Acts 15 36

Acts 15:36 kjv

And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do.

Acts 15:36 nkjv

Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing."

Acts 15:36 niv

Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing."

Acts 15:36 esv

And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are."

Acts 15:36 nlt

After some time Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing."

Acts 15 verses

Acts 15 36 Meaning

Acts 15:36 records Paul’s proposal to Barnabas for a return visit to the churches they had previously established during their first missionary journey. The purpose was twofold: to physically revisit the locations and to spiritually inspect and encourage the new believers, ensuring their well-being and growth in faith, especially in light of the recently settled issues regarding Gentile believers at the Jerusalem Council. It marks a proactive pastoral initiative aimed at consolidating and nurturing the nascent Christian communities.

Acts 15 36 Context

Acts 15:36 immediately follows the crucial Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-35), where apostles and elders gathered to address the major theological dispute concerning the necessity of circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for Gentile believers. The council, guided by the Holy Spirit, issued a definitive decree that Gentiles were not required to be circumcised but should abstain from certain practices for the sake of fellowship. Paul and Barnabas were key participants in this council, advocating for Gentile inclusion. After delivering the council's letter to the churches in Antioch, they spent some time ministering there. This verse signals Paul’s initiative to begin a second missionary journey, shifting focus from initial proclamation to consolidating and nurturing the established congregations, and communicating the Jerusalem decree.

Acts 15 36 Word analysis

• And after some days (Μετὰ δέ τινας ἡμέρας, Meta de tinas hēmeras): This phrase suggests a period of time, not immediately following the events of the Jerusalem Council or the subsequent stay in Antioch. It implies a moment of reflection and planning after intense ministry, indicating that the decision was deliberate and not impulsive. It highlights a natural break in the narrative and implies a transition phase for strategic planning.

• Paul said to Barnabas (Εἶπεν δὲ Παῦλος πρὸς Βαρναβᾶν, Eipen de Paulos pros Barnaban): Paul takes the initiative for the next phase of ministry. While Barnabas had introduced Paul to the apostles (Acts 9:27) and previously led their first missionary journey as the more senior figure initially (Acts 13:2,7), Paul's role has grown significantly by this point, and he is now a primary initiator of missionary strategy. This dynamic demonstrates a collaborative leadership, though Paul's assertiveness is becoming more prominent.

• Let us return and visit (Ἐπιστρέψαντες δὴ ἐπισκεψώμεθα, Epistrepsantes dē episkepsōmetha):

  • Epistrepsantes (returning/having returned): Emphasizes going back to previous locations, implying continuity with their previous work.
  • Episkepsōmetha (visit/inspect/oversee): This Greek word carries more weight than a mere casual visit. It denotes an intentional, watchful inspection or oversight, indicating a pastoral concern for their spiritual state, welfare, and doctrinal adherence. It implies an act of caring, looking in on, and ministering to them, similar to an "episkopos" (overseer/bishop) caring for a flock. It’s an active term reflecting apostolic responsibility for spiritual well-being.

• the brothers (τοὺς ἀδελφούς, tous adelphous): Refers to fellow believers, the members of the Christian communities established in those cities. It underscores the familial bond and mutual relationship within the early church, viewing converts not merely as numbers but as spiritual family.

• in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord (κατὰ πᾶσαν πόλιν ἐν αἷς κατηγγείλαμεν τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου, kata pasan polin en hais katēngeilamen ton logon tou Kyriou):

  • "every city": Highlights the comprehensive nature of Paul's proposal. The plan was to revisit all previously evangelized locations, demonstrating a commitment to thorough follow-up and discipleship. This shows Paul's dedication to nurturing every part of the established church.
  • "proclaimed" (katēngeilamen): This verb means to declare, announce, or publish publicly and authoritatively. It refers to the initial, public preaching of the Gospel with its inherent power and truth, laying the foundation for these communities. It denotes the act of evangelism and establishing a witness.
  • "the word of the Lord" (ton logon tou Kyriou): This phrase refers to the Gospel message itself – the good news about Jesus Christ, His life, death, resurrection, and Lordship. It signifies the divine origin and authority of the message that brought these churches into being, underscoring that their faith was rooted in God's revealed truth.

• and see how they are doing (πῶς ἔχουσιν, pōs echousin): Literally "how they hold themselves" or "how they have it." This idiomatic expression aims to ascertain their spiritual and practical condition, encompassing their steadfastness in faith, their adherence to biblical teaching, their communal life, and any challenges they might be facing. It represents genuine pastoral solicitude for the welfare and spiritual growth of the new believers.

Acts 15 36 Bonus section

This verse foreshadows the famous dispute between Paul and Barnabas in the very next verse (Acts 15:37-40) regarding John Mark, showing that even devoted co-laborers in God's kingdom can have strong disagreements, which God sovereignly uses for His wider purposes (e.g., resulting in two missionary teams reaching more areas). The phrase "the word of the Lord" emphasizes the centrality of God's revealed truth in all aspects of ministry – from initial proclamation to ongoing nurture and follow-up. It also highlights the shift in focus for early missionary efforts from solely outward evangelism to sustained inward consolidation of existing churches.

Acts 15 36 Commentary

Acts 15:36 is pivotal as it marks the inception of Paul's strategic vision for strengthening nascent Christian communities after initial evangelism. It reveals a proactive pastoral heart, demonstrating that the apostles understood conversion as just the beginning, requiring subsequent discipleship, teaching, and encouragement. Paul's initiative reflects a deeply ingrained apostolic concern for the spiritual health and growth of the "brothers" – new believers whom he regarded as spiritual children needing continued nurture. This desire to "visit and see how they are doing" goes beyond a mere check-up; it implies bringing clarification regarding the Jerusalem Council's decisions, reinforcing their faith, addressing potential internal issues, and ensuring their doctrinal purity. This continuous care model of evangelism and discipleship underscores the ongoing responsibility of leaders to shepherd God's flock, a timeless principle for church growth and stability.