Acts 18:26 kjv
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.
Acts 18:26 nkjv
So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Acts 18:26 niv
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
Acts 18:26 esv
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Acts 18:26 nlt
When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.
Acts 18 26 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 19:1-7 | Paul... found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."... "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism."... Then Paul laid his hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came on them... | Direct follow-up to "more accurate" teaching for Apollos's followers concerning Spirit and baptism. |
| Rom 16:3-5 | Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus... also greet the church in their house. | Highlights Priscilla and Aquila's status as co-workers and leaders. |
| 1 Cor 16:19 | Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings... | Further affirms Priscilla and Aquila's ministry partnership. |
| 2 Tim 4:19 | Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. | Indicates Paul's continued high regard for them. |
| Acts 9:2 | ...if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. | Demonstrates "the Way" as an early term for Christianity. |
| Acts 19:9 | ...some became stubbornly hardened and refused to believe, speaking evil of the Way... | Shows "the Way" was the recognized name for the Christian faith. |
| Acts 22:4 | I persecuted this Way to the death... | Paul uses "the Way" to describe the movement he once opposed. |
| Acts 24:14 | But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers... | Paul's defense uses "the Way" as the true worship of God. |
| Acts 24:22 | Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, postponed them... | Suggests common understanding of "the Way" among non-Christians too. |
| 2 Tim 2:15 | Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. | Emphasizes the importance of accurate teaching and study. |
| 2 Tim 3:16-17 | All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. | Underscores the purpose of sound scriptural instruction. |
| Tit 1:9 | He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. | Stresses the necessity of adhering to and teaching sound doctrine. |
| 2 Pet 3:18 | But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. | Calls for continuous growth in spiritual understanding. |
| Col 1:9-10 | ...praying for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord... | Encourages the pursuit of full knowledge of God's will. |
| Matt 3:11 | "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I... He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." | John the Baptist's prophecy foreshadowing Spirit baptism beyond his own. |
| Acts 1:5 | "...for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." | Jesus clarifies the new, distinct baptism of the Holy Spirit. |
| Acts 2:38 | And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." | The foundational New Testament call to baptism linked to the Holy Spirit. |
| Rom 10:2-3 | For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God... | Highlights the danger of fervent belief lacking full understanding. |
| Prov 9:9 | Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. | Wisdom for receiving further instruction, mirroring Apollos's humility. |
| Prov 18:15 | An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. | Emphasizes the willingness to seek and accept more knowledge. |
| Matt 28:19-20 | Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. | The Great Commission underlines the call to comprehensive teaching. |
| 1 Thes 5:14 | And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. | Reflects the type of helpful interaction shown by Priscilla and Aquila. |
Acts 18 verses
Acts 18 26 Meaning
Acts 18:26 describes how Apollos, a zealous and eloquent speaker with a strong grasp of the Old Testament and basic knowledge of Jesus through John's baptism, began to proclaim what he knew in the synagogue. Priscilla and Aquila, having heard his teaching, recognized his foundational truth but also a crucial incompleteness in his understanding of Christianity's full implications, particularly concerning the Holy Spirit and Christian baptism. They respectfully took him aside and privately expounded to him the complete and accurate understanding of "the way of God," ensuring his ministry would be more fully equipped for effective evangelism and discipleship.
Acts 18 26 Context
Acts chapter 18 details Paul's ministry in Corinth, where he first met Priscilla and Aquila. This Jewish couple had been expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius's decree and, like Paul, were tentmakers. They quickly became close associates and fellow laborers with Paul. The preceding verses (18:24-25) introduce Apollos as an Alexandrian Jew, described as eloquent, mighty in the Scriptures, fervent in spirit, accurately teaching what he knew about Jesus, yet knowing only the baptism of John. This sets the stage for the specific need for clarification. Apollos, though highly gifted and knowledgeable in the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus, had a limited understanding of the full implications of Jesus' ministry, particularly the empowering work of the Holy Spirit following Pentecost, which was central to Christian baptism as distinct from John's baptism of repentance. The verse fits within the broader narrative of the early church grappling with new converts coming from various backgrounds, needing comprehensive instruction in the nuances of Christian truth and the development of sound doctrine.
Acts 18 26 Word analysis
- He: Refers to Apollos, an Alexandrian Jew known for his eloquence and deep understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). His enthusiasm for teaching about Jesus was genuine.
- began: Indicative of initiation, suggesting that his public speaking in Ephesus was an ongoing, initial effort where his limited understanding would surface.
- to speak boldly (Greek: parrēsiazomai): To speak freely, openly, courageously, and without hesitation. It denotes a confident public declaration, common for preachers in synagogues, highlighting Apollos's passion and unreserved presentation of the truth as he knew it.
- in the synagogue: The traditional place of assembly for Jewish people for prayer, reading of Scripture, and teaching. It served as a common initial point for Christian evangelism, offering a diverse audience of Jews and God-fearing Gentiles.
- When Priscilla and Aquila heard him: Priscilla and Aquila were seasoned believers and close associates of Paul. Their attentive listening highlights their discernment and care for the accurate proclamation of the Gospel. Their role signifies the value placed on teaching within early Christian communities.
- they took him aside (Greek: proselabonto): Literally, "they received him to themselves," or "took him apart." This was a private and respectful gesture, indicating tact and sensitivity rather than public correction. It models a Christ-like approach to theological discussion and correction among believers.
- and explained to him (Greek: ektithentai): To "set out," "expound," or "explain in detail." It implies a thorough and comprehensive exposition of truth. The imperfect tense suggests a process of patient and sustained instruction, not a quick word.
- the way of God (Greek: tēn hodon tou Theou): A significant phrase often used in Acts (e.g., Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22) to refer to the Christian faith or movement itself, understood as the divine path or revelation leading to God. Apollos had some understanding of this "way" as revealed in the Old Testament and John the Baptist's preaching, but it lacked the full New Testament understanding.
- more accurately (Greek: akribesteron): A comparative adjective derived from akribēs, meaning "precise" or "exact." This is the crucial qualification. It implies Apollos's teaching was fundamentally true but incomplete or lacking the precision concerning the implications of Christ's resurrection, Pentecost, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which led to a deeper understanding of Christian baptism compared to John's.
- Words-group analysis:
- "speak boldly in the synagogue": Signifies Apollos's public ministry in an established Jewish setting, leveraging existing platforms for outreach.
- "took him aside and explained": Exemplifies a humble, private, and relational approach to mentorship and theological correction, valuing truth over ego.
- "the way of God more accurately": Pinpoints the essential contribution of Priscilla and Aquila – deepening Apollos's theological understanding beyond a preliminary grasp to the full richness of the Gospel, particularly concerning the distinctives of the New Covenant and the Holy Spirit.
Acts 18 26 Bonus section
- The willingness of Apollos, an eloquent and mighty speaker, to be taught by a couple, particularly with Priscilla, a woman, mentioned first, signifies a commendable humility on his part and speaks highly of Priscilla and Aquila's spiritual authority and theological competence within the early Christian community.
- This passage underscores that zeal and passion for God, while vital, are most effective when coupled with complete and accurate theological understanding.
- Priscilla and Aquila exemplify the qualities of effective mentors: listening critically, recognizing potential and need, acting tactfully and respectfully, and possessing the knowledge to fill in gaps without disparaging prior efforts. This provides a blueprint for healthy Christian discipleship relationships.
- The emphasis on "more accurately" reveals that Christian truth isn't just about initial repentance (John's baptism) but progresses into the Spirit-empowered life of the believer and the full understanding of Christ's finished work.
Acts 18 26 Commentary
Acts 18:26 serves as a profound example of collaborative ministry, humble receptivity, and the critical importance of accurate theological instruction in the early church. Apollos, though remarkably gifted and fervent, represents a person whose knowledge, while substantial and accurate within its scope, was nevertheless incomplete regarding the full unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Christ and the Holy Spirit. Priscilla and Aquila demonstrate true discernment, not interrupting his public ministry, but wisely and respectfully engaging him in private. Their willingness to teach a man of Apollos's caliber, regardless of her gender in a private setting, speaks volumes of their own deep understanding of Scripture and their commitment to Gospel integrity. This highlights that growth in understanding is an ongoing process, even for the most eloquent and learned. It underlines the concept of sound doctrine being taught to ensure spiritual maturity and effective evangelism. The outcome was a further equipping of Apollos for even more powerful ministry, as subsequent verses show his great usefulness to the early church.