Acts 18 28

Acts 18:28 kjv

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

Acts 18:28 nkjv

for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts 18:28 niv

For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.

Acts 18:28 esv

for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

Acts 18:28 nlt

He refuted the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah.

Acts 18 verses

Acts 18 28 Meaning

Acts 18:28 describes the ministry of Apollos in Achaia, specifically highlighting his effectiveness in publicly refuting Jewish opponents. He achieved this by skillfully and powerfully demonstrating from the Old Testament Scriptures that Jesus was, in fact, the long-awaited Messiah (the Christ). This verse emphasizes the intellectual and theological basis of early Christian evangelism and apologetics, centered on scriptural proofs for Jesus's identity.

Acts 18 28 Context

Acts chapter 18 follows Paul's ministry in Corinth, where he worked with Priscilla and Aquila, founded a church, and faced Jewish opposition before moving on. The verse specifically concerns Apollos, an Alexandrian Jew described as eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). Before Acts 18:28, Apollos had arrived in Ephesus, initially knowing only the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila, upon hearing him teach accurately but incompletely, took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26). Having been instructed and equipped, Apollos wished to go to Achaia, and the Ephesian believers encouraged him, giving him a letter of commendation (Acts 18:27). Upon arriving in Achaia, Apollos’s ministry proved exceptionally effective, as detailed in verse 28, especially among the Greek-speaking Jews who resided in the area. His eloquent and scriptural arguments likely drew significant attention in the synagogue settings and other public forums.

Acts 18 28 Word analysis

• for he: Refers to Apollos (Apollōs), highlighting his individual effort and capability in this ministry. His previous preparation by Priscilla and Aquila is crucial for understanding why he was so effective.
• powerfully: Greek diakatēlenchomai (διακατηλέγχετο), a strong compound verb meaning "to refute thoroughly," "convict completely," or "demonstrate with irresistible force." It implies not just refutation but decisive victory in argumentation, leaving no room for doubt due to the overwhelming evidence presented. It suggests a debate where one side is comprehensively proven wrong.
• refuted: See "powerfully" above. This implies engagement in debate or discussion, where Apollos countered opposing viewpoints, likely those of the Jews who did not accept Jesus as the Messiah. The context suggests a theological confrontation rooted in differing interpretations of shared holy texts.
• the Jews: Refers to those from the Jewish community, likely within synagogues, who had not yet accepted Jesus as the Christ. Their initial rejection of Jesus necessitated such refutation, based on their own Scriptures.
• in public: Greek dēmosiā (δημοσίᾳ), meaning "publicly" or "openly." This indicates that Apollos's ministry was not hidden or clandestine but was conducted in accessible forums, likely synagogues or public assembly places, making his arguments verifiable and his influence widespread. This also highlights the boldness and confidence in the message.
• demonstrating: Greek epideiknys (ἐπιδεικνύς), meaning "to show," "to prove," or "to demonstrate." It suggests a clear, methodical, and evidence-based presentation rather than mere assertion. Apollos wasn't just asserting claims; he was laying out the scriptural case with irrefutable logic.
• by the Scriptures: Greek graphōn (γραφῶν), referring to the sacred writings, specifically the Old Testament (Septuagint translation in many cases), which was the recognized authoritative text for both Jews and early Christians. This is the foundation of Apollos's authority and effectiveness; he appealed to shared revelation.
• that the Christ: Greek ton Christon (τὸν Χριστόν), "the Anointed One," "the Messiah." This is the core claim being debated and demonstrated. The term carried profound theological and eschatological weight for Jews, signifying the promised deliverer from God.
• was Jesus: The central identification. Apollos's entire argument hinged on showing that the Old Testament prophecies and promises concerning the Messiah pointed directly and undeniably to Jesus of Nazareth, thereby affirming Jesus's divine appointment and authority.

Words-group analysis

• powerfully refuted the Jews: This phrase underscores the intellectual rigor and spiritual conviction of Apollos. He wasn't merely debating; he was decisively overcoming their arguments against Jesus being the Messiah. This strong refutation, enabled by the Spirit's wisdom (cf. Acts 6:10), was crucial in an environment where Jewish leaders actively opposed the Christian message.
• in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures: This combination highlights the method and arena of his ministry. The public setting allowed for transparency and broader impact, while the reliance on "the Scriptures" (Old Testament) provided irrefutable common ground with the Jews. It shows apologetics rooted in the foundational texts honored by all parties, ensuring that conversion was based on understanding divine truth.
• that the Christ was Jesus: This is the core theological assertion. It represents the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the person of Jesus. Apollos's success lay in clearly connecting the ancient promises of a Messiah to the historical person of Jesus, showing a coherent divine plan that culminated in Jesus's life, death, and resurrection. This demonstrated Jesus as not just a messianic figure, but the one.

Acts 18 28 Bonus section

• Apollos's example in Acts 18:28, coming after his deeper instruction from Priscilla and Aquila, showcases the vital role of discipleship and continuous learning in Christian ministry. His prior zeal and partial understanding were perfected into effective apologetic skill through accurate teaching.
• The effectiveness of Apollos's ministry highlights the central importance of the Old Testament for understanding the identity and mission of Jesus. The early Christian message was not a new religion disconnected from Judaism but presented itself as the true fulfillment of Israel's covenant relationship with God.
• The term "refuted" (διακατηλέγχετο) suggests that Christian preaching was not merely declarative but actively engaged in intellectual and theological contestation against prevalent beliefs. This was a critical component of missionary success in a diverse marketplace of ideas.
• Apollos's ability to demonstrate from Scripture resonates with the emphasis across the New Testament that salvation comes through knowledge of the truth grounded in God's revealed Word. It underscores that faith is not blind but is built upon verifiable historical and prophetic truths.

Acts 18 28 Commentary

Acts 18:28 encapsulates the essence of effective early Christian apologetics and evangelism, particularly among the Jewish communities. Apollos, already an eloquent and knowledgeable man, became exceptionally potent after receiving more accurate teaching from Priscilla and Aquila. His power did not lie in rhetorical flair alone, but in his profound grasp of the Old Testament Scriptures. He masterfully presented scriptural evidence, showing how prophecies and types within the Law, Prophets, and Psalms undeniably pointed to Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. His refutation was "thorough" or "forceful" not through coercion but through logical, biblically grounded arguments that disarmed opposition. This public demonstration ensured that the truth about Jesus was proclaimed boldly and was verifiable against the recognized sacred texts. It served as a powerful testament to the continuity between God's old covenant promises and their fulfillment in Christ, leading many to embrace the Christian faith. Apollos exemplifies the importance of deep scriptural knowledge combined with Spirit-empowered conviction for impactful ministry.