Acts 15:40

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

We have seen one unhappy difference among the brethren, which was of a public nature, brought to a good issue; but here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no less men than Paul and Barnabas, not compromised indeed, yet ending well. I. Here is a good proposal Paul made to Barnabas to go and review their work among the Gentiles and renew it, to take a circuit among the churches they had planted, and see what progress the gospel made among them. Antioch was now a safe and quiet... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 15:36-41

15:36-41 Some time after, Paul said to Barnabas, "Come now, let us go back and visit the brethren in every city in which we preached the word of the Lord, so that we may see how things are going with them." Barnabas wished to take John who was called Mark along with them; but Paul did not think it right to take with them one who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. There was so sharp a difference of opinion that they were separated from each other and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 15:40

And Paul chose Silas ,.... To be his companion and assistant; this being the design of the Holy Ghost in influencing his, mind to stay longer at Antioch, after he, with Judas, was dismissed by the church to go to Jerusalem, Acts 15:33 . and departed ; that is, from Antioch: being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God ; See Gill on Acts 13:26 . The apostle having such a recommendation by the brethren of the church at Antioch, when he departed from them, and nothing... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:40

Being recommended - unto the grace of God - Much stress has been laid upon this, to show that Barnabas was in the wrong, and Paul in the right, because "the brethren recommended Paul and Silas to the grace of God; but they did not recommend Barnabas and John Mark: this proves that the Church condemned the conduct of Barnabas, but approved that of Paul." Now, there is no proof that the Church did not recommend Barnabas to the grace of God, as well as Paul; but, as St. Luke had for the present... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

The paroxysm. The proposal of two friends whose fast friendship was of many years' standing; of two brethren loving and beloved; of two apostles of Jesus Christ, who had long labored together to win souls to Christ and to advance the kingdom of God, and who had achieved together the most signal triumphs over the powers of darkness, who had suffered together, who had undergone the most appalling dangers together, who had stuck by one another under every circumstance of trial and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

Apostles at fault. When a grave and critical juncture had been safely passed without damage done to any, there arose a quarrel about an unimportant and insignificant matter, which had regrettable, not to say deplorable, results. The heart of the earnest and affectionate Paul yearned to know how their converts fared in "every city where they had preached the Word of the Lord" ( Acts 15:36 ). Barnabas immediately acquiesced in Paul's proposal to visit them; everything promised another... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

Beginning of the second missionary journey. The dissension of Paul and Barnabas, painful in itself, may yield useful matter of reflection. HUMAN INFIRMITY IS MATURE CHRISTIANS . 1. The fact of it. Paul judged severely of Mark on moral grounds. His desertion of him and Barnabas ( Acts 13:13 ) on a former occasion was to his mind a strong proof of inconstancy. But Mark had fallen away from them, not from Christ. And Barnabas would lean to the side of leniency and clemency... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

Contention amongst brethren. Importance of the record as showing: 1. The sincerity and simplicity of the Christian writers. An impostor would never have inserted such a fact. 2. The overruling grace of God. The treasure in earthen vessels. Infirmities in the agents magnifies him who, notwithstanding, accomplishes his proposes. Notice— I. THE TRUE PRINCIPLE OF CHRISTIAN WORK . Constant watchfulness and inspection. "See how they fare;" for encouragement and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:40

But for and, A.V.; went forth or departed, A.V.; commended for recommended, A.V.; to for unto, A.V.; the Lord for God, A.V. and T.R. Chose Silas . If Acts 15:34 of the T.R. is a true reading, it accounts for the presence of Silas at Antioch. Otherwise there is no difficulty in supposing that Silas, attracted by the holy zeal of St. Paul and by desire to work among the Gentiles, had come back to Antioch after giving account to the apostles at Jerusalem of the success of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 15:40

Being recommended - Being commended by prayer to God. See notes on Acts 14:26. read more

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