What is the meaning of Acts 15:36? Some time later Luke notes an interval after the Jerusalem Council decision had been delivered (Acts 15:22-35). The word of the Lord kept spreading in Antioch, but neither Paul nor Barnabas allowed busy local ministry to dull their sense of mission. Time passed—long enough for new converts in Galatia to need further grounding (cf. Acts 14:27-28). Their patience models the wisdom of waiting on God’s timing (Acts 16:6-10). Paul said to Barnabas The initiative comes from Paul, yet he addresses his trusted co-laborer. Their partnership, birthed in Acts 13:2-3 and tempered by shared trials (Acts 14:19-20), shows that ministry is not a solo effort. Jesus sent disciples out two by two (Luke 10:1), and “Two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Seeking Barnabas’s agreement honors both accountability and friendship. Let us go back Paul’s first instinct after evangelizing is not to push on to unexplored regions but to return. Earlier he had “returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples” (Acts 14:21-22). The Great Commission includes “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20), making follow-up visits as essential as initial proclamation. and visit the brothers in every town “Brothers” highlights the family bond created by the gospel (Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 13:1). No church is too small or distant; every town deserves shepherding attention. By listing “every town,” Paul envisions a sweep through Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and perhaps the smaller stops in between, demonstrating impartial pastoral care (James 2:1). where we proclaimed the word of the Lord Their earlier message was not their own philosophy but God’s authoritative word (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 4:2). Churches exist only because that word was preached, so maintaining their health means returning to the same Foundation. Fidelity to Scripture, rather than novelty, drives Paul and Barnabas. to see how they are doing The goal is spiritual welfare, not statistics. Paul will later confess, “I was afraid that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might have been in vain” (1 Thessalonians 3:5). Genuine love asks, “How are they really?” He intends to encourage, correct, and appoint leaders as needed (Acts 14:23). Shepherds must know the condition of their flock (Proverbs 27:23). summary Acts 15:36 reveals the missionary heart: time-sensitive discernment, team ministry, commitment to revisit converts, equal concern for every congregation, unshakable confidence in the Word, and deep pastoral care for believers’ progress. Paul’s simple proposal models a church mindset that values ongoing discipleship as much as initial evangelism. |
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