Bible Strands
Acts 15:3
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Luke narrates this moment as Paul, Barnabas, and accompanying believers depart Jerusalem following the council's decision. They travel through Phoenicia and Samaria on their way to report to the apostles and elders.
The words — προπεμφθέντες (propemphthentes) literally means "having been sent forward," indicating the church's formal commissioning. διήρχοντο (diērchonto) denotes the active process of "passing through" the regions.
The thread — The pattern of missionaries reporting divine work to local congregations appears in Acts 14:27, while the theological conclusion regarding Gentile inclusion echoes the elders' declaration in Acts 11:18.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize that Gentile inclusion was validated through communal witness rather than isolated revelation. It demands alignment with the church's collective testimony before seeking further doctrinal resolution.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Acts 14:27 When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
- Acts 21:5 But when our time there had ended, we set out on our journey. All the disciples, with their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city and knelt down on the beach to pray with us.
- Acts 11:18 When they heard this, they had no further objections, and they glorified God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”
- Acts 15:12 The whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.
- Romans 15:24 I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey.
- 1 Corinthians 16:6 Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
- 1 Corinthians 16:11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.
- Titus 3:13 Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they will have everything they need.
- Isaiah 60:4 Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather and come to you; your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the arm.
- Isaiah 66:12 For this is what the LORD says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flowing stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm, and bounced upon her knees.