Section 15:36–41

Paul chose Silas to visit the churches with him

In this section, Paul and Barnabas stayed some time in Antioch. Then Paul suggested to Barnabas that they revisit the believers in the places where they had previously preached about Jesus. He wanted to find out how well those believers were following Jesus. Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul strongly opposed taking him because he had deserted Paul and Barnabas on the previous trip. This disagreement led to Paul and Barnabas separating and going in different directions. Barnabas took John Mark and went to Cyprus and Paul took Silas and went to Syria and Cilicia.

Other examples of headings for this section are:

Paul and Barnabas Separate (Good News Translation)
-or-
Second Missionary Journey (New American Standard Bible)

Paragraph 15:36–41

15:36a

Some time later: The Greek is literally “after some days.” This could indicate several days or as much as several months.

Let us go back: This is a suggestion: “May we go back.” It is polite implied request. It is not a command.

The Greek begins with a word that makes the polite request stronger. For example:

So then, let us go back
-or-
Certainly, let us go back

15:36b–c

visit: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as visit includes the meaning of “oversee” or “check.” Paul wanted to go as the one who started the churches and check to see if they were following Jesus well. Then he could encourage, teach, and correct as needed. But “see how they are doing” (15:36d) implies this meaning, so the English versions do not translate the added meaning of “oversee” or “check” here.

15:36d

see how they are doing: This refers to how well they were following Jesus. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer only to their physical well being. If this is true in your language, include the implied information. For example:

see how they are doing ⌊in their faith⌋

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