Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 15:3

"They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren." — Acts 15:3 (ASV)

And being brought on their way by the church. This means being attended and conducted by the Christian brethren (see the notes on Romans 15:24).

It was customary for Christians to accompany the apostles on their travels (compare 1 Corinthians 16:6, 11; 3 John 1:6).

Through Phenice. (See the notes on Acts 11:19).

And Samaria. These places were directly on their route to Jerusalem.

Declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, etc. This refers to the conversion of the Gentiles in Antioch and in the regions of Asia Minor through which they had traveled. They would naturally communicate these remarkable events with joy to the Christians with whom they would interact on their journey .

Caused great joy. This was at the news of the extensive spread of the gospel. It was an indication of their deep commitment to their faith that they rejoiced in this way (compare Luke 15:7, 10).

When Christians are themselves spiritually alert and engaged in the service of Christ, they rejoice at the news of the conversion of sinners. When they are spiritually cold, they hear such news with indifference or with the utmost unconcern. One way of testing our feelings on the subject of religion is by the emotions we experience when we hear of extensive and glorious revivals of religion (compare the notes on Acts 8:8).