Acts 15:36 · Bible study
Acts 15:36 Commentary: Paul's Pastoral Vision for Revisiting the Churches
Greek · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why Paul insisted on revisiting the young churches. Greek terms for visitation, pastoral responsibility, and the ongoing care new believers need.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Paul proposes a return visit to the churches he planted to check on their spiritual health and strengthen them.
- Key words: ἐπιστρέψαντες (having turned back, aorist participle), δή (indeed/now), ἐπισκέπτομαι (to visit/care for, as in Matthew 25), πῶς ἔχουσιν (how they are faring).
- Main debate: Whether the initiative was purely human or guided by the Spirit. The first journey began with the Holy Spirit’s direction (Acts 13:2); here the proposal comes from Paul personally.
- Theological theme: The ongoing responsibility of evangelists and pastors for the spiritual welfare of new believers. Follow-up is not optional but essential to faithful ministry.
- Best use: As a model for church planting, discipleship, and pastoral visitation; also as a reminder that initial proclamation must be followed by personal care.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Some 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.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
After 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.”
KJV King James Version 1769
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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And 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.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
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.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
But after certain days Paul said to Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city where we have announced the word of the Lord, [and see] how they are getting on.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
And 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.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y después de algunos días, Pablo dijo á Bernabé: Volvamos á visitar á los hermanos por todas las ciudades en las cuales hemos anunciado la palabra del Señor, cómo están.
E depois de alguns dias, Paulo disse a Barnabé: Voltemos a visitar a nossos irmãos em cada cidade onde tenhamos anunciado a palavra do Senhor, para ver como estão.
Quelques jours s’écoulèrent, après lesquels Paul dit à Barnabas: Retournons visiter les frères dans toutes les villes où nous avons annoncé la parole du Seigneur, pour voir en quel état ils sont.
Nach etlichen Tagen aber sprach Paulus zu Barnabas: Laß uns wiederum ziehen und nach unsern Brüdern sehen durch alle Städte, in welchen wir des HERRN Wort verkündigt haben, wie sie sich halten.
En na enige dagen zeide Paulus tot Barnabas: Laat ons nu wederkeren, en bezoeken onze broeders in elke stad, in welke wij het Woord des Heeren verkondigd hebben, hoe zij het hebben.
E dopo vari giorni, Paolo disse a Barnaba: Torniamo ora a visitare i fratelli in ogni città dove abbiamo annunziato la parola del Signore, per vedere come stanno.
A po kilku dniach rzekł Paweł do Barnabasza: Wróciwszy się , nawiedźmy braci naszych po wszystkich miastach, w którycheśmy opowiadali słowo Pańskie, jakoli się mają.
По некотором времени Павел сказал Варнаве: пойдем опять, посетим братьев наших по всем городам, в которых мы проповедали слово Господне, как они живут.
過了 些 日子，保羅 對 巴拿巴 說：「我們可以 回到 從前宣傳 主 道 的 各 城，看望 弟兄 們景況 如何。」
And after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go back and see the brothers in every town where we have given the word of God, and see how they are.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · Acts 15:36
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that Paul's proposal reflects a core pastoral responsibility. Adam Clarke calls it a 'heavenly man's project' to 'water the seed he had planted' among converts surrounded by impiety. Calvin notes that Paul 'keepeth the course of his calling' as an apostle not tied to one place and that without such care the work would 'shortly after decay.' Matthew Henry highlights that Paul 'remembered that the work appointed him was afar off among the Gentiles.' Wesley focuses on the purpose: to see 'how their souls prosper: how they grow in faith, hope, love.' The verb ἐπισκέπτομαι (episkepsōmetha) means to inspect with concern, to visit the poor, the sick, the imprisoned (Matthew 25:36,43). The aorist participle ἐπιστρέψαντες ('having turned back') implies a deliberate return to a known path. All see this as a model for ministers and missionaries toward young congregations.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Paul's proposal to revisit the churches expresses his ongoing responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the converts, a principle affirmed across Christian traditions.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Paul’s initiative | Paul’s proposal arose from genuine pastoral love and a sense of calling to care for the churches. | In Acts 13:2 the first journey began with the Holy Spirit speaking through the prophets. Here the suggestion is Paul’s own. Some see this as wise human planning, while others see the Spirit guiding through Paul’s natural pastoral instincts, noting no direct command is recorded. |
| Original scope of the journey | Paul intended to revisit the churches he and Barnabas had planted in Asia Minor. | Wesley notes ‘this was all that St. Paul designed at first; but it was not all that God designed.’ Some argue the plan was limited to revisiting; others believe Paul was open to further expansion, as the subsequent journey shows. |
| Model for missionary practice | The principle of following up new converts is biblically sound and widely practiced across traditions. | Some see this as a normative pattern for all church planters. Others view it as descriptive of Paul’s unique apostolic ministry and not necessarily a required template for every missionary context. |
Historical & Cultural Context
After the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch teaching and preaching (v.35). The council had just resolved the question of Gentile inclusion, and Judas and Silas had delivered the letter carrying the decision (vv.22-33). Now 'some days after' their departure, Paul initiates a new journey. The first missionary journey (Acts 13-14) had planted churches in Cyprus and several cities of Asia Minor, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe. Those congregations were young, largely Gentile, and surrounded by pagan culture, Jewish opposition, and superstitious practices. Clarke observes that these converts had 'few advantages' and needed ongoing support.
The Greek construction underscores Paul's thoroughness. Vincent notes that κατὰ πόλιν (kata polin) means 'city by city', no church would be overlooked. The particle δή (dē) adds urgency: 'indeed,' 'now.' Paul does not claim a new prophetic directive; the proposal comes from his own heart. This is human initiative, yet rooted in his apostolic calling. Calvin and Henry argue that Paul knew an apostle was not to settle long in one place but to travel for the sake of the gospel. The language echoes Exodus 4:18, where Moses asks to return to Egypt 'to see whether they are still alive.' Paul is going back to see if his spiritual children are alive in the faith.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Acts 15:36. The Greek text is stable across major editions. The only minor difference among English translations is in handling the particle δή (rendered 'now' in some versions, omitted in others) and the choice of 'visit' versus 'look after' for ἐπισκέπτομαι.
Reception History
This verse has been widely cited as a model for pastoral visitation and follow-up in church planting. Wesley and Bengel used the question 'how they do' as a personal spiritual challenge: 'Reader, how stands it with thee?' Matthew Henry highlighted Paul's active spirit, who could not bear a peaceful settled life at Antioch when the work awaited him. Calvin drew a lesson about balancing local ministry with itinerant calling, arguing that pastors must attend to both wisdom and diligence. The Eastern tradition has read the verse as showing the necessity of ongoing care for the flock, echoing Jesus' own example of visiting the lost. The phrase 'to see how they are doing' remains a touchstone for church leaders checking on the spiritual health of their congregations.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The heart of the shepherd. Paul calls the believers 'our brothers.' This is family language, not detached oversight. The verb 'visit' (ἐπισκέπτομαι) is the same Jesus uses in Matthew 25 for visiting the sick and imprisoned. Paul saw these churches as family, not projects.
- The priority of follow-up. Planting churches is only the first step. Calvin wrote that without revisiting, the work would 'shortly after decay.' Young believers surrounded by paganism needed reinforcement, teaching, and encouragement.
- The question that matters. Paul's goal is 'to see how they are doing.' Wesley paraphrases: 'how their souls prosper, how they grow in faith, hope, love.' This is the core question of every pastoral visit.
Five-point outline
- Initiation: Paul proposes the visit; pastoral care begins with intentional action.
- Relationship: He calls them 'brothers'; he sees them as equal members of God's family.
- Scope: 'In every city', systematic, not selective; no church was forgotten.
- Method: 'Visit' (ἐπισκέπτομαι) implies personal, caring presence, not mere correspondence.
- Purpose: 'To see how they are doing', assessing spiritual health, encouraging growth, identifying needs.
Illustration hooks
- A gardener who carefully waters and tends seedlings after planting, knowing they are vulnerable to weeds and drought.
- A doctor who schedules follow-up appointments after surgery, checking that the patient is healing without complications.
- A teacher who checks in with former students to see if they are applying what they learned and thriving.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why is spiritual follow-up important after a conversion or a mission trip? Does my church have a plan for helping new believers grow?
- How can I, as an ordinary member, 'visit' others in their spiritual journey without holding an official role?
- What would it look like to genuinely ask someone 'how are you doing' about their faith, and mean it?
Leading a Discussion
Paul's proposal to revisit the churches seems simple, but it reveals a deep pastoral conviction that has shaped Christian mission for centuries. This guide invites your group to explore the heart of Paul's care and what it means for your own context.
Discussion questions
- Observation: What does Paul propose to do in verse 36? List the key actions and the people involved.
- Observation: Look at the Greek word ἐπισκέπτομαι (to visit/care for). How does Jesus use this word in Matthew 25:36 and 43? How does that deepen your understanding of Paul's intention?
- Interpretation: Why did Paul feel the need to visit these churches himself rather than send a letter or a messenger? What does this say about personal presence in ministry?
- Interpretation: The verse says 'the word of the Lord' had already been proclaimed in these cities. Why would Paul still feel responsible for these believers after they had heard the gospel and formed churches?
- Interpretation: Paul uses the phrase 'having turned back' (ἐπιστρέψαντες). What does this reveal about his approach to mission? Was this journey a new start or a continuation?
- Application: Paul's question is 'how they are doing.' In your small group or church, how can you regularly and genuinely ask this question of others?
- Application: Think of someone who helped you grow in your faith. What did they do to check on your progress? How can you offer similar follow-up to someone younger in the faith?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Exodus 4:18 | Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” |
| Jeremiah 23:2 | Therefore Yahweh, the God of Israel, says against the shepherds who feed my people: “You have scattered my flock, driven them away, and have not visited them. Behold, I will visit on you the evil of your doings,” says Yahweh. |
| Matthew 25:36 | I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.’ |
| Matthew 25:43 | I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me in; naked, and you didn’t clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ |
| Acts 7:23 | But when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. |
| Acts 13:4 | So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. |
| Acts 13:13 | Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem. |
| Acts 13:14 | But they, passing on from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia. They went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
11 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke highlights Paul's pastoral urgency: he knew young converts surrounded by opposition and superstition needed strengthening. Paul therefore planned an extensive journey to every city where he had preached, determined to water the seed he had planted among these vulnerable new churches.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes notes that Paul's desire to revisit the churches in Asia Minor arose from a natural and sensible concern. He sees the journey not as mere sentiment but as a strategic move that could bring vital support to those still frail congregations.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin highlights Paul's wisdom in staying at Antioch until its order was secure. Paul knew that principal churches anchor lesser ones; a fall there would shake many. So his delay was not negligence but careful strategy, showing that a pastor's well-timed patience can serve the church as much as his activity.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The note highlights that John Mark's earlier departure, when he turned back to Jerusalem from Perga, is the specific reason behind the contention between Paul and Barnabas. This leads to their separation, with Paul choosing Silas for a new journey through Syria and Cilicia.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Note highlights Paul's pastoral concern to revisit the churches after some time, not merely to preach again but to personally see how the believers are faring. This shows that faithful ministry includes ongoing care and follow-up, not just initial evangelism.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights Paul's deep affection for the new believers, whom he calls "brethren" even though they held no office or special gifts. His proposal to revisit them shows that ministers have a duty to check on young churches, inquire about their faith and growth, and encourage them in their duties. This pastoral care is a pattern worthy of imitation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
Paul's proposal to revisit the believers reveals a key feature of his character: he could not settle into a comfortable ministry at Antioch but felt called to far-off work among the Gentiles. This moment shows the first trace of that tender, personal longing for his converts that later fills his letters. For him, true pastoral care meant seeing their faces and strengthening their faith, not merely sending word.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange emphasizes that Paul's second missionary journey began not from a direct
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry contrasts this painful quarrel between two apostles with earlier church disputes that were peacefully resolved. He highlights that Paul, restless by nature, could not stay long out of work or danger, and saw Antioch only as a harbour for refitting before launching another mission.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent draws attention to the Greek phrase behind "Let us go again and visit," which more literally reads "Having returned, let us now visit." He notes that the King James Version omits the word "now," and he observes that "in every city" carries a distributive sense, meaning "city by city."
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes that Paul's original plan was simply to visit the churches he had planted, but God's providence carried him much farther than he intended. He then turns the purpose of such visits into a personal question: the true object of every Christian visitation is to see how souls are prospering in faith, hope, and love. Reader, how do you do?