Acts 18

After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.

And he drave them from the judgment seat.

Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

What does Acts 18:27 mean?

Explanation

Acts 18:27 refers to an early Christian named Apollos, who wished to travel from Ephesus to the region of Achaia (primarily comprising modern-day Greece).

Apollos was a Jewish convert to Christianity, known for being an eloquent speaker and well-versed in the Scriptures.

The "brethren" in this context refers to the Christian community or church in Ephesus.

They had written letters to the disciples, fellow believers, in Achaia, encouraging them to welcome Apollos into their community.

The phrase "helped them much which had believed through grace" signifies that Apollos played a significant role in supporting, teaching, and strengthening the faith of the Christian believers in Achaia.

The term "grace" reflects the Christian theological understanding that faith is a gift from God, not simply the result of human effort.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts was written by Luke, a companion of the Apostle Paul, and it narrates the history and spreading of the early Christian church, starting from Jerusalem and expanding through the Roman Empire.

The event described in Acts 18:27 takes place in the first century AD.

Achaia was a province of the Roman Empire, and its cultural setting was Hellenistic with a mix of Roman influence.

Paul had previously preached in Achaia, particularly in Athens and Corinth, and churches had been established in the region.

It was common for early Christians to provide letters of commendation for traveling preachers and teachers to introduce and vouch for them to other Christian communities.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse reflects the early Christian understanding of the communal nature of faith, where believers are expected to support and edify each other.

It also emphasizes the role of spiritual gifts (like Apollos's eloquence and knowledge of scriptures) in the service of the church.

Moreover, this verse highlights God's grace as the foundation for belief, a common theme in the New Testament.

Various theological standpoints might focus on the role of human agents in God's work (represented by Apollos) or the providence of God in strategically positioning individuals for the spread of the gospel.

Practical Applications

This verse reminds Christians today about the importance of hospitality and support for those who work in ministry. Believers are encouraged to warmly welcome and assist those from other congregations and denominations who are spreading the Christian faith.

Additionally, the use of personal talents and skills is encouraged in the nourishing and strengthening of the faith community.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 3:5-6: "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?"
Ephesians 2:8: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
Romans 12:6: "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;"

Language Study

Important Greek terms in Acts 18:27 include:

"Αχαιαν" (Achaian) referring to Achaia, the region.
"συνέβαλεν" (synebalen) translating to "helped," which carries a connotation of contributing significantly.
"πεπιστευκότας" (pepisteukotas) which translates to "those who had believed," indicating an accomplished action of faith.
"χάριτι" (chariti) meaning "grace," a core concept in Christian theology signifying unmerited divine favor.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Greco-Roman culture, the idea of patrons supporting artists, thinkers, and public speakers was common.

This patronage system allowed for the flourishing of cultural and intellectual life.

In the context of the early Christian community, individuals like Apollos would be supported much like a patron would support a rhetorician, though in this case, it was for the spreading of religious teachings rather than for secular or artistic pursuits.

Comparably, religious movements often rely on itinerant preachers or messengers, much like prophets in the Hebrew tradition or wandering ascetics in Eastern religions.

Scientific Perspectives

There isn't a direct scientific perspective on Acts 18:27, as this verse deals primarily with historical events and theological principles.

However, the verse does touch on the human capacity to influence others through speech and knowledge, which is supported by research in psychology and communication studies.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 18:27 focus on the exemplary character of Apollos as a model for Christian service and the interdependence of the early Christian communities.

They also highlight the practical aspects of early church administration, seen in the warm recommendation and transfer of ministers from one congregation to another.

Furthermore, experts often explore the nature of Apollos's influence and how it demonstrates the powerful effect of well-articulated doctrine and personal charisma in spiritual leadership.

Acts 18

Acts 18

What does Acts 18:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 18:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?