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

ACTS 15:41KJV
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Acts 15:41 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:41 mean?

Acts 15:41 describes how Paul traveled through the regions of Syria and Cilicia, strengthening and encouraging the local Christian communities, which are called "churches" in this verse. The focus is on Paul's efforts to support and confirm the faith of these early believers as he visited them.

In the context of Acts, this verse comes right after a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, leading them to go separate ways. Paul is now traveling with Silas, and their journey takes them through areas where there were already groups of Christians. The verse highlights Paul's commitment to building up these communities, not just starting new ones, by visiting and confirming their faith.

The Greek behind Acts 15:41

  • The word "confirming" (ἐπιστηρίζων, epistērizōn) is often understood as strengthening or supporting. Here, it suggests that Paul was doing more than just visiting; he was actively encouraging and helping the churches become more established and firm in their beliefs.
  • The word "churches" (ἐκκλησίας, ekklēsias) in Greek refers to assemblies or gatherings, not buildings. This emphasizes that Paul was connecting with groups of believers meeting together, rather than formal institutions.

Why Acts 15:41 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul's mission included caring for existing believers, not only evangelizing new areas. It shows the importance of ongoing support and encouragement in the early Christian movement.
  • The mention of specific regions—Syria and Cilicia—connects Paul's journey to his own background, since Cilicia included his hometown, Tarsus. This detail grounds the story in real places and personal history.
  • Acts 15:41 serves as a transition, showing how the work of spreading and strengthening the Christian faith continued even after disagreements among leaders, highlighting resilience and adaptability in the early church.

Where else these words appear

“confirming” Greek G1991 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
  • Acts 15:32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
  • Acts 18:23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

“Syria” Greek G4947 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Acts 15:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
  • Acts 20:3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

“Cilicia” Greek G2791 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 6:9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
  • Acts 21:39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.
  • Acts 23:34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

“through” Greek G1330 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
  • Acts 15:3 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.