the establishment of churches in key cities. The act of leaving also signifies obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), as they set out to make disciples of all nations.

commended by the brothers
The commendation by the brothers in the church indicates a formal sending off, which was a common practice in the early church. This act of commendation reflects the unity and support of the church body, as well as the recognition of the mission's importance. It also underscores the communal aspect of ministry, where the church collectively participates in the mission through prayer, support, and accountability.

to the grace of the Lord
Being commended to the grace of the Lord emphasizes reliance on divine favor and guidance. The grace of the Lord is a recurring theme in Paul's writings, highlighting the unmerited favor and empowerment believers receive from God. This phrase also connects to the broader theological context of grace in the New Testament, where it is seen as the foundation for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) and the sustaining power for ministry (2 Corinthians 12:9). The mention of grace here assures that the mission is not dependent solely on human effort but on God's provision and blessing.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
A key apostle in the early church, known for his missionary journeys and extensive contributions to the New Testament. In this passage, Paul is making a significant decision to choose a new partner for his missionary work.

2. Silas
A leader in the early church, Silas is chosen by Paul to accompany him on his missionary journey. He is known for his role in spreading the Gospel and for being a faithful companion to Paul.

3. The Brothers
Refers to the early Christian community or church members who commend Paul and Silas to the grace of the Lord. This indicates their support and blessing for the mission.

4. The Grace of the Lord
This phrase highlights the divine favor and empowerment that Paul and Silas are entrusted with as they embark on their journey.

5. Departure
The event of Paul and Silas leaving marks the beginning of a new missionary journey, emphasizing the spread of the Gospel to new regions.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly Partnerships
Paul’s choice of Silas highlights the importance of selecting partners who are spiritually mature and committed to the mission of spreading the Gospel.

Commendation to God’s Grace
Being commended to the grace of the Lord signifies reliance on divine strength and guidance, reminding believers to seek God’s grace in their endeavors.

Community Support in Ministry
The support of the brothers underscores the role of the Christian community in encouraging and praying for those in ministry.

Responding to God’s Call
Paul and Silas’s departure illustrates obedience to God’s call, encouraging believers to be ready to step out in faith when God directs.

Handling Disagreements in Ministry
The context of Acts 15 involves a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, teaching us about resolving conflicts and continuing in ministry with grace.(40) Paul chose Silas.--It is clear from this, even if we reject Acts 15:34 as an interpolation, that Silas had remained when the other delegates from the Church of Jerusalem went back. This in itself was a proof of his interest in the mission-work among the Gentiles, and no one, perhaps, could be found so well fitted to fill the place of Barnabas. He too had the gift of prophetic utterance, and, as we have seen (Note on Acts 15:22), was probably able to speak as one who had followed the Lord Jesus, and could bear witness of the Resurrection.

Being recommended by the brethren.--See Note on Acts 14:26. This obviously implied a full gathering of the Church and a special service of prayer on the departure of the two Apostles. Silas, as thus sent forth by the Church, might now claim that title no less than Barnabas.

Verse 40. - But for and, A.V.; went forth or departed, A.V.; commended for recommended, A.V.; to for unto, A.V.; the Lord for God, A.V. and T.R. Chose Silas. If ver. 34 of the T.R. is a true reading, it accounts for the presence of Silas at Antioch. Otherwise there is no difficulty in supposing that Silas, attracted by the holy zeal of St. Paul and by desire to work among the Gentiles, had come back to Antioch after giving account to the apostles at Jerusalem of the success of his mission with Judas to the Churches at Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

chose
ἐπιλεξάμενος (epilexamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1951: To call; mid: I choose for myself; pass: To be named. Middle voice from epi and lego; to surname, select.

Silas
Σιλᾶν (Silan)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4609: Silas, a pet-form of the name Silvanus; a Roman citizen and a helper of Paul. Contraction for Silouanos; Silas, a Christian.

[and] left,
ἐξῆλθεν (exēlthen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

commended
παραδοθεὶς (paradotheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3860: From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.

by
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

brothers
ἀδελφῶν (adelphōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

to the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

grace
χάριτι (chariti)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord.
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.


Links
Acts 15:40 NIV
Acts 15:40 NLT
Acts 15:40 ESV
Acts 15:40 NASB
Acts 15:40 KJV

Acts 15:40 BibleApps.com
Acts 15:40 Biblia Paralela
Acts 15:40 Chinese Bible
Acts 15:40 French Bible
Acts 15:40 Catholic Bible

NT Apostles: Acts 15:40 But Paul chose Silas and went out (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 15:39
Top of Page
Top of Page