Acts 15:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
And
G3303
μὲν
And
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
G3767
προπεμφθέντες
being brought on their way
G4311
προπεμφθέντες
being brought on their way
Strong's:
G4311
Word #:
4 of 24
to send forward, i.e., escort or aid in travel
ὑπὸ
by
G5259
ὑπὸ
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
5 of 24
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίας
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίας
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
7 of 24
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
τήν
G3588
τήν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φοινίκην
Phenice
G5403
Φοινίκην
Phenice
Strong's:
G5403
Word #:
10 of 24
palm-country; phoenice (or phoenicia), a region of palestine
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Σαμάρειαν
Samaria
G4540
Σαμάρειαν
Samaria
Strong's:
G4540
Word #:
12 of 24
samaria (i.e., shomeron), a city and region of palestine
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
17 of 24
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐποίουν
they caused
G4160
ἐποίουν
they caused
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
19 of 24
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
μεγάλην
great
G3173
μεγάλην
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
21 of 24
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
Cross References
Acts 14:27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.Acts 21:5And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.Acts 15:12Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.Romans 15:24Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.1 Corinthians 16:11Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.1 Corinthians 16:6And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.Titus 3:13Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
Historical Context
The route from Antioch to Jerusalem passed through Phoenicia (coastal region including Tyre and Sidon) and Samaria, both areas with significant Gentile populations. This allowed Paul to report firsthand the fruit of Gentile evangelism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine conversion produce joy in the wider Christian community?
- What role does testimony play in strengthening faith and encouraging others?
- How should we celebrate God's work among different people groups today?
Analysis & Commentary
As they traveled, Paul and Barnabas 'declared the conversion of the Gentiles' (Greek 'epistrophē' - turning, conversion), causing great joy among believers. This spontaneous testimony reveals the missionary heart of early Christianity. The joy of the brethren demonstrates that most Jewish Christians celebrated Gentile inclusion, contrary to the Judaizers' narrow view.