Chief Men Among Brethren

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"Leading men" (J. N.D. transl.) of unquestionable report were the two chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch (Acts 15:2222Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: (Acts 15:22)). Surely we are not to regard them as being the most popular or ambitious to be prominent, or for having superior personality, or even possessing special gift, or that they had made a name for themselves by outstanding exploits in the Lord's service. Nor were they dictators. It is very unlikely that they were of the wealthy elite.
"The best are those who most know their own nothingness." They do know the loveliness of Christ. As such, their lives were fragrant with the humbleness and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. They had an eye single for His glory and walked in communion with Him. This delivered them from ostentation. Their hearts were warm with unfeigned love for their brethren and true concern for their welfare.
Their names are given in Acts 15:2222Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: (Acts 15:22) and 32; "Judas and Silas, being prophets". They were valued so that the Holy Spirit speaks of them as being "leading" and "prophets". The same Holy Spirit ranks prophets next to the apostles in 1 Cor. 12 and in Eph. 4. Also we may see that in 1 Cor. 14 where "edification" is mentioned seven times, "prophecy" is spoken of fourteen times. 1 Cor. 14:11Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:1) exhorts us to desire the function of gifts, but especially that of prophesying. Its importance is to be noticed because it brings God before the conscience and His mind to bear upon our ways. Thus it is the gateway to the soul when God's love and faithfulness are made to be felt. Do we value the voice of the prophet? or, do we do unto them as was done to Jeremiah? "Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words" (Jer. 18:1818Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words. (Jeremiah 18:18)).
A.C.B.—1974
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