And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Paul had wintered at Antioch, but his active spirit would not rest idle long. He proposed to Barnabas that they take a second campaign among the Gentiles, not to begin new work but to review their old fields. Two are better than one, and Paul needed his friend's help to strengthen the young converts against Satan's kingdom.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 15:36-41
Verse 41. 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. .
Paul felt his true calling was not a peaceful life at Antioch but work far off among the Gentiles. Here we see the first trace of that tender solicitude for his converts, that longing to see their faces and perfect what was lacking in their faith, which marks all his later letters so strikingly.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 15:36-46