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 marks the continuation of Paul's missionary journey after being encouraged by a vision in Corinth. He leaves Athens and travels to Corinth, where he finds Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish tentmakers like himself. After a period of ministry in Corinth, Paul resolves to travel to Syria, accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla. He decides to have his head shaved at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.

Acts 18 23 Context

This verse is situated within Paul's second missionary journey, specifically during his extended ministry in Corinth. Corinth was a significant cosmopolitan city known for its trade, culture, and religious syncretism. Paul had faced opposition and encouragement there. The preceding verses detail the Lord speaking to Paul in a vision, assuring him of His presence and protection, leading Paul to stay and minister longer than he might have otherwise. This particular verse marks the transition point as Paul decides to depart Corinth and continue his mission, bringing his faithful companions, Aquila and Priscilla, with him.

Acts 18 23 Word Analysis

• καὶ after (kai meta): "And after." Connects this action to the preceding events in Corinth.
• παρέμεινεν (paremeinen): "remained for a considerable time." Emphasizes Paul's extended stay and focused ministry in Corinth.
• τῇ (tē): "the." Definite article.
• ἀδελφοῖς (adelphois): "brothers." Refers to fellow believers, highlighting the fellowship and shared faith.
• τῇ (tē): "the."
• Κορίνθου (Korinthou): "of Corinth." Specifies the location of the brothers.
• καὶ (kai): "and." Joins clauses.
• ἀσπασάμενος (aspasamenos): "having greeted/saluted." Shows proper Christian courtesy and fellowship before departing.
• αὐτούς (autous): "them." Refers to the believers in Corinth.
• Ἀκύλαν (Akyan): "Aquila." A Jewish tentmaker whom Paul met in Corinth.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• Πρίσκιλλαν (Priskillan): "Priscilla." Aquila's wife, a key figure in the early church.
• σὺν (syn): "with." Indicates their companionship.
• αὐτῷ (autō): "him." Referring to Paul.
• ἀναχθέντα (anachthenta): "having been put to sea/having sailed." Passive participle indicating their departure by ship.
• εἰς (eis): "to/into." Preposition indicating direction.
• Συρίαν (Syrian): "Syria." The destination.
• συμπορευομένων (symporeuomenōn): "journeying together." Genitive participle emphasizing their shared travel.
• αὐτῶν (autōn): "them." Referring to Aquila and Priscilla.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• εἰς (eis): "to."
• Κεγχρεὰς (Kenchreas): "Cenchreae." A port city of Corinth.
• συναποπλεύσαντα (synapopleusanta): "having sailed together from." Dual meaning of sailing from together, signifying departure.
• εἰς (eis): "to."
• ἐκεῖθεν (ekeithen): "from thence/from that place." Further indicating departure from Cenchreae.
• ἐπὶ (epi): "upon."
• τῇ (tē): "the."
• κεφαλῇ (kephalē): "head."
• κευραμένῳ (keuramenō): "having shaved." Refers to the act of shaving the head, a reference to a vow.

Words-Group Analysis

• "remained for a considerable time" (παρέμεινεν): This phrase indicates a strategic decision by Paul to invest significant time in Corinth, teaching and strengthening the church, rather than just a brief stop. This aligns with his commitment to establishing strong communities of believers.
• "having greeted them" (ἀσπασάμενος αὐτούς): This gesture underscores the importance of fellowship and relational ministry in Paul's approach. Even in departure, he maintains connection and shows care for the local believers.
• "Aquila and Priscilla with him" (Ἀκύλαν καὶ Πρίσκιλλαν σὺν αὐτῷ): Their inclusion signifies their active participation in the mission and their deep commitment alongside Paul. They were not merely hearers but partners in the Gospel.
• "having been put to sea... to Syria" (ἀναχθέντα εἰς Συρίαν): This indicates a planned journey, likely by ship, reflecting the typical mode of travel for extending Paul's ministry across regions connected by maritime routes.
• "shaved his head at Cenchreae because of the vow he had taken" (ἐν Κεγχρεαῖς κευραμένῳ τὴν κεφαλὴν ἐπὶ εὐχῇ): This is a distinctive act. It points to Paul, a follower of Jesus who fulfilled the Law, observing a specific religious observance. This connects to the Nazirite vow found in the Old Testament, demonstrating his sensitivity to Jewish customs and perhaps his gratitude for the ministry in Corinth, or even a petition for the journey ahead.

Acts 18 23 Bonus Section

The specific vow that led Paul to shave his head is a subject of discussion among scholars. While a full Nazirite vow (Numbers 6) involved not cutting one’s hair for a specified period, other, shorter vows also involved shaving the head upon completion or as a sign of dedication. Paul's action here is not presented as a contradiction to his message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, but rather as a personal expression of devotion or fulfillment of a prior commitment made under the Mosaic Law, which he still upheld in his Jewish identity. This shows a nuanced approach to the Law, not as a means of salvation, but as a framework for Jewish believers’ devotion and practice, especially when ministering within Jewish contexts or showing respect to Jewish customs.

Acts 18 23 Commentary

Paul’s departure from Corinth is marked by continued commitment to fellowship and ministry. His decision to remain in Corinth for an extended period, encouraged by a divine vision, highlights the importance of establishing solid foundations for new churches. The mention of Aquila and Priscilla journeying with him underscores their significant role as co-workers and spiritual companions. Paul’s act of shaving his head at Cenchreae is particularly noteworthy. It alludes to a vow, possibly a Nazirite vow or a vow of thanksgiving. This demonstrates Paul's cultural sensitivity and willingness to identify with Jewish practices as he moved among Jewish communities, while at the same time preaching the fulfillment of the Law in Christ. It exemplifies his "becoming all things to all people" (1 Cor. 9:22) to win some.