Acts 15:41

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

And {G1161} he went through {G1330} Syria {G4947} and {G2532} Cilicia {G2791}, confirming {G1991} the churches {G1577}.

He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the congregations.

And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Commentary

Acts 15:41 describes the initial phase of the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey, where he, accompanied by Silas, traveled through the Roman provinces of Syria and Cilicia with a specific purpose: to strengthen and encourage the nascent Christian communities established there. This verse underscores the critical importance of follow-up and pastoral care in the early church's growth and stability.

Context

This verse immediately follows a pivotal moment in early Christian history: the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-35). This council addressed the contentious issue of whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law. The council's decision, communicated through a letter, affirmed that salvation was by grace through faith, not by works of the Law. Paul's journey, therefore, was not only about evangelism but also about delivering and reinforcing these crucial theological decisions. His departure from Antioch also marked a separation from Barnabas over John Mark, leading Paul to choose Silas as his new traveling companion for this significant mission.

Key Themes

  • Church Nurturing and Confirmation: The phrase "confirming the churches" highlights that missionary work extends beyond initial conversion. It involves nurturing, teaching, and solidifying the faith of believers. Paul understood the need to revisit and establish believers more firmly in their faith, especially in light of the recent theological debates. This was essential for the spiritual health and organizational stability of these early Christian congregations.
  • Apostolic Oversight and Strategy: Paul's systematic journey through areas where churches were already present demonstrates a strategic approach to church planting and development. His apostolic authority was exercised not just in preaching the gospel but in providing ongoing leadership, guidance, and spiritual reinforcement to those who had already believed.
  • Aftermath of the Jerusalem Council: This journey was vital for disseminating the council's decrees, particularly regarding Gentile inclusion. By confirming the churches, Paul likely helped them understand and accept the theological clarity provided by the council, fostering unity and correct doctrine among diverse groups of believers. This laid groundwork for further growth, as seen in Acts 16:5, where churches were "established in the faith, and increased in number daily."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "confirming" is episterizo (ἐπιστηρί΢ω). This verb means "to strengthen upon," "to establish firmly," or "to make stable." It implies more than just a casual visit; it suggests an active process of reinforcing, encouraging, and providing foundational support to ensure the churches were strong in doctrine and spiritual practice. It conveys the idea of setting something firmly on a foundation, much like being rooted and built up in Christ.

Practical Application

Acts 15:41 offers timeless lessons for Christian ministry today. It emphasizes that discipleship is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Just as Paul revisited and strengthened the early churches, modern church leaders and believers are called to provide consistent pastoral care, theological instruction, and spiritual support. This involves teaching sound doctrine, encouraging believers in their walk with Christ, and addressing challenges within the community. The work of confirming churches is crucial for fostering mature faith, resilience, and unity within the body of Christ, ensuring that the gospel message continues to spread effectively through strong, well-grounded communities.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 15:23

    And they wrote [letters] by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren [send] greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

  • Galatians 1:21

    Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;

  • Acts 15:32

    And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed [them].

  • Acts 6:9

    Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

  • Acts 21:3

    Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

  • Acts 16:4

    And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

  • Acts 16:5

    And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
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