The Greek epilego (Strong's G1951) means 'to choose,' 'to call upon,' or 'to name/call by name.' It combines epi (upon) and lego (to speak/choose). In the New Testament it appears in Acts 15:40 (Paul chose Silas) and John 5:2 (the pool called Bethesda). The word carries connotations of intentional, purposeful selection.
The use of epilego for Paul's selection of Silas after the painful parting with Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41) is theologically instructive. The split between Paul and Barnabas is one of the New Testament's most candid moments of human conflict among believers. Yet out of that difficult rupture, God multiplied missionary teams: Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus; Paul epilegō-chose Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia. What appeared to be a failure of unity became a doubling of gospel outreach. God's sovereign calling often works through and even within human conflict and imperfection.