New International VersionSome time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”
New Living TranslationAfter some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.”
English Standard VersionAnd after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
Berean Standard BibleSome time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”
Berean Literal BibleNow after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, "Indeed, having turned back, let us look after the brothers, how they are, in every city in which we have announced the word of the Lord."
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionThen after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”
New American Standard BibleAfter some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return and visit the brothers and sisters in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
NASB 1995After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
NASB 1977And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
Legacy Standard BibleNow after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
Amplified BibleAfter some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers and sisters (believers) in every city where we preached the message of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”
Christian Standard BibleAfter some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleAfter some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord and see how they’re doing.”
American Standard VersionAnd 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.
Contemporary English VersionSometime later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit the Lord's followers in the cities where we preached his message. Then we will know how they are doing."
English Revised VersionAnd 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAfter a while Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back to every city where we spread the Lord's word. We'll visit the believers to see how they're doing."
Good News TranslationSome time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the believers in every town where we preached the word of the Lord, and let us find out how they are getting along."
International Standard VersionA few days later, Paul told Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord and see how they're doing."
NET BibleAfter some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's return and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord to see how they are doing."
New Heart English BibleAfter some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd some days after, Paul said to 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.
Weymouth New TestamentAfter a while Paul said to Barnabas, "Suppose we now revisit the brethren in the various towns in which we have made known the Lord's Message--to see whether they are prospering!" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSome time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit our brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”
World English BibleAfter some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand after certain days, Paul said to Barnabas, “Having turned back again, we may look after our brothers, in every city in which we have preached the word of the LORD—how they are.”
Berean Literal BibleNow after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, "Indeed, having turned back, let us look after the brothers, how they are, in every city in which we have announced the word of the Lord."
Young's Literal Translation and 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.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd after certain days said Paul to Barnabas, Now having turned back, let us review our brethren in every city in which we announced the word of the Lord, how they hold. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen, after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return to visit the brothers throughout all the cities in which we have preached the Word of the Lord, to see how they are.”
New American BibleAfter some time, Paul said to Barnabas, “Come, let us make a return visit to see how the brothers are getting on in all the cities where we proclaimed the word of the Lord.”
New Revised Standard VersionAfter some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Come, let us return and visit the believers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd some days after, Paul said to Bar’na-bas, Let us return and visit the brethren in every city where we have preached the word of God and see how they do.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd after some days, Paulus said to BarNaba, “Let us return and visit the brethren who are in every city in which we preached the word of God and see how they are doing.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd, after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, let us return, and visit our brethren in every city in which we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
Godbey New TestamentAnd after many days Paul said to Barnabas, Having returned let us now visit the brethren in every city in which we preached the word of the Lord, how they are doing.
Haweis New TestamentThen after certain days said Paul to Barnabas, Let us now return and visit our brethren in every city among whom we have preached the word of the Lord, that we may see how they hold on.
Mace New TestamentSome time after, Paul said to Barnabas, let us return to visit all those cities, where we have preach'd the word of the Lord, to see what condition the brethren are in.
Weymouth New TestamentAfter a while Paul said to Barnabas, "Suppose we now revisit the brethren in the various towns in which we have made known the Lord's Message--to see whether they are prospering!"
Worrell New TestamentAnd, after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, "Turning about, let us visit the brethren in every city, in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing."
Worsley New TestamentAnd after some days Paul said to Barnabas, Let us return and visit our brethren in every city, where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul's Second Missionary Journey35But Paul and Barnabas remained at Antioch, along with many others, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord. 36SometimelaterPaulsaidtoBarnabas,“Let us go backand visitthebrothersineverytownwherewe proclaimedthewordof theLord,to see howthey are doing.”37Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark.…
Cross References Acts 13:2-3While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 11:22-26When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. / When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. / Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. ...
Acts 14:21-23They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, / strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. / Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
Acts 18:23After Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Acts 9:26-30When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. / Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus. / So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ...
Acts 20:36-38When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. / They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him. / They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Acts 16:4-5As they went from town to town, they delivered the decisions handed down by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. / So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
Acts 8:14-17When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. / On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. / For the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. ...
Acts 19:21-22After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.” / He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed for a time in the province of Asia.
Acts 21:17-19When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us joyfully. / The next day Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were present. / Paul greeted them and recounted one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 9:15“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.
Acts 22:17-21Later, when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance / and saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem quickly, because the people here will not accept your testimony about Me.’ / ‘Lord,’ I answered, ‘they know very well that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You. ...
Acts 23:11The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”
Acts 28:30-31Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him. / Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Treasury of Scripture And some days after Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brothers in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do. Cir. Acts 7:23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. Exodus 4:18 And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren whichare in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. Jeremiah 23:2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors 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 the LORD. in every. Acts 13:4,13,14,51 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus… Acts 14:1,6,21,24,25 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed… and see. Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 2 Corinthians 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Jump to Previous BarnabasCityFareLet'sMessagePaulPreachedProclaimedSupposeTownsVariousVisitWhereinWhetherWordJump to Next BarnabasCityFareLet'sMessagePaulPreachedProclaimedSupposeTownsVariousVisitWhereinWhetherWordActs 15 1.Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision.5.The apostles consult about it,22.and send their determination by letters to the churches.36.Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together,39.disagree, and travel different ways.Some time laterThis phrase indicates a period after the events of the Jerusalem Council, where the early church addressed the issue of Gentile believers and the Mosaic Law. The timing suggests a period of reflection and planning for further missionary work. It highlights the ongoing nature of Paul's ministry and the importance of follow-up in discipleship. Paul said to Barnabas
Paul and Barnabas were key figures in the early church, having worked closely together on the first missionary journey. Their partnership was significant in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. This collaboration underscores the importance of teamwork in ministry. Their relationship, however, would soon face a challenge, as seen later inActs 15:39. Let us go back and visit the brothers
Paul's suggestion to revisit the brothers shows his pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of the new believers. It reflects the early church's commitment to nurturing and strengthening the faith of converts. This practice of revisiting and encouraging believers is echoed in Paul's letters, such as in1 Thessalonians 3:2. in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord
This refers to the cities visited during the first missionary journey, including places like Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. These towns were part of the Roman province of Galatia. The phrase emphasizes the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish communities to Gentile regions, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). to see how they are doing
Paul's concern for the spiritual health of the churches he planted is evident here. This pastoral care is a recurring theme in his epistles, where he often expresses his desire to visit and encourage the believers (e.g.,Philippians 1:8,1 Thessalonians 2:17-18). It highlights the importance of accountability and support within the Christian community. Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulA key apostle in the early church, known for his missionary journeys and extensive contributions to the New Testament. Here, he initiates a follow-up visit to the churches they had previously established. 2. BarnabasA fellow missionary and companion of Paul. Known for his encouragement and support, Barnabas played a significant role in the early spread of Christianity. 3. The BrothersRefers to the believers in the various towns where Paul and Barnabas had previously preached. This term highlights the familial bond among early Christians. 4. Every TownIndicates the various locations where Paul and Barnabas had established churches during their first missionary journey. This reflects the widespread nature of their mission work. 5. Proclaimed the Word of the LordRefers to the preaching and teaching of the Gospel message, which was central to the mission of Paul and Barnabas. Teaching Points The Importance of Follow-UpPaul’s desire to revisit the churches underscores the importance of nurturing and strengthening new believers. Discipleship is an ongoing process that requires attention and care. The Role of AccountabilityBy revisiting the churches, Paul and Barnabas demonstrate the need for accountability within the Christian community. This helps ensure that believers remain steadfast in their faith. The Value of Partnership in MinistryPaul and Barnabas’s partnership highlights the effectiveness of working together in ministry. Collaboration can enhance the reach and impact of the Gospel. Commitment to Spiritual GrowthThe initiative to check on the believers’ progress shows a commitment to their spiritual growth. This serves as a model for leaders to invest in the development of those they lead. Encouragement and SupportRevisiting the churches provided an opportunity for encouragement and support, which are vital for sustaining faith, especially in challenging times. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 15:36?
2.How does Acts 15:36 encourage believers to revisit and strengthen fellow believers?
3.What can we learn from Paul's desire to "visit the brothers" in Acts 15:36?
4.How does Acts 15:36 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
5.How can we apply Paul's example of follow-up in our church communities today?
6.What steps can you take to ensure spiritual growth in your local church?
7.What motivated Paul to suggest revisiting the cities in Acts 15:36?
8.How does Acts 15:36 reflect early Christian missionary strategies?
9.What does Acts 15:36 reveal about the relationship between Paul and Barnabas?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 15?
11.What are the key events in Silas's biblical life?
12.How can one heal from being hurt by the church?
13.If prophecy is meant to edify the whole church (1 Corinthians 14:3–4), why do different denominations disagree on prophetic interpretations?
14.Why do churches split over minor doctrinal issues if they follow the same God?What Does Acts 15:36 Mean Some time laterLuke 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 BarnabasThe initiative comes from Paul, yet he addresses his trusted co-laborer. Their partnership, birthed inActs 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 backPaul’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 LordTheir 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 doingThe 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).
summaryActs 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. (36) And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas.--The commonly received chronology of the Acts makes the interval between the Council of Jerusalem and St. Paul's second missionary journey somewhat more than a year. Let us go again.--The proposal was characteristic of one whose heart was ever full of "the care of all the churches" (2Corinthians 11:28), ever making mention of them in his prayers night and day (Romans 1:9;Ephesians 1:16;Philippians 1:3). We may well believe that it was a desire to know, not only the general condition of the churches, but the spiritual growth of each individual member. Verse 36.- After some days for some days after, A.V.; return now for go again, A.V.; the brethren for our brethren, A.V. and T.R.; wherein we proclaimed for where we have preached, A.V.; fare for do, A.V. After some days is hardly equivalent to μετά τιναςἡμέρας. The expression in Greek is quite indefinite as to time, and may cover months as well as days. That it does cover a considerable length of time we gather from the expression in ver. 33, that Judas and Silas "tarried some time at Jerusalem," followed by that in ver. 35, that after their departure "Paul and Barnabas tarried ( διέτριβον) in Antioch." We can hardly suppose the two periods together to have included much less than a year. Let us return, etc. The singular loving care of Paul for his young converts appears here (comp. 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8; 1 Thessalonians 3:5-8; 2 Corinthians 1:14, etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Someτινας(tinas)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.timeἡμέρας(hēmeras)Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250:A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.laterΜετὰ(Meta)Preposition
Strong's 3326:(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.PaulΠαῦλος(Paulos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972:Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.saidεἶπεν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.toπρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.Barnabas,Βαρνάβαν(Barnaban)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 921:Of Chaldee origin; son of Nabas; Barnabas, an Israelite.“Let us go backἘπιστρέψαντες(Epistrepsantes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1994:From epi and strepho; to revert.[and] visitἐπισκεψώμεθα(episkepsōmetha)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1980:To look upon, visit, look out, select.theτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.brothersἀδελφοὺς(adelphous)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80:A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.inκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).everyπᾶσαν(pasan)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.townπόλιν(polin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172:A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.whereαἷς(hais)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.we proclaimedκατηγγείλαμεν(katēngeilamen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2605:To declare openly, proclaim, preach, laud, celebrate. From kata and the base of aggelos; to proclaim, promulgate.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.wordλόγον(logon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.of theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Lord,Κυρίου(Kyriou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.[ to see ] howπῶς(pōs)Adverb
Strong's 4459:Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!they are doing.”ἔχουσιν(echousin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.
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NT Apostles: Acts 15:36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
