And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

ACTS 15:3KJV
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Acts 15:3 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:3 mean?

Acts 15:3 describes how Paul and Barnabas, sent by the church, traveled through the regions of Phoenicia and Samaria, sharing the news that non-Jewish people (Gentiles) were turning to God, which brought great happiness to all the believers they met along the way. The verse highlights the joy and unity among early Christians as they heard about the spread of faith beyond Jewish communities.

In this setting, Paul and Barnabas are on their way from Antioch to Jerusalem to discuss questions about Gentile believers with church leaders. As they pass through Phoenicia and Samaria—areas with their own groups of believers—they openly share the story of Gentile conversions. The response is described as "great joy," showing how significant and encouraging this news was to the early church.

The Greek behind Acts 15:3

  • ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, G1577): This word is translated as "church" and refers to the gathered community of believers, not a building. Here, it shows the organized support and involvement of the wider Christian community in sending Paul and Barnabas.
  • ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō, G1995): Translated as "conversion," this word means turning or returning, often used for turning to God. It emphasizes a real change in direction for the Gentiles, not just a new label.
  • ἔθνος (ethnos, G1484): This is the word for "Gentiles," meaning nations or non-Jewish peoples. Its use underlines the expanding reach of the Christian message.
  • χαρά (chara, G5479): The word for "joy" here is strong, suggesting deep gladness and encouragement among the believers who heard the news.

Why Acts 15:3 matters

  • Acts 15:3 shows that early Christians, including those from Jewish backgrounds, welcomed the news of Gentiles joining the faith, countering any idea that the church was divided on this issue from the start.
  • The verse sets the stage for the Jerusalem Council, highlighting the importance of unity and shared excitement about God's work among all peoples.
  • It reminds readers that the spread of faith to new groups was not just a theological debate but a source of real joy and encouragement for the whole community.

Where else these words appear

“declaring” Greek G1555 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 13:41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

“Phenice” Greek G5403 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
  • Acts 21:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

“way” Greek G4311 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
  • Romans 15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.

“Samaria” Greek G4540 · used in 11 verses

  • Luke 17:11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
  • John 4:7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
  • Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.