Acts 15:3
What does Acts 15:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 15:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 15:3 means
On their way to Jerusalem, the delegation passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, sharing the news of Gentile conversions. The believers in those regions responded with great joy, recognizing God’s grace at work beyond Jewish boundaries. This response highlights a key measure of truth: the fruit God produces. The transformed lives of Gentiles testify that the Spirit has already embraced them through faith in Christ. Joy among the brethren contrasts with the anxiety provoked by legalistic demands. Luke shows that the broader church celebrates salvation by grace, not ethnicity or ceremonial initiation, and that testimony to God’s deeds strengthens congregations en route.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So they, being sent on their way by the church, went through Phoenicia and Samaria, giving news of the salvation of the Gentiles, to the great joy of all the brothers.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862they indeed, then, having been sent forward by the assembly, were passing through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the nations, and they were causing great joy to all the brethren.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through Phenice and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy to all the brethren.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They therefore, having been set on their way by the assembly, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, relating the conversion of [those of] the nations. And they caused great joy to all the brethren.
Context
The dispute is serious, but Luke pauses to show the Spirit’s ongoing work and the church’s encouragement. This travel report ties Antioch’s ministry to other regions and builds momentum toward the council. It also frames the upcoming debate: many believers already rejoice over Gentile inclusion. When they arrive in Jerusalem, the delegation will not present theory but God’s actual work. The next verse narrates their reception and reporting before the church, apostles, and elders.
v.2And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and questioning with them, the brethren appointed that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
v.3This passage
v.4And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church and the apostles and the elders, and they rehearsed all things that God had done with them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 16:6
but with you it may be that I shall abide, or even winter, that ye may set me forward on my journey whithersoever I go.
- Luke 15:23
and bring the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and make merry:
- Acts 13:48
And as the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
- Titus 3:13
Set forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
- 3 John 1:6
who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:
- Romans 15:24
whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company)—
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