Acts 15:36 – “Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.’”

Extended Explanation

Acts 15:36 marks the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey. After spending time in Antioch, where he and Barnabas continued teaching and preaching the Word (Acts 15:35), Paul felt it was time to revisit the churches they had planted. His desire was to check on these new believers, strengthen their faith, and encourage them in their walk with Christ.

Paul’s request to Barnabas reflects his deep commitment to discipleship. He wasn’t satisfied with just preaching the gospel and moving on—he understood that believers need ongoing support, teaching, and encouragement to remain strong in their faith.

This verse highlights the importance of follow-up in ministry. The Christian life isn’t just about beginning well—it’s about growing and remaining faithful. Paul wanted to ensure that the churches were still walking in truth, standing firm in their faith, and growing spiritually.

Historical Context

Paul and Barnabas had already completed their first missionary journey (Acts 13-14), where they traveled through cities like Lystra, Iconium, and Derbe, preaching the gospel and establishing churches. During that trip, Paul faced severe persecution, including being stoned and left for dead in Lystra (Acts 14:19). Despite these hardships, many people had come to faith, and churches were planted.

Now, after the Jerusalem Council had resolved the debate about whether Gentiles had to follow Jewish laws (Acts 15:1-29), Paul wanted to return and check on these young churches. He knew that new believers often face challenges, including false teachings, persecution, and spiritual struggles. His goal was to strengthen them in the faith.

However, this journey did not start smoothly. Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement over whether to bring John Mark with them. Barnabas wanted to give Mark another chance, but Paul didn’t trust him because he had abandoned them on the first journey (Acts 13:13). This disagreement led them to go separate ways, with Barnabas taking John Mark to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas as his new partner and set off on his journey (Acts 15:39-40).

Despite this split, God used both teams to further the gospel, showing that even disagreements can be used for His purposes.

Theological Implications

1. Christianity is about discipleship, not just conversion. Paul understood that new believers need ongoing teaching, correction, and encouragement to stay strong in the faith.
2. God calls believers to be persistent in ministry. Paul was not content with a one-time evangelistic effort—he wanted to invest in people’s long-term spiritual growth.
3. Disagreements happen, but God’s mission continues. Even though Paul and Barnabas parted ways, the gospel continued to spread. God can use even difficult situations for His glory.
4. Faithfulness requires endurance. Paul had already suffered greatly, yet he was willing to return to the very cities where he had been persecuted because the spiritual health of believers mattered more than his personal comfort.

Literary Analysis

Acts 15:36 serves as a transition between the first and second missionary journeys. It highlights:

• Paul’s leadership – He takes the initiative to revisit the churches, showing his deep commitment to discipleship.
• The importance of follow-up – This verse introduces a key theme: the ongoing work of strengthening the church, not just planting new ones.
• The contrast between evangelism and discipleship – Paul’s first journey focused on preaching the gospel, while this second journey focused on strengthening believers.

The phrase “see how they are doing” implies that Paul did not assume that everything was fine—he knew that believers need guidance and support. This shows a shepherd’s heart, similar to what Jesus displayed with His disciples.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands His followers to “make disciples… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Discipleship is an ongoing process.)
• Colossians 1:28 – “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” (Paul’s goal was not just conversion but maturity in Christ.)
• 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (Christian teaching should be passed down to strengthen future generations.)
• Acts 14:21-22 – “They returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.” (Paul had already shown a pattern of follow-up and encouragement.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This passage challenges Christians to move beyond surface-level faith and invest in real discipleship. Faith isn’t just about making a one-time decision—it’s about growing in knowledge, obedience, and faithfulness over time.

• We should care about the spiritual health of others. Like Paul, we should check in on fellow believers, encourage them, and help them grow.
• Discipleship requires intentionality. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident. We must be actively involved in learning, teaching, and walking alongside others.
• Faithfulness is a long-term commitment. Paul was willing to travel great distances and face danger to ensure believers were growing. We must have the same perseverance in our faith.
• Ministry sometimes involves disagreement. Even strong believers like Paul and Barnabas had conflicts, but the mission continued. Disagreements should not stop us from serving God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is displayed in the fact that He cares about the spiritual growth of His people. He doesn’t just save us and leave us alone—He provides leaders, teachers, and fellow believers to help us grow.

• God loves His people enough to ensure they are taught and strengthened. That’s why He sent Paul and other teachers to follow up with the churches.
• God’s love is patient. He knows that growth takes time, and He provides constant encouragement through His Word and His people.
• God’s love works even through human disagreements. Despite the tension between Paul and Barnabas, His mission continued.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd. Just as Paul wanted to check on the churches, Jesus cares for His followers and ensures they continue to grow (John 10:14-15).
2. Jesus modeled discipleship. He didn’t just preach and leave—He walked with His disciples, taught them, and prepared them for their mission (Luke 24:27).
3. Jesus sends His followers out. Paul’s desire to strengthen believers reflects Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20 to make disciples and teach them.
4. Jesus unites believers in His mission. Even though Paul and Barnabas parted ways, they were still working for the same purpose—to spread and strengthen the gospel.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul felt it was so important to check on the churches he had planted?
2. How can we be more intentional about encouraging and strengthening fellow believers?
3. Have you ever had a disagreement in ministry? How did you handle it?
4. What does this verse teach us about the importance of long-term discipleship?
5. How does this passage challenge you to be more faithful in your own spiritual growth?

Acts 15:36 reminds us that Christianity is not just about making converts—it’s about making disciples. Paul’s example challenges us to care for others in their faith, remain committed to growth, and persevere in the mission God has given us.