24th Apr 26 | 05:42
Daily Study
Sending Judas and Silas
Acts 15 - Series 2/Episode 15 - Tue, 21st Apr 2026 - Sending Judas and Silas - Acts 15:22-35 - THE ANNOUNCEMENT - Acts 15:22
Acts 15:25-27 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26) men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (27) *We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth*.
Judas and Silas were men of the stature of the church elders. Acts 15:22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. By sending Judas and Silas along with Paul and Barnabas to the churches, the elders in Jerusalem made a strong statement.
The Announcement of the verdict of the Jerusalem Council to the churches was of great significance. This communication had to be done with much care. It was a communication from the Jerusalem Council, carried by their representatives.
The important factor in sending Judas and Silas along with Paul and Barnabas was that the Announcement of the decision of the Jerusalem Council was not only by letter but also by word of mouth. The Jerusalem Council deliberately used both a written letter and authoritative spoken confirmation through Judas and Silas because the issue was explosive, the churches were confused, and only living witnesses could provide clarity, unity, and pastoral reassurance.
False teachers had already come "from Judea," claiming Jerusalem's authority. Acts 15:1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." / Acts 15:24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law"-to whom we gave no such commandment- The Jerusalem Council had to counter the damage done by this false teaching with strength and clarity so that this false teaching is arrested.
Today, when several types of wrong teaching are flooding the church, we do not have the calibre of mature leaders in our churches who will consider all dimensions of the wrong teaching and provide godly scriptural direction for the church.
This is what Paul warned the elders of the church. Acts 20:27-31 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. (28) Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (29) For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. (30) Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.(31) Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
The church is left to the plundering of savage wolves because leaders have not kept watch. Ezekiel 34:2-4 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? (3) You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. (4) The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. / Ezekiel 34:6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them." / Ezekiel 34:8 "As I live," says the Lord GOD, "surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock"-
The issue at stake was the matter of salvation itself, and that is why the council took great care to set things right and establish the correct doctrine. They had to send Barsabas and Silas to the churches. Acts 15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they."
The Gentiles were troubled and unsettled by this incorrect doctrine and teaching. They had to send leaders who would comfort the Gentiles and encourage them to walk with the Lord by faith.
The Council's concern was for the oneness of the body of Christ. Jesus had broken the barrier between Jews and Gentiles on the cross. This unity and oneness must be strengthened and not allowed to be lost.
It was the Holy Spirit who led the Council to send Barsabas and Silas to the churches. Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: