What does Acts 18:26 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Acts 18:26, refers to an event in the early Christian church involving the characters Aquila, Priscilla, and a man named Apollos.

Apollos is described as speaking boldly in the synagogue, which indicates he was confidently teaching or proclaiming a message.

The key point here is the intervention of Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish Christian couple who heard Apollos and took it upon themselves to enhance his understanding of Christian doctrine.

The passage suggests that Apollos knew about Jesus and was eloquently speaking of Him, but his knowledge was incomplete.

Aquila and Priscilla offered their guidance to "expound unto him the way of God more perfectly," signifying they provided a more accurate or full account of Christian belief and practice.

Historical Context

Acts 18:26 is situated in the broader context of Paul's missionary journeys as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

The verse is part of the narrative that describes the early Christian community's efforts to spread the Gospel after Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

This event takes place in Ephesus, an ancient Greek city that was an important center for early Christianity.

Aquila and Priscilla were a married couple who worked as tentmakers and were associates of Paul.

They are known to have been expelled from Rome due to an edict by Emperor Claudius and ended up in Corinth where they met Paul, then later traveled with him to Ephesus.

Apollos was a learned Jew from Alexandria, known for its great library and tradition of scholarship.

He was an eloquent speaker and was knowledgeable of the Scriptures.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 18:26 highlights the early church's commitment to accurate teaching and the importance of mentorship within the Christian community.

Apollos, despite his fervor and knowledge, was receptive to further instruction, demonstrating humility and the ongoing nature of Christian discipleship.

The verse exemplifies the role of the laity, in this case Aquila and Priscilla, in guiding and nurturing the faith of others, validating lay participation in theological discourse beside clergy or church officials.

Different Christian traditions might emphasize various aspects of this passage.

For instance, the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches might see this as a support for the idea of Sacred Tradition , the living transmission of the faith through the teaching of the Apostles.

On the other hand, protestant traditions might point to the necessity of continually reforming and refining the church's understanding of Scripture.

Practical Applications

This verse can be used to encourage individuals within a faith community to engage in mentoring and education. Believers might take this as an inspiration to study the Bible and share their understanding with others, always with the willingness to grow and learn more.

Additionally, it counsels believers to be humble like Apollos and open to correction, emphasizing that spiritual growth is a lifelong process.

Cross-References

• Acts 18:24 - Describes Apollos as an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, who was instructed in the way of the Lord.
• 2 Timothy 2:15 - Advises believers to study to show themselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth.
• Proverbs 1:5 - A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.
• Titus 2:1-8 - Talks about teaching sound doctrine and the importance of older men and women teaching the younger.

Language Study

The Greek word for "expounded" is "ektithēmi" (ἐκτίθημι), which means to set forth, explain or interpret. In this context, it indicates that Aquila and Priscilla took the time to explain in detail. It conveys a diligent and careful teaching approach.

"More perfectly" in Greek is "akribesteron" (ἀκριβέστερον), suggesting greater accuracy or precision, which implies that Apollos' understanding was not wrong, but incomplete.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient mythology is often replete with tales of mentorship and the transfer of knowledge, such as the relationship between the Greek hero Achilles and his tutor Chiron.

However, in the context of Acts 18:26, the mentoring focuses on theological accuracy and community build-up, as opposed to the heroics or personal glory found in mythological tales.

In a broader religious comparison, many faith systems engage in the tradition of discipleship and mentorship as seen in Buddhism with the relationship between a master and student, and in Judaism with the rabbinic tradition.

Scientific Perspectives

Science itself does not comment directly on theological narratives like those found in Acts 18:26; however, the concept of mentorship as seen in this verse can be supported by psychological and educational studies.

Research in these disciplines has shown the value of mentorship relationships in promoting learning and personal development.

Aquila and Priscilla's role in guiding Apollos mirrors the beneficial outcomes of mentorship observed in various social science research.

Commentaries

Commentators on Acts 18:26 typically reflect on the role of Aquila and Priscilla as lay teachers and the hospitality they showed by taking Apollos into their home for instruction.

John Calvin notes the readiness of Aquila and Priscilla to help Apollos, stating their action should be an example of how to deal gently and kindly with those who err in doctrine, rather than with harshness.

Matthew Henry comments on Apollos' willingness to learn, despite his high level of knowledge, as a sign of true grace.

Modern scholars often focus on this event as an early example of Christian discipleship and the importance of accurate teaching in the early church.