Acts 15:41
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Original Language Analysis
διήρχετο
He was passing through
G1330
διήρχετο
He was passing through
Pronunciation:
diērcheto
Strong's:
G1330
Word #:
1 of 10
to pass through
Cross References
Acts 15:23And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:Acts 15:32And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.Acts 21:3Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.Acts 6:9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.Galatians 1:21Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;Acts 18:18And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
Historical Context
Syria and Cilicia contained churches from Paul's earlier ministry (Acts 9:30, 11:25-26). This visit strengthened these churches before Paul ventured into new territory in Asia Minor and Greece.
Questions for Reflection
- How should new churches be strengthened and established in the faith?
- What role does doctrinal instruction play in church stability?
- How can you help confirm and strengthen other believers?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul 'went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.' The verb 'confirming' (Greek 'epistērizō') means strengthening, establishing, making firm. This pastoral follow-up demonstrates that Paul's evangelistic zeal was matched by concern for church stability. Gospel proclamation must be accompanied by doctrinal grounding.