Acts 15:4

"They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers."

Key Reflection

When the apostles and elders sent out missionaries to Phoenicia and Samaria, they spread news of Gentile conversions, which brought great joy to both Jewish believers (referred to as "brothers") in those regions. This event highlighted the acceptance of non-Jews into the early Christian community, a significant development that resolved the Jerusalem council’s debate on circumcision for Gentiles, ensuring the message of Christ's gospel was embraced widely among diverse communities.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 4. They were received of the church. By the church, in a hospitable and friendly manner. They were acknowledged as Christian brethren, and received with Christian kindness. See Gal 2:9. And they declared. Paul and Barnabas, and those with them. That is, they stated the case; the remarkable conversion of the Gentiles, the evidence of their piety, and the origin of the present dispute. {*} "received of the church" "by" {*} "of the apostles" "by" {d} "they declared" Ac 21:19 {+} "declared" "related" {*} "with" "by" __________________________________________________________________

Related Verses

More from Acts 15

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion