The Meaning of Acts 15:22 Explained

Acts 15:22

KJV: Then 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:

YLT: Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, chosen men out of themselves to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas -- Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren --

Darby: Then it seemed good to the apostles and to the elders, with the whole assembly, to send chosen men from among them with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch, Judas called Barsabas and Silas, leading men among the brethren,

ASV: Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely , Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Then  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: 

What does Acts 15:22 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The Jerusalem leaders chose two witnesses to return to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas to confirm verbally the decision of this council. The custom of sending four persons, representing the people and the council, with an official document has been attested in ancient Greco-Roman literature. [1] Likewise, in many places oral testimony was regarded more highly than written. [2] Judas had a Jewish name so he may have been a Hebraic Jew whereas Silas had a Greek name and probably was a Hellenistic Jew. These men represented both segments of the Jerusalem church.
Judas had the same surname as Joseph Barsabbas, the candidate with Matthias for the vacant apostleship ( Acts 1:23). Consequently some interpreters have assumed that Judas and Joseph were brothers. [3] We also know Silas by his Roman name, Silvanus, in Scripture ( 2 Corinthians 1:19). He was a Hellenistic Jew who had been a leader in the Jerusalem church ( Acts 15:22; Acts 15:27). He was a prophet ( Acts 15:32), a vocal minister in Antioch ( Acts 15:32), a Roman citizen ( Acts 16:37), and an effective amanuensis ( 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12). Silas became Paul"s primary companion on his second missionary journey ( Acts 15:40).
"When one considers the situation of the Jerusalem church in A.D49 , the decision reached by the Jerusalem Christians must be considered one of the boldest and most magnanimous in the annals of church history. While still attempting to minister exclusively to the nation, the council refused to impede the progress of that other branch of the Christian mission whose every success meant further difficulty for them from within their own nation." [4]

Context Summary

Acts 15:22-41 - "confirming The Churches"
This letter was a noble document and fitted for its immediate purpose, but it does not apply directly to us, as the circumstances which called it forth have long since passed away. It was explicit in denying that the rite of circumcision was needful for salvation. It bore ample testimony to the character and work of the two great missionaries whose action had been impugned. It denounced the false teachers whose intrusion had broken the peace of the Church, and laid down the principles which had been embodied in James' speech. Notice the conjunction of the Holy Spirit with the persons who issued this letter, Acts 15:28. Here is convincing proof that the Spirit of God is a person; that He presides in the Church; and that He is willing to become our guide and teacher whenever we are perplexed.
The arrival of Judas and Silas, attesting by their presence the importance that the mother church attached to the question at issue, and the reading of the letter, brought great relief to the believers at Antioch, and a blessed season of teaching and preaching ensued.
It is unpleasant to see the contention between the two leaders over John Mark, but God overruled it for good and Paul could later write to Timothy, "Take Mark and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering," 2 Timothy 4:11, r.v. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 15

1  Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision
5  The apostles consult about it,
22  and send their determination by letters to the churches
36  Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together,
39  disagree, and travel different ways

Greek Commentary for Acts 15:22

Then it seemed good [Τοτε εδοχεν]
First aorist active indicative of δοκεω — dokeō A regular idiom at the beginning of decrees. This Eirenicon of James commended itself to the whole assembly. Apparently a vote was taken which was unanimous, the Judaizers probably not voting. The apostles and the elders (τοις αποστολοις και τοις πρεσβυτεροις — tois apostolois kai tois presbuterois article with each, dative case) probably all vocally expressed their position. [source]
With the whole church [συν ολει τηι εκκλησιαι]
Probably by acclamation. It was a great victory. But James was a practical leader and he did not stop with speeches and a vote. To choose men out of their company (εκλεζαμενους ανδρας εχ αυτων — eklezamenous andras exō autōn). Accusative case, though dative just before (τοις αποστολοις — tois apostolois etc.), of first aorist middle participle of εκλεγω — eklegō to select. This loose case agreement appears also in γραπσαντες — grapsantes in Acts 15:23 and in MSS. in Acts 15:25. It is a common thing in all Greek writers (Paul, for instance), especially in the papyri and in the Apocalypse of John. Judas called Barsabbas Not otherwise known unless he is a brother of Joseph Barsabbas of Acts 1:23, an early follower of Jesus. The other, Silas, is probably a shortened form of Silvanus Chief men (ηγουμενους — hēgoumenous). Leaders, leading men (participle from ηγεομαι — hēgeomai to lead). [source]
To choose men out of their company [εκλεζαμενους ανδρας εχ αυτων]
Accusative case, though dative just before (τοις αποστολοις — tois apostolois etc.), of first aorist middle participle of εκλεγω — eklegō to select. This loose case agreement appears also in γραπσαντες — grapsantes in Acts 15:23 and in MSS. in Acts 15:25. It is a common thing in all Greek writers (Paul, for instance), especially in the papyri and in the Apocalypse of John. [source]
Judas called Barsabbas [Ιουδαν τον καλουμενον αρσαββαν]
Not otherwise known unless he is a brother of Joseph Barsabbas of Acts 1:23, an early follower of Jesus. The other, Silas, is probably a shortened form of Silvanus Chief men (ηγουμενους — hēgoumenous). Leaders, leading men (participle from ηγεομαι — hēgeomai to lead). [source]
Chief men [ηγουμενους]
Leaders, leading men (participle from ηγεομαι — hēgeomai to lead). [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 15:22

Acts 15:25 It seemed good unto us [εδοχεν ημιν]
See statement by Luke in Acts 15:22, and now this definite decision is in the epistle itself. It is repeated in Acts 15:28. [source]
Acts 15:25 To choose out men and send them [εκλεχαμενοις ανδρας πεμπσαι]
Precisely the same idiom as in Acts 15:22, “having chosen out to send.” [source]
Acts 22:17 When I had returned [μοι υποστρεπσαντι]
Note dative μοι — moi with εγενετο — egeneto as in Acts 22:6, genitive μου — mou (genitive absolute with προσευχομενου — proseuchomenou), accusative of general reference με — me with γενεσται — genesthai and with no effort at uniformity, precisely as in Acts 15:22, Acts 15:23 which see. The participle is especially liable to such examples of anacolutha (Robertson, Grammar, p. 439). [source]
Acts 25:27 In sending [πεμποντα]
Note accusative case with the infinitive σημαναι — sēmānai though μοι — moi (dative) just before. Cf. same variation in Acts 15:22.; Acts 22:17. Signify (σημαναι — sēmānai). First aorist active infinitive (not σημηναι — sēmānai the old form) of σημαινω — sēmainō to give a sign (σημειον — sēmeion). The charges This naive confession of Festus reveals how unjust has been his whole treatment of Paul. He had to send along with the appeal of Paul litterae dimissoriae (αποστολι — apostoli) which would give a statement of the case (Page). [source]
Acts 15:23 The apostles and the elders, brethren [οι αποστολοι και οι πρεσβυτεροι αδελποι]
So the oldest and best MSS. without τοις αδελποις — kai (and) before “brethren.” This punctuation is probably correct and not “elder brethren.” The inquiry had been sent to the apostles and elders (Acts 15:2) though the whole church joined in the welcome (Acts 15:4) and in the decision (Acts 15:22). The apostles and elders send the epistle, but call themselves “brothers to brothers,” Fratres Fratibus Salutem. “The brothers” Greeting (χαιρειν — Chairein). The customary formula in the beginning of letters, the absolute infinitive (usually chairein) with the nominative absolute also as in James 1:1; Acts 23:26 and innumerable papyri (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1902f.). [source]
Acts 15:25 Having come to one accord [γενομενοις ομοτυμαδον]
On this adverb, common in Acts, See note on Acts 1:14. But γενομενοις — genomenois clearly means that the final unity was the result of the Conference (private and public talks). The Judaizers are here brushed to one side as the defeated disturbers that they really were who had lacked the courage to vote against the majority. To choose out men and send them (εκλεχαμενοις ανδρας πεμπσαι — eklexamenois andras pempsai A B L, though Aleph C D read εκλεχαμενους — eklexamenous as in Acts 15:22). Precisely the same idiom as in Acts 15:22, “having chosen out to send.” With our beloved Barnabas and Paul The verbal adjective αγαπητοις — agapētois (common in the N.T.) definitely sets the seal of warm approval on Barnabas and Paul. Paul (Galatians 2:9) confirms this by his statement concerning the right hand of fellowship given. [source]
Acts 15:40 Commended [παραδοτεις]
First aorist passive of παραδιδωμι — paradidōmi the same verb employed about Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:26) on their return from the first tour. It is clear now that the sympathy of the church at Antioch is with Paul rather than with Barnabas in the cleavage that has come. The church probably recalled how in the pinch Barnabas flickered and went to the side of Peter and that it was Paul who for the moment stood Paulus contra mundum for Gentile liberty in Christ against the threat of the Judaizers from Jerusalem. Silas had influence in the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:22) and was apparently a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37) also. He is the Silas or Silvanus of the epistles (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Peter 5:12). It is remarkable that Peter mentions both Mark and Silas as with him (1 Peter 5:12.) at the same time. [source]
Acts 16:4 The decrees [τα δογματα]
Old word from δοκεω — dokeō to give an opinion. It is used of public decrees of rulers (Luke 2:1; Acts 17:7), of the requirements of the Mosaic law (Colossians 2:14), and here of the regulations or conclusions of the Jerusalem Conference. Silas was with Paul and his presence gave added dignity to the passing out of the decrees, a charter of Gentile freedom, since he was one of the committee from Jerusalem to Antioch (Acts 15:22, Acts 15:27, Acts 15:32). Which had been ordained (τα κεκριμενα — ta kekrimena). Perfect passive articular participle of κρινω — krinō to judge, emphasizing the permanence of the conclusions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. For to keep This present active infinitive likewise accents that it is a charter of liberty for continual living, not a temporary compromise. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:28 In the church [en tēi ekklēsiāi)]
The general sense of αποστολους — ekklēsia as in Matthew 16:18 and later in Colossians 1:18, Colossians 1:24; Ephesians 5:23, Ephesians 5:32; Hebrews 12:23. See list also in Ephesians 4:11. See note on Matthew 10:2 for προπητας — apostolous the official title given the twelve by Jesus, and claimed by Paul though not one of the twelve. Prophets (διδασκαλους — prophētas). For-speakers for God and Christ. See the list of prophets and teachers in Acts 13:1 with Barnabas first and Saul last. Prophets are needed today if men will let God‘s Spirit use them, men moved to utter the deep things of God. Teachers Old word from αποστολος — didaskō to teach. Used to the Baptist (Luke 3:12), to Jesus (John 3:10; John 13:13), and of Paul by himself along with επειτα δυναμεις — apostolos (1 Timothy 2:7). It is a calamity when the preacher is no longer a teacher, but only an exhorter. See note on Ephesians 4:11. Then miracles (δυναμεισ ιαμητων γλωσσων — epeita dunameis). Here a change is made from the concrete to the abstract. See the reverse in Romans 12:7. See these words (γλωσσων — dunameisαντιλημπσεις — iamētōnαντιλαμβανομαι — glōssōn) in 1 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Corinthians 12:10 with κυβερνησεις — glōssōn last again. But these two new terms (helps, governments). Helps Old word, from Κυβερνητης — antilambanomai to lay hold of. In lxx, common in papyri, here only in N.T. Probably refers to the work of the deacons, help rendered to the poor and the sick. Governments (επισχοποι — kubernēseis). Old word from πρεσβυτεροι — kubernaō (cf. οι προισταμενοι — Kubernētēs in Acts 27:11) like Latin gubernare, our govern. So a governing. Probably Paul has in mind bishops (οι ηγουμενοι — episcopoi) or elders (presbuteroi), the outstanding leaders (hoi proistamenoi in 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Romans 12:8; hoi hēgoumenoi in Acts 15:22; Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17, Hebrews 13:24). Curiously enough, these two offices (pastors and deacons) which are not named specifically are the two that survive today. See note on Philemon 1:1 for both officers. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:28 Teachers [διδασκω]
Old word from αποστολος — didaskō to teach. Used to the Baptist (Luke 3:12), to Jesus (John 3:10; John 13:13), and of Paul by himself along with επειτα δυναμεις — apostolos (1 Timothy 2:7). It is a calamity when the preacher is no longer a teacher, but only an exhorter. See note on Ephesians 4:11. Then miracles (δυναμεισ ιαμητων γλωσσων — epeita dunameis). Here a change is made from the concrete to the abstract. See the reverse in Romans 12:7. See these words (γλωσσων — dunameisαντιλημπσεις — iamētōnαντιλαμβανομαι — glōssōn) in 1 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Corinthians 12:10 with κυβερνησεις — glōssōn last again. But these two new terms (helps, governments). Helps Old word, from Κυβερνητης — antilambanomai to lay hold of. In lxx, common in papyri, here only in N.T. Probably refers to the work of the deacons, help rendered to the poor and the sick. Governments (επισχοποι — kubernēseis). Old word from πρεσβυτεροι — kubernaō (cf. οι προισταμενοι — Kubernētēs in Acts 27:11) like Latin gubernare, our govern. So a governing. Probably Paul has in mind bishops (οι ηγουμενοι — episcopoi) or elders (presbuteroi), the outstanding leaders (hoi proistamenoi in 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Romans 12:8; hoi hēgoumenoi in Acts 15:22; Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17, Hebrews 13:24). Curiously enough, these two offices (pastors and deacons) which are not named specifically are the two that survive today. See note on Philemon 1:1 for both officers. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:28 Helps [κυβερναω]
Old word, from Κυβερνητης — antilambanomai to lay hold of. In lxx, common in papyri, here only in N.T. Probably refers to the work of the deacons, help rendered to the poor and the sick. Governments (επισχοποι — kubernēseis). Old word from πρεσβυτεροι — kubernaō (cf. οι προισταμενοι — Kubernētēs in Acts 27:11) like Latin gubernare, our govern. So a governing. Probably Paul has in mind bishops (οι ηγουμενοι — episcopoi) or elders (presbuteroi), the outstanding leaders (hoi proistamenoi in 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Romans 12:8; hoi hēgoumenoi in Acts 15:22; Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17, Hebrews 13:24). Curiously enough, these two offices (pastors and deacons) which are not named specifically are the two that survive today. See note on Philemon 1:1 for both officers. [source]
Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened [πεφωτισμένους τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς τῆς καρδίας ὑμῶν]
Rev., eyes of your heart. Lit., being enlightened as to the eyes of your heart; enlightened being joined with you (Ephesians 1:17) by a somewhat irregular construction: may give unto you being enlightened. For a similar construction see Acts 15:22. The phrase eyes of the heart occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. Plato has eye of the soul ( ψυχῆς , “Sophist,” 254). Ovid, speaking of Pythagoras, says: “With his mind he approached the gods, though far removed in heaven, and what nature denied to human sight, he drew forth with the eyes of his heart” (“Metamorphoses,” xv., 62-64). Heart is not merely the seat of emotion, as in popular usage, but of thought and will. See on Romans 1:21. The particular aspect in which its activity is viewed, perception or cognition, is determined by what follows, “that ye may know,” etc. [source]
Ephesians 1:18 Having the eyes of your heart enlightened [πεπωτισμενους τους οπταλμους της καρδιας υμων]
A beautiful figure, the heart regarded as having eyes looking out toward Christ. But the grammar is difficult. There are three possible interpretations. One is an anacoluthon, the case of πεπωτισμενους — pephōtismenous being changed from the dative υμιν — humin (to you) to the accusative because of the following infinitive like εκλεχαμενους — eklexamenous (Acts 15:22) after αποστολοις — apostolois Another way of explaining it is to regard it as a tertiary predicate of δωιη — dōiē a loose expansion of πνευμα — pneuma The third way is to regard the construction as the accusative absolute, a rare idiom possible in Acts 26:3; 1 Corinthians 16:3; 1 Timothy 2:6. In this case, the participle merely agrees with τους οπταλμους — tous ophthalmous not with υμιν — humin “the eyes of your heart having been enlightened.” Otherwise τους οπταλμους — tous ophthalmous is the accusative retained after the passive participle. [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:1 Silvanus []
The Silas of the Acts, where alone the form Σίλας occurs. By Paul always Σιλουανός , of which Σίλας is a contraction, as Λουκᾶς from Λουκανός . Similar contractions occur in Class., as Ἁλεξᾶς for Ἁλέξανδρος for Ἁλέξανδρος , and that for Ἁρτεμίδωρος . Silas first appears in Acts 15:22, as one of the bearers of the letter to the Gentile Christians at Antioch. He accompanied Paul on his second missionary tour, and was left behind with Timothy when Paul departed from Macedonia after his first visit. He was probably a Jewish Christian (see Acts 16:20), and was, like Paul, a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37, Acts 16:38). Hence his Roman name. He cannot with any certainty be identified with the Silvanus of 1 Peter 5:12. [source]
Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you [μνημονεύετε τῶν ἡγουμένων ὑμῶν]
Remember, with a view to observing their admonitions. For τῶν ἡγουμένων thosewho lead or rule, see on 1 Thessalonians 5:13. Used of both civil and ecclesiastical rulers. Clement of Rome, among a great variety of names for church functionaries, has both ἡγούμενοι and προηγούμενοι (see Ad Corinth. i, xxi). Comp. Acts 15:22. In lxx frequently, of various forms of authority, and in later Greek of bishops and abbots. For “which have the rule,” rend. “which had,” etc. [source]
James 5:14 Let him call for [προσκαλεσαστω]
First aorist (ingressive) middle imperative of προσκαλεω — proskaleō Note change of tense (aorist) and middle (indirect) voice. Care for the sick is urged in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (“help the sick”). Note the plural here, “elders of the church,” as in Acts 20:17; Acts 15:6, Acts 15:22; Acts 21:18; Philemon 1:1 (bishops).Let them pray over him (προσευχαστωσαν επ αυτον — proseuxasthōsan ep' auton). First aorist middle imperative of προσευχομαι — proseuchomai Prayer for the sick is clearly enjoined.Anointing him with oil First aorist active participle of αλειπω — aleiphō old verb, to anoint, and the instrumental case of ελαιον — elaion (oil). The aorist participle can be either simultaneous or antecedent with προσευχαστωσαν — proseuxasthōsan (pray). See the same use of αλειπω ελαιωι — aleiphō elaiōi in Mark 6:13. The use of olive oil was one of the best remedial agencies known to the ancients. They used it internally and externally. Some physicians prescribe it today. It is clear both in Mark 6:13 and here that medicinal value is attached to the use of the oil and emphasis is placed on the worth of prayer. There is nothing here of the pagan magic or of the later practice of “extreme unction” (after the eighth century). It is by no means certain that αλειπω — aleiphō here and in Mark 6:13 means “anoint” in a ceremonial fashion rather than “rub” as it commonly does in medical treatises. Trench (N.T. Synonyms) says: “Αλειπειν — Aleiphein is the mundane and profane, χριειν — chriein the sacred and religious, word.” At bottom in James we have God and medicine, God and the doctor, and that is precisely where we are today. The best physicians believe in God and want the help of prayer. [source]
1 Peter 5:12 Silvanus []
Probably the companion of Paul known in the Acts as Silas (Acts 15:22, Acts 15:27, Acts 15:32, Acts 15:34, Acts 15:40, etc.), and called Silvanus by Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1. [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 15:22 mean?

Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders with all the church having chosen men out from them to send to Antioch - Paul Barnabas Judas - called Barsabbas Silas leading among the brothers
Τότε ἔδοξε τοῖς ἀποστόλοις καὶ πρεσβυτέροις σὺν ὅλῃ τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ ἐκλεξαμένους ἄνδρας ἐξ αὐτῶν πέμψαι εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν τῷ Παύλῳ Βαρνάβᾳ Ἰούδαν τὸν καλούμενον Βαρσαββᾶν Σιλᾶν ἡγουμένους ἐν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς

ἔδοξε  it  seemed  good 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: δοκέω  
Sense: to be of opinion, think, suppose.
τοῖς  to  the 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἀποστόλοις  apostles 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀπόστολος  
Sense: a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders.
πρεσβυτέροις  elders 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: πρεσβύτερος  
Sense: elder, of age,.
ἐκκλησίᾳ  church 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐκκλησία  
Sense: a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly.
ἐκλεξαμένους  having  chosen 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Middle, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ἐκλέγομαι  
Sense: to pick out, choose, to pick or choose out for one’s self.
ἄνδρας  men 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀνήρ  
Sense: with reference to sex.
ἐξ  out  from 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐκ 
Sense: out of, from, by, away from.
πέμψαι  to  send 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: πέμπω  
Sense: to send.
Ἀντιόχειαν  Antioch 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: Ἀντιόχεια  
Sense: Capital of Syria, situated on the river Orontes, founded by Seleucus Nicanor in 300 B.
τῷ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Παύλῳ  Paul 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Παῦλος  
Sense: Paul was the most famous of the apostles and wrote a good part of the NT, the 4 Pauline epistles.
Βαρνάβᾳ  Barnabas 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Βαρναβᾶς  
Sense: the surname of Joses or Joseph, a Levite, a native of Cyprus He was a distinguished Christian teacher and companion and colleague of Paul.
Ἰούδαν  Judas 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰούδας 
Sense: the fourth son of Jacob.
τὸν  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
καλούμενον  called 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: καλέω  
Sense: to call.
Βαρσαββᾶν  Barsabbas 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Βαρσαββᾶς  
Sense: the surname of a certain Joseph (Acts :23).
Σιλᾶν  Silas 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Σίλας  
Sense: a Roman citizen, the companion of the apostle Paul on several of his missionary journeys.
ἡγουμένους  leading 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ἐπιτροπεύω 
Sense: to lead.
ἀδελφοῖς  brothers 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀδελφός  
Sense: a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother.