Acts 15:40 – “but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.”

Extended Explanation

Acts 15:40 marks the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey after he and Barnabas parted ways over their disagreement about John Mark (Acts 15:39). Since Barnabas took John Mark and sailed for Cyprus, Paul chose Silas as his new ministry partner.

The believers in Antioch supported Paul’s decision, sending him out with their blessing and prayers. The phrase “commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord” means that Paul and Silas were entrusted to God’s guidance and care as they went out to preach the gospel.

Despite the conflict between Paul and Barnabas, God’s work continued. Instead of one missionary team, now there were two—Barnabas and John Mark went to Cyprus, while Paul and Silas began a new journey through Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15:41). This verse shows that even when people disagree and separate, God’s mission does not stop.

Historical Context

This event happened in Antioch, a major center of early Christianity.

• Paul and Barnabas had completed their first missionary journey (Acts 13-14), where they planted churches and faced persecution.
• They planned a second journey to strengthen those churches (Acts 15:36).
• Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark, but Paul refused because John Mark had abandoned them earlier (Acts 13:13).
• Their disagreement led them to split into two teams—Barnabas took John Mark, while Paul chose Silas and continued the mission.
• Paul and Silas were commissioned by the church in Antioch, showing that the believers there recognized and supported their ministry.

Silas was a strong choice for Paul’s new partner because:

1. He was a respected leader in the church (Acts 15:22).
2. He was a Roman citizen, like Paul (Acts 16:37), which would later help them in their travels.
3. He was a prophet (Acts 15:32), meaning he had the gift of strengthening and encouraging believers.

Despite the separation from Barnabas, God was still directing Paul’s journey, preparing him for even greater mission work.

Theological Implications

1. God’s mission continues even when people disagree. Paul and Barnabas parted ways, but the gospel still spread through two teams instead of one.
2. Ministry is a calling, not just personal preference. The Antioch believers commended Paul and Silas to the Lord, recognizing that this mission was led by God, not just Paul’s decision.
3. God provides the right people at the right time. Paul lost Barnabas as a partner, but God gave him Silas, who would be a strong co-worker in ministry.
4. Being sent by the church is important. Paul and Silas didn’t just go on their own—they were sent with the support and blessing of the church.

Literary Analysis

Acts 15:40 is a transition verse, showing how Paul’s ministry moved forward despite the conflict with Barnabas.

• “But Paul chose Silas” – The word “but” contrasts with Barnabas choosing John Mark, emphasizing the split.
• “Commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord” – This phrase highlights God’s guidance and approval, not just human decision-making.
• The structure of the passage shows that while human disagreements happened, God’s work continued without interruption.

This verse prepares the reader for Paul’s second missionary journey, which will include new cities, new converts, and powerful works of God.

Biblical Cross-References

• Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Paul and Barnabas had a plan, but God directed their steps in different ways.)
• Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Paul and Silas were continuing this mission.)
• Acts 13:3 – “So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (Paul’s first mission also started with being commissioned by the church.)
• 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (Paul chose Silas, a reliable partner for the mission.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. God’s work does not depend on perfect people. Even though Paul and Barnabas disagreed, God still used them both for His mission.
2. God brings new people into our lives for different seasons. Barnabas and John Mark had their journey, while Paul and Silas had theirs. God knows who we need to serve with.
3. Being part of a church matters. The Antioch church prayed over Paul and Silas and sent them out, showing that believers should support one another in ministry.
4. We should trust God’s leading even in uncertain situations. Paul’s decision to go without Barnabas may have been painful, but God had bigger plans for him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

• God’s love provides new opportunities even when doors close. Paul lost Barnabas as a partner, but God provided Silas for the journey ahead.
• God’s love includes guidance and blessing. The Antioch church commended Paul and Silas to God’s grace, showing that God’s hand was on their mission.
• God’s love brings unity despite disagreements. Even though Paul and Barnabas parted ways, they remained faithful to God’s mission, proving that disagreements don’t have to destroy relationships.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus sends His followers to preach the gospel. Paul and Silas were carrying out Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20.
2. Jesus provides the right people for the mission. Just as He sent out the disciples two by two (Luke 10:1), Paul was not alone—he had Silas.
3. Jesus is the source of grace for the mission. Paul and Silas were commended to God’s grace, showing that Jesus is the one who empowers all ministry work.
4. Jesus unites believers even when they disagree. Later in life, Paul reconciled with John Mark (2 Timothy 4:11), showing that Jesus brings healing and restoration.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How do you respond when you face disagreements in ministry? Do you let them stop you, or do you keep serving?
2. Have you ever experienced God providing the right people at the right time? How did that impact your faith?
3. Why is it important for missionaries and ministry leaders to be supported and sent by the church?
4. How can we trust God’s guidance even when things don’t go as planned?
5. What does this passage teach us about staying focused on God’s mission despite challenges?

Acts 15:40 reminds us that even when people disagree, God’s mission continues. Paul and Silas were sent out with the church’s blessing, covered in God’s grace, and ready to spread the gospel. This passage encourages us to trust God’s direction, rely on His grace, and continue serving faithfully—no matter what happens.