Acts 15:41

King James Version (KJV)

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Confirming the Churches - This was the object of his journey: they were young converts, and had need of establishment; and there is no doubt that, by showing them the decision made at the late council of Jerusalem, their faith was greatly strengthened, their hope confirmed, and their love increased. It was this consideration, no doubt, that led some ancient MSS. and some versions to add here, They delivered them the decrees of the apostles and elders to keep; which clause certainly was not an original part of the text, but seems to have been borrowed from the fourth verse of the following chapter. Some have thought that the fourth and fifth verses of the next chapter really belong to this place; or that the first, second, and third verses of it should be read in a parenthesis; but of this there does not appear to be any particular necessity.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Syria and Cilicia - These were countries lying near to each other, which Paul, in company with Barnabas, had before visited.

Confirming the churches - Strengthening them by instruction and exhortation. It has no reference to the rite of confirmation. See the notes on Acts 14:22.

In regard to this unhappy contention between Paul and Barnabas, and their separation from each other, we may make the following remarks:

(1) That no apology or vindication of it is offered by the sacred writer. It was undoubtedly improper and evil. It was a melancholy instance in which even apostles evinced an improper spirit, and engaged in improper strife.

(2) in this contention it is probable that Paul was, in the main, right. Barnabas seems to have been influenced by attachment to a relative; Paul sought a helper who would not shrink from duty and danger. It is clear that Paul had the sympathies and prayers of the church in his favor Acts 15:40, and it is more than probable that Barnabas departed without any such sympathy, Acts 15:39.

(3) there is reason to think that this contention was overruled for the furtherance of the gospel. They went to different places, and preached to different people. It often happens that the unhappy and wicked strifes of Christians are the means of exciting their mutual zeal, and of extending the gospel, and of establishing churches. But no thanks to their contention; nor is the guilt of their anger and strife mitigated by this.

(4) this difference was afterward reconciled, and Paul and Barnabas again became traveling companions, 1 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 2:9.

(5) there is evidence that Paul also became reconciled to John Mark, Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11. How long this separation continued is not known; but perhaps in this journey with Barnabas John gave such evidence of his courage and zeal as induced Paul again to admit him to his confidence as a traveling companion, and as to become a profitable fellow-laborer. See 2 Timothy 4:11, “Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”

(6) this account proves that there was no collusion or agreement among the apostles to impose upon mankind. Had there been such an agreement, and had the books of the New Testament been an imposture, the apostles would have been represented as perfectly harmonious, and as united in all their views and efforts. What impostor would have thought of the device of representing the early friends of the Christian religion as divided, and contending, and separating from each other? Such a statement has an air of candor and honesty, and at the same time is apparently so much against the truth of the system, that no impostor would have thought of resorting to it.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no less than Paul and Barnabas, yet made to end well. Barnabas wished his nephew John Mark to go with them. We should suspect ourselves of being partial, and guard against this in putting our relations forward. Paul did not think him worthy of the honour, nor fit for the service, who had departed from them without their knowledge, or without their consent: see ch. 13:13. Neither would yield, therefore there was no remedy but they must part. We see that the best of men are but men, subject to like passions as we are. Perhaps there were faults on both sides, as usual in such contentions. Christ's example alone, is a copy without a blot. Yet we are not to think it strange, if there are differences among wise and good men. It will be so while we are in this imperfect state; we shall never be all of one mind till we come to heaven. But what mischief the remainders of pride and passion which are found even in good men, do in the world, and do in the church! Many who dwelt at Antioch, who had heard but little of the devotedness and piety of Paul and Barnabas, heard of their dispute and separation; and thus it will be with ourselves, if we give way to contention. Believers must be constant in prayer, that they may never be led by the allowance of unholy tempers, to hurt the cause they really desire to serve. Paul speaks with esteem and affection both of Barnabas and Mark, in his epistles, written after this event. May all who profess thy name, O loving Saviour, be thoroughly reconciled by that love derived from thee which is not easily provoked, and which soon forgets and buries injuries.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

41. He went. Although the pronoun refers only to Paul, the narrative shows that Silas accompanied the more experienced apostle. Thus the sense of the passage is, “they went” (cf. ch. 16:1, 6).

Syria and Cilicia. As Paul had not visited his home province of Cilicia on the first journey, it is probable that the churches there were founded by him during his years at Tarsus following his conversion (see chs. 9:30; 11:25). But the Judaizers had been active in the two provinces named, and the presence of Paul, with Silas as one of the emissaries from the council, must have helped to allay any doubts or questionings in the minds of either Jews or Gentiles in the churches they now visited.

Confirming. See on ch. 14:22.

1. Came he. Gr. katantaÅÂ, “to come to,” “to arrive at” a certain place. For the use of the singular form see ch. 15:41. Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 10) concerning the inclusion of “also” between “he” and “to.” Its inclusion may serve to emphasize the continuity between chs. 15:41 and 16:1. The chapter division would be better placed in ch. 15 between vs. 35 and 36.

Derbe and Lystra. This continues the visiting of churches previously raised up (ch. 15:36). See on ch. 14:6, where the order is reversed in accord with geography. Here, Paul and Silas would naturally come first to Derbe (see Paul’s Second Missionary Tour). To get to this region from Cilicia, Paul and his companions must have passed through the famous mountain pass, the Cilician Gates, through which Alexander the Great had marched his soldiers.

Was there. It is uncertain whether this refers to Lystra or to Derbe. Informed opinion favors Lystra, although some, on the basis of ch. 20:4, prefer Derbe (see on ch. 14:6). It at least is clear that Timothy came from the Derbe-Lystra district, and was known to the churches in that area as a fruitful disciple.

Timotheus. A common Greek name, meaning “honored of God.” Its English form is “Timothy.” He was probably converted by Paul during his visit to Lystra and Derbe in the First Missionary Journey (see on ch. 14:6). Thus Paul could truly call him “my beloved son” (1 Cor. 4:17) and “my own son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2). He was young (1 Tim. 4:12; see AA 203), probably not more than 18 or 20, since his youth is still spoken of about a dozen years later in 1 Tim. 4:12. But in the almost two years that had passed since Paul’s departure from Lystra (for chronology see pp. 100, 102) Timothy had become well reported of for his devotion and “unfeigned faith” (2 Tim. 1:5). He had been brought up to know the OT from his childhood (2 Tim. 3:15). The fact that he was well thought of by the brethren at Iconium as well as Lystra (Acts 16:2) suggests that he busied himself maintaining contact between the two churches. Paul writes to him and of him as though he were not physically strong, and perhaps less so in later life from having followed a rigorous missionary program (1 Tim. 5:23). He appears to have been emotional (2 Tim. 1:4), yet ready to face hardships and responsibilities in the strength of Christ (1 Cor. 16:10). Timothy is spoken of as a fellow worker with Paul (Rom. 16:21), and was the companion of his labors in the Second and Third Missionary Journeys at least as far as Troas (Acts 20:4, 5). From 1 Cor. 4:17 we learn that he was Paul’s messenger to Corinth, and in 2 Cor. 1:1 he is joined with Paul in the greeting to that church. He was also a messenger between Paul and the church in Thessalonica (1 Thess. 3:2, 6), and must have been at Rome with Paul during his first imprisonment there, for he is mentioned in the epistle to the Philippians (chs. 1:1; 2:19), to the Colossians (ch. 1:1), and to Philemon (v. 1). Heb. 13:23 refers to his being in prison, an event that cannot be located as to time or place. Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History iii. 4. 5) writes of him as the first bishop of Ephesus. He is said to have suffered martyrdom at the hands of the Ephesian populace.

A certain woman. Literally, “a certain woman, a faithful [or “believing”] Jewess.” There is slight textual evidence (cf. p. 10) for the addition of “a widow” after “woman.” If Timothy’s father was dead, this, together with his probable difference in religion, would account for the prominence of the mother in Timothy’s history. Her name was Eunice (Gr. EunikÃ„â€œ, “conquering well,” or “good victory”). Apparently Lois and Eunice were devout Christians (2 Tim. 1:5), and had been careful to give Timothy a Christian education based on a personal knowledge of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:15).

Father. Luke gives no clear information concerning the religion of Timothy’s father. That he was “a Greek” may indicate that he was a heathen Gentile, in which case his marriage with Eunice would not have been acknowledged by the Jews; or, he may have been a Gentile “that feared God” (see on ch. 10:2). However, apparently he was not a full proselyte, for his son, Timothy, had not been circumcised.

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Ellen G. White
The Acts of the Apostles, 202

Barnabas was ready to go with Paul, but wished to take with them Mark, who had again decided to devote himself to the ministry. To this Paul objected. He “thought not good to take ... with them” one who during their first missionary journey had left them in a time of need. He was not inclined to excuse Mark's weakness in deserting the work for the safety and comforts of home. He urged that one with so little stamina was unfitted for a work requiring patience, self-denial, bravery, devotion, faith, and a willingness to sacrifice, if need be, even life itself. So sharp was the contention that Paul and Barnabas separated, the latter following out his convictions and taking Mark with him. “So Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.” AA 202.1

Journeying through Syria and Cilicia, where they strengthened the church, Paul and Silas at length reached Derbe and Lystra in the province of Lycaonia. It was at Lystra that Paul had been stoned, yet we find him again on the scene of his former danger. He was anxious to see how those who through his labors had accepted the gospel were enduring the test of trial. He was not disappointed, for he found that the Lystrian believers had remained firm in the face of violent opposition. AA 202.2

Here Paul again met Timothy, who had witnessed his sufferings at the close of his first visit to Lystra and upon whose mind the impression then made had deepened with the passing of time until he was convinced that it was his duty to give himself fully to the work of the ministry. His heart was knit with the heart of Paul, and he longed to share the apostle's labors by assisting as the way might open. AA 202.3

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Ellen G. White
The Acts of the Apostles, 367

The experiences of the apostle Paul and his instruction regarding the sacredness of the minister's work are a source of help and inspiration to those engaged in the gospel ministry. Paul's heart burned with a love for sinners, and he put all his energies into the work of soul winning. There never lived a more self-denying, persevering worker. The blessings he received he prized as so many advantages to be used in blessing others. He lost no opportunity of speaking of the Saviour or of helping those in trouble. From place to place he went, preaching the gospel of Christ and establishing churches. Wherever he could find a hearing, he sought to counteract wrong, and to turn the feet of men and women into the path of righteousness. AA 367.1

Paul did not forget the churches that he had established. After making a missionary tour, he and Barnabas retraced their steps and visited the churches they had raised up, choosing from them men whom they could train to unite in proclaiming the gospel. AA 367.2

This feature of Paul's work contains an important lesson for ministers today. The apostle made it a part of his work to educate young men for the office of the ministry. He took them with him on his missionary journeys, and thus they gained an experience that later enabled them to fill positions of responsibility. When separated from them, he still kept in touch with their work, and his letters to Timothy and to Titus are evidences of how deep was his desire for their success. AA 367.3

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Ellen G. White
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, 256

Companies of Sabbathkeepers may be raised up in many places. Often they will not be large companies; but they must not be neglected, they must not be left to die for want of proper personal effort and training. The work should not be left prematurely. See that all are intelligent in the truth, established in the faith, and interested in every branch of the work, before leaving them for another field. And then, like the apostle Paul, visit them often to see how they do. Oh, the slack work that is done by many who claim to be commissioned of God to preach His word, makes angels weep. 5T 256.1

The cause might be in a healthful condition in every field, and it would be if ministers would trust in God and allow nothing to come between them and their work. Laborers are needed much more than mere preachers, but the two offices must be united. It has been proved in the missionary field that, whatever may be the preaching talent, if the laboring part is neglected, if the people are not taught how to work, how to conduct meetings, how to act their part in missionary labor, how to reach people successfully, the work will be nearly a failure. There is much to be done in the Sabbath school work also in bringing the people to realize their obligation and to act their part. God calls them to work for Him, and the ministers should guide their efforts. 5T 256.2

The sad fact is apparent that the work in these fields ought to be years in advance of what it now is. The negligence on the part of the ministers has discouraged the people, and the lack of interest, self-sacrifice, and appreciation of the work on the part of the people has discouraged the ministers. “Two years behind” stands recorded in the Ledger of Heaven. This people might have done much to advance the cause of truth and to bring souls to Christ in different localities, and at the same time might themselves have been growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, had they improved their opportunities and made the most of their privileges, walking, not with murmuring and complaining, but in faith and courage. Eternity alone can reveal how much has been lost during these years—how many souls have been left to perish through this state of things. The loss is too great to be computed. God has been insulted. The course pursued has brought upon the cause a wound which will be years in healing; and if the mistakes that have been made are not seen and repented of, they will surely be repeated. 5T 257.1

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Cross References

through

confirming

Paul's Journeys

The Second Missionary Journey of Paul

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Acts 15:41