Acts 15:36
What does Acts 15:36 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 15:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 15:36 means
After some days, Paul proposed to Barnabas that they revisit every city where they had proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how the believers were doing. This shows pastoral concern beyond evangelism: apostles aimed not only to plant but also to strengthen and shepherd churches. Follow-up is essential in mission. Paul’s initiative recognizes that the decree must be worked out on the ground, and that young congregations need encouragement and correction. The desire to see their state reflects a shepherd’s heart, valuing people over mere territory. Planning is part of faithful ministry under the Spirit’s guidance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they fare.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they fare.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go back and see the brothers in every town where we have given the word of God, and see how they are.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and after certain days, Paul said unto Barnabas, `Having turned back again, we may look after our brethren, in every city in which we have preached the word of the Lord--how they are.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And after some days, Paul said to Barnabas: Let us return and visit our brethren in all the cities wherein we have preached the word of the Lord, to see how they do.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But after certain days Paul said to Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city where we have announced the word of the Lord, [and see] how they are getting on.
Context
With Antioch stabilized, attention turns outward again. The council’s decision has implications for all the Gentile churches established earlier. This proposal sets the stage for choosing a team. The next verses reveal a disagreement over whether to take John Mark, whose earlier departure from the work had created doubts for Paul but not for Barnabas.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 13:13
Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.
- Philippians 1:27
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;
- Jeremiah 23:2
Therefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, against the shepherds that feed my people: Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them; behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith Jehovah.
- Acts 7:23
But when he was well-nigh forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.
- Acts 14:1
And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
- Acts 14:21
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,
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