Charles Ellicott 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)

They passed through Phoenicia and Samaria.—The route lay from Seleucia, at the mouth of the Orontes, along the coast of Sidon, Tyre, and probably Caesarea, and then through Samaria. They might have gone to Joppa, and so have avoided the old Canaanite cities and the region of the hated Samaritans.

The very journey was, therefore, an assertion of the principles for which they were contending. We note, too, that the facts imply that they found “brethren,” that is, established Christian societies, in both regions. “Tyre and Sidon” had repented and believed, though Chorazin and Bethsaida had hardened themselves in unbelief (Luke 11:13).

The “woman of Canaan,” mentioned in Mark 7:26, may by this time have eaten not of the “crumbs,” but of the “Bread” of Life. Everything points to Philip as the probable evangelist of this region as well as of Samaria. Paul and Barnabas would accordingly, as they travelled, be endorsing his work, claiming fellowship with Canaanites and Samaritans; and wherever they went, they were received with joy.

Here, at least, they were certain of support. Furthermore, for strategic reasons alone, they were strengthening their cause by appearing at Jerusalem as the representatives of such important communities. They had the courage of their convictions and were determined, though they might make concessions in matters of indifference, not to sacrifice a single principle.

They caused great joy.—The tense implies continued action. Wherever they went, the news of the conversion of the Gentiles was received by the disciples generally with a gladness that presented the strongest possible contrast to the narrowness and bitterness of the Pharisee section of the Church of Jerusalem.