22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders , with the whole church , to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas -Judas called Barsabbas , and Silas , leading men among the brethren , 23 and they sent this letter by them, " The apostles and the brethren who are elders , to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles , greetings . 24 "Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words , unsettling your souls , 25 it seemed good to us, having become of one mind , to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul , 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ . 27 "Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas , who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 "For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials : 29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication ; if you keep yourselves free from such things , you will do well . Farewell ." 30 So when they were sent away , they went down to Antioch ; and having gathered the congregation together , they delivered the letter . 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement . 32 Judas and Silas , also being prophets themselves , encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message . 33 After they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brethren in peace to those who had sent them out. 34 [But it seemed good to Silas to remain there .] 35 But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch , teaching and preaching with many others also , the word of the Lord .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 15:22-35
Commentary on Acts 15:22-35
(Read Acts 15:22-35)
Being warranted to declare themselves directed by the immediate influence of the Holy Ghost, the apostles and disciples were assured that it seemed good unto God the Holy Spirit, as well as to them, to lay upon the converts no other burden than the things before mentioned, which were necessary, either on their own account, or from present circumstances. It was a comfort to hear that carnal ordinances were no longer imposed on them, which perplexed the conscience, but could not purify or pacify it; and that those who troubled their minds were silenced, so that the peace of the church was restored, and that which threatened division was removed. All this was consolation for which they blessed God. Many others were at Antioch. Where many labour in the word and doctrine, yet there may be opportunity for us: the zeal and usefulness of others should stir us up, not lay us asleep.