Acts 18 23

Acts 18:23 kjv

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.

Acts 18:23 nkjv

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

Acts 18:23 niv

After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Acts 18:23 esv

After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Acts 18:23 nlt

After spending some time in Antioch, Paul went back through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting and strengthening all the believers.

Acts 18 verses

Acts 18 23 Meaning

This verse details a pivotal transition in Paul's ministry: the commencement of his third missionary journey. Following a period of rest and probably reporting in Antioch, Syria, Paul deliberately sets out again to visit the churches previously established in the regions of Galatia and Phrygia. His primary purpose for this methodical journey was not simply a tour, but to spiritually reinforce and solidify the faith of all the believers in these communities, ensuring their steadfastness in Christ.

Acts 18 23 Context

Acts chapter 18 concludes Paul's second missionary journey with his return to Antioch of Syria, his home base. After a brief time there, where he likely reported on his ministry and rested, verse 23 signals the immediate commencement of his third missionary journey. This journey begins by retracing some of the steps of his previous travels through Asia Minor, specifically focusing on the regions where Christian communities had already been established during his earlier evangelistic efforts (Acts 13-14, 16:6). Historically, these young Christian churches were vulnerable to internal disagreements, external persecution, and the allure of prevailing pagan or legalistic teachings. Paul's strategic return indicates a profound commitment to sustained pastoral care and the systematic fortification of these fledgling churches against such challenges, laying the groundwork for more mature and resilient Christian communities.

Acts 18 23 Word analysis

• "And after he had spent"
  • "And" (δέ, de): A transitional particle indicating a continuation or a new development. It connects Paul's departure with his time spent in Antioch.
  • "after" (ποιέω, poieō in a participle form, ποιήσας, poiēsas meaning 'having made/spent'): From the Greek verb meaning "to make" or "to do." Here it's used idiomatically in Greek to denote "to spend time." This implies an intentional period, not just passively existing.
  • "he had spent": Signifies a deliberate, completed action – Paul utilized this time actively.
• "some time there,"
  • "some time" (χρόνον, chronon): Refers to an indefinite duration, long enough for rest, reporting, fellowship, and planning for the next phase of ministry. Not a fleeting visit, but a season of residence.
  • "there": Refers to Antioch in Syria, the primary sending church for Paul's missionary endeavors, serving as his operational base and spiritual home.
• "he departed and went over"
  • "he departed" (ἐξέρχομαι, exerchomai, here ἐξῆλθεν, exēlthen): "To go out" or "to depart." Implies a purposeful and commissioned setting forth on a journey, indicating a new phase of ministry had begun.
  • "and went over" (διέρχομαι, dierchomai, here διῆλθεν, diēlthen): "To pass through," "to go through," or "to travel throughout." Suggests a comprehensive or extensive visitation, implying that he did not merely touch the major cities but traversed the regions.
• "all the region of Galatia and Phrygia"
  • "all the region" (πᾶσαν τὴν χώραν, pasan tēn chōran): Emphasizes the wide scope of his itinerary, encompassing the entirety of the area. "Chora" (χώρα) refers to a distinct district or territory, often rural, implying visitation beyond just the urban centers.
  • "of Galatia and Phrygia": These are geographical areas in Asia Minor where Paul had previously ministered. Galatia was particularly significant, known for the churches addressed in his letter, hinting at theological challenges that might require his strengthening presence. Phrygia was adjacent to Galatia, sharing some of the same cultural and religious landscape.
• "in order,"
  • "in order" (καθεξῆς, kathexēs): Meaning "consecutively," "in succession," "in due order," or "systematically." This adverb describes Paul's method of travel and visitation. It highlights a planned, orderly, and comprehensive approach to pastoral care, not a random or opportunistic trip. It speaks to the organized nature of early Christian missions and discipleship.
• "strengthening all the disciples."
  • "strengthening" (ἐπιστηρίζω, epistērizō, here in participle ἐπιστηρίζων, epistērizōn): "To establish firmly upon," "to confirm," or "to strengthen further." This key verb denotes building up, reinforcing, and providing stability to existing faith. It suggests addressing any spiritual weaknesses, false teachings, or internal struggles, ensuring the believers' resilience in their faith journey.
  • "all the disciples" (πάντας τοὺς μαθητάς, pantas tous mathētas): "All" emphasizes that his ministry was not exclusive to leaders but inclusive of every believer in the communities. "Disciples" (μαθητής, mathētēs) refers to the followers or learners of Jesus, denoting their commitment to His teachings and way of life.

Acts 18 23 Bonus section

The journey through Galatia mentioned here provides crucial background to Paul's epistle to the Galatians. Given the theological challenges detailed in that letter—specifically regarding justification by faith versus adherence to the Mosaic Law—Paul's mission to "strengthen" these disciples in Acts 18:23 likely involved robust teaching against the emerging legalism and Judaizing tendencies that sought to undermine the simplicity of the Gospel of grace. His systematic approach also underscores the early church's recognition of the ongoing need for spiritual instruction and support beyond initial conversion, mirroring the Old Testament emphasis on nurturing God's people in His ways (e.g., Deut 6:6-7). This commitment modeled for future leaders the necessity of persistent and methodical pastoral responsibility.

Acts 18 23 Commentary

Acts 18:23 marks the earnest commencement of Paul's third missionary journey, distinguishing it from merely evangelistic tours. After a necessary period of respite in Antioch, Paul demonstrates a profound and disciplined commitment to the spiritual health of nascent Christian communities. His systematic travel "in order" through "all the region of Galatia and Phrygia" was not a casual visitation but a deliberate pastoral act of "strengthening" every believer. This "strengthening" signifies reinforcing their doctrinal understanding, fortifying their faith against external pressures and internal doubts, and building resilience in their walk with Christ. It exemplifies sustained spiritual nurturing and ongoing discipleship, indicating that the initial work of evangelism must be consistently followed by robust pastoral care to establish the church firmly. For instance, just as a farmer doesn't merely sow seeds but also waters and cultivates the soil, Paul diligently cultivated the spiritual ground he had prepared.