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Acts 15:3

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 15:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
Acts 15:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And certain men came down from Judaea and taught the brethren, [saying], Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and questioning with them, [the brethren] appointed that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church and the apostles and the elders, and they rehearsed all things that God had done with them.
5But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.
6And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter.
← Acts 15:2Acts 15:4 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And being brought on their way by the church, etc.] That is, either being accompanied by some of the brethren of the church some part of the way, out of respect unto them, or being provided by them with things necessary for their journey; (see <560313>Titus 3:13) they passed through Phenice and Samaria; which both lay between Syria and Judea; in the former of which places those that were scattered upon the death of Stephen had preached, and a great number were converted and believed in Christ who were Jews, (<441119>Acts 11:19) and in the latter Philip the evangelist had preached with much success, (<440805>Acts 8:5,12) as therefore their way to Jerusalem lay through these places, they…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“being brought on their way by the church--a kind of official escort. they passed through Phenice--(See on Act 11:19). and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy to the brethren--As the converts in those parts were Jewish (Act 11:19), their spirit contrasts favorably with that of others of their nation.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And being brought on their way by the church - Being attended and conducted by the Christian brethren. See the notes on Romans 15:24. It was customary for the Christians to attend the apostles in their travels. Compare 1 Corinthians 16:6, 1 Corinthians 16:11; 3 John 1:6. Through Phenice - See the note at Acts 11:19. And Samaria - These places were directly on their route to Jerusalem. Declaring the conversion ... - Of the Gentiles in Antioch, and in the regions in Asia Minor through which they had traveled. These remarkable events they would naturally communicate with joy to the Christians with whom they would have contact in their journey. Caused great joy - At the news of the extensive…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“brought: Act 21:5, Act 28:15; Rom 15:24; Co1 16:6, Co1 16:11; Tit 3:13; Jo3 1:6-8 passed: Act 8:14, Act 11:19 declaring: Act 15:12, Act 14:27, Act 21:19, Act 21:20 they caused: Act 11:18, Act 13:48, Act 13:52; Isa 60:4, Isa 60:5, Isa 66:12-14; Luk 15:5-10, Luk 15:23, Luk 15:24, Luk 15:32 Acts 15:4”
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Related study paths

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