And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Paul, accompanied by Silas, traveled through Syria and Cilicia confirming the churches on his renewed missionary journey. He himself had proposed the trip to go back to the places where he had preached in order to see how the believers were doing. That confirming work expressed continuing care for converts and a desire that they remain faithful, grow strong in faith and Christian life, and serve God wholeheartedly. The strengthening included encouraging believers to remain firm through opposition and trial.
The journey followed the Jerusalem meeting that settled the dispute over circumcision and the law of Moses concerning Gentile converts and the ceremonial law, which brought consolation to the brethren in those regions, and that decision remained in force. The council had reached its decision as apostles and elders sought the Holy Spirit's judgment rather than imposing authority, placing Paul's supporting work within the New Testament pattern of church order and unity. At the council, the Spirit's witness to Paul's testimony about God's work among the Gentiles led the gathered believers to set aside their prejudices and affirm his position.
Paul, accompanied by Silas, traveled through Syria and Cilicia confirming the churches on his renewed missionary journey. He himself had proposed the trip to go back to the places where he had preached in order to see how the believers were doing. That confirming work expressed continuing care for converts and a desire that they remain faithful, grow strong in faith and Christian life, and serve God wholeheartedly. The strengthening included encouraging believers to remain firm through opposition and trial.
The journey followed the Jerusalem meeting that settled the dispute over circumcision and the law of Moses concerning Gentile converts and the ceremonial law, which brought consolation to the brethren in those regions, and that decision remained in force. The council had reached its decision as apostles and elders sought the Holy Spirit's judgment rather than imposing authority, placing Paul's supporting work within the New Testament pattern of church order and unity. At the council, the Spirit's witness to Paul's testimony about God's work among the Gentiles led the gathered believers to set aside their prejudices and affirm his position.