The Debate - Pt. 4: Conveying the Decision

Baptist Daily Devotional
Aug 25
2 min read

Rev Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 25 2025 | Acts 15:20-29

KEY VERSE: “Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. Acts 15:22 (ESV)

MESSAGE:

The Jerusalem Council had reached a Spirit-led decision regarding Gentile believers, and now came the crucial task of communicating their conclusion to the churches. Though not all members participated in the debate (Acts 15:5-6), the entire church was involved in selecting the delegation. This demonstrates a powerful act of unity and ownership.

The delegation included Paul and Barnabas, seasoned missionaries whose presence would reassure the Gentile churches.

Judas (a Hebrew name) and Silas (a Greek name) also formed part of the delegation to communicate the conclusions of the Jerusalem Council to the churches. Their different backgrounds brought balance and credibility to the team. They are described as “leading men,” that is, people of influence. Their role wasn’t, therefore, merely symbolic. It was intended to give weight to the message of the Church Leaders in Jerusalem. Acts 15:32 tells us they “encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.” Their inclusion ensured that the message was not only delivered but also received with clarity and conviction.

Paul and Barnabas were called “beloved” (v. 25) and honoured as “men who risked their lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 26). This delegation, diverse, respected, Spirit-approved, tells us that who we send to deliver a message matters as much as the message itself. It shows us the intentionality and wisdom of the early Church.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

The early Church didn’t delegate randomly. They chose wisely, prayerfully, and inclusively. How are decisions made in the church where you worship? Will you be the one to insist on inclusion of male and female, different backgrounds, experiences and influences in the teams that carry out the mission of the church?

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, raise leaders and messengers who carry Your truth with grace and courage. Help Your Church to choose wisely, delegate intentionally, and communicate decisions with clarity and unity. May every mission be Spirit-led, and every messenger be a vessel of peace. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 237: Ezra 1–4 — Return from Exile and Opposition

DAILY word study: CHOOSE The Greek word eklexamenous (from eklegomai) means “to select, to choose out for a purpose.”

The church didn’t send just anyone. They chose men of proven faith and influence—Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas. God’s mission requires Spirit-led selection. A faithful message needs trustworthy messengers. Choice reflects wisdom, prayer, and unity.

Reflect on This

When decisions are made in my church, do we choose prayerfully and wisely, or simply conveniently?