John Calvin Commentary Acts 15:25

"it seemed good unto us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul," — Acts 15:25 (ASV)

With our beloved Barnabas and Paul. They set these praises against the slanders with which the false apostles had attempted to discredit Paul and Barnabas. And, first, so that they might remove the opinion of disagreement which had possessed the minds of many, they testify their agreement; secondly, they commend Paul and Barnabas for their fervent zeal and great courage, because they were not afraid to venture or lay down their lives for Christ’s sake.

And this is an excellent virtue in a minister of the gospel, and one which deserves no little praise, if he is not only strong and courageous to fulfill the office of teaching, but also is ready to face danger that arises in defense of his doctrine. As the Lord thus tries the faith and constancy of those who are his, so he, as it were, makes them noble with the marks of virtue, so that they may excel in his Church.

Therefore, Paul presents the marks of Christ which he bore in his body (Galatians 6:17) as a shield to drive back those scoundrels who troubled his doctrine. And though it is not always the case with most strong and courageous teachers and preachers of the gospel that they strive for the gospel until they are in danger of their lives, because the situation does not so require, yet this does not prevent Christ from gaining authority for his martyrs, as often as he brings them into worthy and renowned conflicts.

Nevertheless, let even those who are not compelled to enter combat by any necessity be ready to shed their blood, if God deems it good at any time that it should be so.

But the apostles commend the fortitude of Paul and Barnabas only in a good cause. If it were sufficient to enter dangers manfully, the martyrs of Christ would in no way differ from troublesome and frenzied men, from ruffians and revelers.

Therefore, Paul and Barnabas are commended, not because they simply exposed themselves to dangers, but because they do not refuse to die for Christ’s sake.

Perhaps, also, the apostles meant to rebuke those scoundrels in passing, who, having never suffered anything for Christ’s sake, came out of their ease and luxuries to trouble the churches, which had cost the courageous soldiers of Christ dearly.