Page 12 - acts_study_book3

and are expected to have some influence. However, they are about to be exposed to grace,
and Silas will be more influenced by the church at Antioch then the church will be influenced by
him. Silas, also called Silvanus (his Roman name, 2 Corinthians 1:19), will go on to accompany
Paul on his second missionary journey (verse 40). Later he will work with Peter and carry his
first epistle to the churches of Asia minor.

LETTER ADDRESSED TO GENTILES IN ANTIOCH, SYRIA, AND CILICIA

Act 15:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and
brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and
Cilicia:

And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send
greeting unto the brethren which are of (ek: out from) the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and
Cilicia:

The letter addresses the Gentiles as coming “out from” the nations and also as fellow brothers
with the Jews in Jerusalem. This is the recognition of being a member of the family of God, no
matter what the nationality of the converts. The Gentiles are addressed in Antioch, Syria, and
Cilicia because this is where the Gentile churches have been established.

Act 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you
with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom
we gave no such commandment:

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain (legalistic Jews) which went out from us have
troubled you with words, subverting (unsettling) your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised,
and keep the law: to whom (legalistic Jews) we gave no such commandment:

Legalism cuts to the foundation of the Christian life. Our entire life is built upon simple faith;
faith in Jesus for salvation and faith in His Word for daily living. The law, when taught as a
means of salvation and/or spirituality, undermines or subverts the entire Christian way of life.
James tells the Gentile believers that the message which has been preached by the legalistic
Jews from Jerusalem did not come from him or any church leader.

Act 15:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto
you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

It is good that James gives such praise and acceptance to Paul and Barnabas. It is the leadership
of the Jerusalem church giving their stamp of approval to them before the Gentile believers.
(Unfortunately, the legalistic Jewish believers would later attack Paul’s calling, character, and
reputation).
Act 15:26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.