Acts 18 1

Acts 18:1 kjv

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

Acts 18:1 nkjv

After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth.

Acts 18:1 niv

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.

Acts 18:1 esv

After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.

Acts 18:1 nlt

Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.

Acts 18 verses

Acts 18 1 Meaning

This verse introduces a significant individual, Apollos, and his arrival in Ephesus. It highlights his intellectual prowess, his knowledge of the Scriptures, and his fervor in ministry.

Acts 18 1 Context

This verse occurs in Acts chapter 18, which details Paul's extensive ministry in Corinth and his subsequent journey. The chapter begins with Paul arriving in Corinth, where he spends a significant amount of time establishing the church. It also introduces Aquila and Priscilla, who become key companions to Paul. The narrative then shifts to Paul's departure from Corinth, his voyage to Ephesus, and the beginning of Apollos' ministry there. Understanding this broader context, which covers the spread of the Gospel to new Gentile areas and the deepening of understanding among believers, is crucial for appreciating the introduction of Apollos and his specific role in this historical progression.

Acts 18 1 Word Analysis

• δέ (de): A conjunction, "but" or "and," often used to introduce a new topic or a contrasting point. Here, it serves to transition from the previous narrative (Paul's time in Corinth and his departure) to the introduction of Apollos.
• Εἴ τις (Eis tis): Literally "if anyone," but in this context, it functions to introduce a new subject by highlighting a specific person. It implies "as it happened," introducing Apollos as someone noteworthy.
• Ἕλλην (Hellen): Greek. Refers to someone who is Greek by birth or by culture, as opposed to a Jew or a Barbarian (non-Greek speaker).
• Ὦν (On): Present participle of εἰμί (eimi), "to be." "Being" or "who was."
• ἦν (ēn): Imperfect indicative of εἰμί (eimi), "to be." "He was."
• γένος (genos): "Kind," "race," "descent," or "family." Here, it indicates Apollos' background or lineage, specifically that he was of Greek descent.
• Ἀπολλὼς (Apollōs): Apollos. A Greek name, likely derived from Apollo, the Greek god. However, its use for a Jew indicates he was Hellenized or of a family that had adopted Greek names.
• Ἁλεξανδρεὺς (Alexandreus): "Alexandrian." From Alexandria. Alexandria was a major intellectual and cultural center in Egypt, renowned for its great library and scholarly pursuits. This designation points to Apollos' place of origin or upbringing.
• ὑπάρχων (yparchōn): Present participle of ὑπάρχω (yparchō), "to exist," "to be," "to be available." "Being," "existing as." It emphasizes Apollos' status or characteristic.
• διδάσκων (didaskōn): Present participle of διδάσκω (didaskō), "to teach." "Teaching." This highlights his active role in instruction.
• τῇ Ἀσίᾳ (tē Asia): "in Asia." Refers to the Roman province of Asia Minor, a significant region in early Christianity.
• Λυδία (Lydia): Locative case of Λυδία (Lydia), the district of Lydia within Asia Minor, often used to denote the region. This specifies the area where he was teaching, but the next clause clarifies the specific city.
• ἐλθὼν (elthōn): Aorist participle of ἔρχομαι (erchomai), "to come." "Having come." It marks his arrival.
• Ἐφέσον (Ephesōn): Accusative case of Ἔφεσος (Ephesos), Ephesus. Ephesus was a prominent city in Asia Minor, a hub of commerce and culture, and a major center for early Christian missionary work. This pinpoints his immediate destination and the site of his ministry described in this verse.

Group Analysis

• "Ἕλλην Ὦν, γένος Ἀπολλὼς": This phrase "Being Greek, Apollos by race" indicates his Gentile heritage. However, the following phrases reveal his deep understanding of Jewish scriptures.
• "Ἁλεξανδρεὺς": This geographical descriptor "An Alexandrian" connects him to the vibrant intellectual environment of Alexandria, suggesting a learned background.
• "διδάσκων τῇ Ἀσίᾳ": The participle "teaching in Asia" implies ongoing ministry, though the location is specified more precisely.
• "ἐλθὼν Ἐφέσον": The combined phrases "having come to Ephesus" pinpoint his arrival in this key city and the starting point for the actions described in the following verses.

Acts 18 1 Bonus Section

Apollos’ fluency in the Scriptures, specifically the Old Testament, and his eloquent speaking ability are highlighted as gifts. His proficiency with scripture also suggests he understood the Messianic prophecies. His coming from Alexandria, a place where the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) was prevalent, might explain his deep understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures in Greek. The narrative in Acts implicitly shows that while deep knowledge and enthusiasm are valuable, accurate understanding of the Gospel message, as revealed through Jesus Christ, is paramount, necessitating further teaching.

Acts 18 1 Commentary

Apollos, a native of Alexandria, a city famed for its intellectual and Hellenistic influences, emerges as a significant figure. He is presented as well-versed in the Jewish Scriptures, possessing a powerful command of them and a fervent spirit in teaching. His background in Alexandria would have equipped him with rhetorical skills and a breadth of knowledge characteristic of the era. The fact that he was "teaching in Asia" before arriving in Ephesus suggests a prior period of evangelistic or didactic ministry. His introduction in Ephesus is pivotal as he becomes a powerful advocate for Christ, albeit initially needing further instruction in the specifics of the Christian faith, which Priscilla and Aquila provide.