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Acts 15:3

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And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

And {G3303}{G3767} being brought on their way {G4311} by {G5259} the church {G1577}, they passed through {G1330} Phenice {G5403} and {G2532} Samaria {G4540}, declaring {G1555} the conversion {G1995} of the Gentiles {G1484}: and {G2532} they caused {G4160} great {G3173} joy {G5479} unto all {G3956} the brethren {G80}.

After being sent off by the congregation, they made their way through Phoenicia and Shomron, recounting in detail how the Gentiles had turned to God; and this news brought great joy to all the brothers.

Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers.

They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Commentary

Acts 15:3 details a significant journey undertaken by Paul and Barnabas, reflecting the early church's mission and internal dynamics. As they travel from Antioch to Jerusalem for what would become known as the Jerusalem Council, they share the exciting news of Gentile conversions, fostering joy among believers along their route.

Context

This verse provides the immediate prelude to the pivotal Jerusalem Council described later in Acts 15. Paul and Barnabas had just completed their first missionary journey, witnessing a remarkable influx of Gentiles into the Christian faith. However, their success also brought theological tension, specifically regarding whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law to be saved, a debate ignited by certain Jewish believers from Judea who came to Antioch (Acts 15:1-2). The church in Antioch, having been instrumental in sending Paul and Barnabas on their mission (Acts 13:1-3), now sent them to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders on this crucial matter.

Key Themes

  • Church Support and Fellowship: The phrase "brought on their way by the church" highlights the communal support and endorsement of Paul and Barnabas's mission. It signifies the church's unity and shared purpose in spreading the gospel. This was not a solo endeavor but a mission backed by the collective body of believers.
  • The Spread of the Gospel to Gentiles: Paul and Barnabas actively "declaring the conversion of the Gentiles" underscores the revolutionary expansion of Christianity beyond its Jewish roots. This news was a testament to God's grace extending beyond ethnic boundaries, a theme previously highlighted in the conversion of Cornelius and his household. Their narration demonstrated the Holy Spirit's work among non-Jews.
  • Joy in the Early Christian Community: The news "caused great joy unto all the brethren." This indicates that many believers, particularly those in Phenice (Phoenicia) and Samaria, embraced the inclusivity of the gospel. This joy stemmed from seeing God's salvation reaching a broader segment of humanity, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of God's blessing to all nations.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "declaring" is διηγούμενοι (diēgoumenoi), which implies a detailed, continuous narration or recounting. It suggests that Paul and Barnabas were not just giving a brief report but were sharing extensive testimonies and stories of how God was working among the Gentiles, likely including specific examples and miraculous interventions.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Celebrate God's Work: We should share and rejoice in stories of God's transforming power, especially when the gospel reaches new people or unexpected places. Such testimonies build faith and unity within the church.
  • Support Missions: The church's act of "bringing them on their way" reminds us of the importance of actively supporting those who are sent out to share the gospel, whether through prayer, financial giving, or practical assistance.
  • Embrace Inclusivity: The joy over Gentile conversions challenges us to celebrate the diversity within the body of Christ and to ensure our churches are welcoming spaces for people from all backgrounds, races, and walks of life. The gospel is for everyone, and our joy should reflect that truth.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 14:27 (6 votes)

    And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

  • Acts 21:5 (4 votes)

    And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till [we were] out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

  • Acts 15:12 (3 votes)

    Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

  • Acts 11:18 (3 votes)

    When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

  • Acts 11:19 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:6 (3 votes)

    And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

  • Titus 3:13 (3 votes)

    Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.