What is the meaning of Acts 15:26? Men Luke is speaking of Paul and Barnabas, two ordinary human beings, yet recognized by the whole church and the apostles (Acts 15:25). They are presented simply as “men,” the same word used of Peter and John in Acts 4:13 when the Sanhedrin realized that “these men had been with Jesus.” God’s mission advances through people who are willing to be available—just as Isaiah said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). Who have risked Risk implies deliberate choice, not accident. Paul’s history reads like a catalog of risks: stoned at Lystra (Acts 14:19), beaten and imprisoned at Philippi (Acts 16:22–24), shipwrecked three times (2 Corinthians 11:25). Barnabas likewise braved danger by sponsoring Saul the former persecutor (Acts 9:27). Their willingness illustrates Jesus’ warning: “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:38). Their lives The apostles placed their very existence on the line. Epaphroditus “nearly died for the work of Christ” (Philippians 2:30). Stephen actually lost his life (Acts 7:59–60). The point is total commitment: “We live or die, we belong to the Lord” (Romans 14:8). For the name “Name” represents authority and reputation. Peter rejoiced that he was “counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (Acts 5:41). The disciples were baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38). Everything they did, including risking life itself, was centered on honoring that Name. Of our Lord Calling Jesus “Lord” means absolute sovereignty. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Paul and Barnabas acknowledged no higher authority; therefore, obedience outweighed personal safety. Jesus Christ The full title unites His humanity (Jesus) and His messiahship (Christ). Their sacrifices pointed to the One who first sacrificed Himself: “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example” (1 Peter 2:21). Because He gave His life, His followers willingly mirror that pattern (John 13:14–15). summary Acts 15:26 celebrates Paul and Barnabas as real people who deliberately accepted mortal danger so that the supreme Name of the sovereign Redeemer would be honored. Their example calls believers to hold nothing back, counting Christ’s mission and glory worth more than life itself. |
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