King James Version

What Does Acts 15:36 Mean?

Acts 15:36 in the King James Version says “And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached... — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And 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.

Acts 15:36 · KJV


Context

34

Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

35

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

36

And 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.

37

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

38

But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul proposes 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.' This pastoral concern for young churches demonstrates apostolic responsibility. The phrase 'see how they do' shows that evangelism must be followed by discipleship and oversight.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's first journey (Acts 13-14) had established churches in Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. These churches were only 1-2 years old and needed continued apostolic care.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should evangelistic zeal be balanced with pastoral care?
  2. What responsibility do we have to nurture new believers?
  3. How can established Christians encourage and strengthen younger believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
Μετὰ1 of 26

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

δέ2 of 26

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τινας3 of 26

some

G5100

some or any person or object

ἡμέρας4 of 26

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

εἶπεν5 of 26

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Παῦλος6 of 26

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

πρὸς7 of 26

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

Βαρναβᾶν8 of 26

Barnabas

G921

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

Ἐπιστρέψαντες9 of 26

Let us go again

G1994

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

δὴ10 of 26
G1211

a particle of emphasis or explicitness; now, then, etc

ἐπισκεψώμεθα11 of 26

and visit

G1980

to inspect, i.e., (by implication) to select; by extension, to go to see, relieve

τοὺς12 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοὺς13 of 26

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἡμῶν14 of 26

our

G2257

of (or from) us

κατὰ15 of 26

in

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πᾶσαν16 of 26

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

πόλιν17 of 26

city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

ἐν18 of 26

where

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αἷς19 of 26
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

κατηγγείλαμεν20 of 26

we have preached

G2605

to proclaim, promulgate

τὸν21 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγον22 of 26

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ23 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου24 of 26

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

πῶς25 of 26

and see how

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

ἔχουσιν26 of 26

they do

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 15:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 15:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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