What does Acts 15:26 mean?

James, the half-brother of Jesus and pastor of the church in Jerusalem, includes a lot in a single letter. He disavows messengers he possibly sent (Galatians 2:12) but who gave the wrong message (Acts 15:1, 24). He affirms the church in Syrian Antioch and its leadership. And he sends his own messengers (Acts 15:22) while still recognizing the legitimacy of the leadership in Syrian Antioch.

Jewish Christians from Judea had gone to the church in Syrian Antioch and told the Gentiles they must be circumcised and follow the Mosaic law to receive salvation through Jesus. Paul and Barnabas argued with the Judaeans. When they reached an impasse, they took the matter to the church in Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, the apostles and elders side with Paul and Barnabas and write a letter to that effect (Acts 15:1–22).

In explaining and affirming their position, James needs to be respectful and conciliatory. He can't just send the letter back with Paul and Barnabas. Even though they would provide the two witnesses so important in Jewish culture, they do not carry the authority of Jerusalem. But Jerusalem doesn't want to appear to disrespect Paul and Barnabas. So, although two witnesses from the church in Jerusalem, Judas Barsabbas and Silas, will take the letter, James adds this note to show he understands and affirms the authority Paul and Barnabas hold. Barnabas' name comes first because he is well respected in the church in Jerusalem (Acts 4:36–37).

Barnabas and Paul must have recounted the dangers they faced when they reported to the apostles and elders (Acts 15:4). Dangers included being run out of Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:50), almost being stoned in Iconium (Acts 14:5–6), and Paul being stoned in Lystra (Acts 14:19–23). Ironically, many from the church in Jerusalem had been persecuted by Paul before his conversion, and some of those who fled Paul's violent reaction to the church built the church in Syrian Antioch (Acts 8:1–3; 9:1–19; 11:19–26).