Meaning of Acts 15:36

This verse from Acts 15:36 reveals Paul's profound pastoral concern and his commitment to the spiritual well-being of the nascent Christian communities he and Barnabas had established. Following the pivotal Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-35), which resolved the crucial issue of Gentile inclusion and the Mosaic Law, Paul expresses a desire not to simply move on to new evangelistic frontiers, but to return and nurture the fruit of their previous labor. This proactive approach demonstrates a holistic understanding of mission, which encompasses not only the initial proclamation of the Gospel but also the ongoing discipleship and care of believers. It underscores the importance of follow-up, accountability, and the strengthening of the church.

Context and Background

The immediate context is the aftermath of the Jerusalem Council, where the apostles and elders addressed the question of whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and adhere to the Law of Moses. The decision reached was that salvation comes through grace by faith in Jesus Christ, and that Gentiles were not to be burdened with these requirements, though they were advised to abstain from certain practices that would offend Jewish believers. After this significant doctrinal and practical resolution, Paul and Barnabas, along with other delegates, returned to Antioch. It was from this base, after this period of intensive theological discussion and communal affirmation, that Paul proposed their next missionary endeavor.

Key Themes and Messages

• Pastoral Care and Discipleship: The verse highlights the essential role of spiritual shepherding. Paul's desire to "see how they are doing" is not merely a perfunctory check-up, but a genuine concern for their spiritual health, growth, and endurance in faith.
• Commitment to Established Communities: It shows that the missionary mandate extends beyond planting new churches to tending to those already established. This is a long-term vision for the church's development.
• Revisiting and Strengthening: The "return" signifies a cyclical nature to ministry, where initial evangelism is followed by a period of consolidation and reinforcement.
• Shared Ministry: Paul's invitation to Barnabas ("Let us go back") indicates a desire for continued partnership, even though their relationship would later face a sharp disagreement (Acts 15:39). This highlights the human element within even the most divinely-led ministries.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse offers a timeless model for Christian leadership and ministry. It teaches that effective ministry involves both outreach and oversight. Pastors, church leaders, and missionaries are called to not only share the Gospel but also to invest in the discipleship and well-being of believers. This involves:

• Regular visitation and engagement with congregants.
• Assessing the spiritual health of individuals and the community.
• Providing encouragement, teaching, and support to help believers mature in their faith.
• Recognizing the importance of follow-up in any evangelistic or outreach effort.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This passage fits within the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan, where the establishment and growth of the Church are central. The early church, comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers, was a revolutionary concept. Paul's commitment to ensure these diverse communities were firmly rooted in the faith was crucial for the expansion of the Gospel. It underscores the New Testament emphasis on the church as a living organism, requiring constant nurturing and care. The expansion of the Gospel, as depicted in Acts, is not a one-time event but a continuous process of planting, watering, and harvesting.

Analogies

• Gardening: The work of Paul and Barnabas can be likened to that of gardeners. They first prepared the soil and planted seeds (evangelism). Now, they wish to return to water, weed, and ensure the young plants are thriving (discipleship and pastoral care).
• Building Construction: After laying the foundation (initial conversion), it is essential to return and build the walls, add the roof, and ensure the structure is sound and secure (strengthening and maturing believers).

Relation to Other Verses

• 1 Corinthians 3:6-9: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has made it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building." This passage emphasizes the collaborative nature of ministry and God's ultimate sovereignty in growth, mirroring Paul's desire to tend to what he and Barnabas had planted.
• Hebrews 13:17: "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work may be done with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." This verse highlights the responsibility of leaders to "watch over" believers, aligning with Paul's intention to check on the spiritual condition of the churches.
• Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission): "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." While the commission is to "go and make disciples," the verb "make disciples" inherently includes the process of teaching and nurturing, which requires follow-up and continued engagement.