PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
| UBS4 |
NKJV |
NRSV |
TEV |
NJB |
| Paul at Corinth | Ministering at Corinth | Founding of the Church in Corinth | In Corinth | Foundation of the Church of Corinth |
| 18:1-4 | 18:1-17 | 18:1-4 | 18:1-4 | 18:1-4 |
| 18:5-11 | 18:5-11 | 18:5-8 | 18:5-11 | |
| 18:9-11 | The Jews Take Paul to Court | |||
| 18:12-17 | 18:12-17 | 18:12-13 | 18:12-17 | |
| 18:14-17 | ||||
| Paul’s Return to Antioch | Paul Returns to Antioch | End of the Second Missionary Journey and Beginning of the Third | The Return to Antioch | Return to Antioch and Departure for the Third Journey |
| 18:18-23 | 18:18-23 | 18:18-21 | 18:18-21 | 18:18 |
| 18:19-21 | ||||
| 18:22-23 | 18:22-23 | 18:22-23 | ||
| Apollos Preaches at Ephesus | Ministry of Apollos | Apollos in Ephesus | Apollos in Ephesus and Corinth | Apollos |
| 18:24-28 | 18:24-28 | 18:24-28 | 18:24-28 | 18:24-26 |
| 18:27-28 |
READING CYCLE THREE (from “A Guide
to Good Bible Reading“)
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study
guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own
interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the
Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not
relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects.
Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing
is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author’s intent,
which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main
subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 18:1-4
1After these things he left
Athens and went to Corinth.
2And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently
come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the
Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, 3and because he was of the same
trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were
tent-makers. 4And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and
trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
18:1 “he left Athens and went to Corinth”
Corinth was 50 miles west of Athens on a narrow strip of land (isthmus). Paul
was alone in Athens and even for a little while in Corinth (cf. v. 5). Paul had
eye problems (thorn in the flesh, cf. II Cor. 12). It was very hard for him to
be alone.
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE CITY OF CORINTH
18:2 “a Jew named Aquila. . .Priscilla”
His wife, Priscilla, also called Prisca, is usually mentioned first (cf.
18:18,26; I Cor. 16:19; II Tim. 4:19), which was highly unusual in this
patriarchal culture (see
SPECIAL TOPIC: WOMEN IN THE BIBLE at 2:17). Her name matches a wealthy Roman
family name (gens Prisca). She is never said to be a Jew. What a great love
story it would be if she were a wealthy Roman lady who fell in love with an
itinerant Jewish tentmaker or leather worker! They befriended and worked
together with Paul in that trade. They helped disciple Apollos.
▣ “recently” In A Translator’s
Handbook on the Acts of the Apostles, p. 347, Newman and Nida make an
interesting point about this adverb, prosphatōs. Originally it means
“freshly killed,” but it came to be used metaphorically as “recent.” This is a
good example of how etymology is not always a good indication of meanings. Words
must be understood in their contemporary and contextual setting. Many of the
misinterpretations of the Bible come from the failure of the modern interpreter
to recognize the ancient metaphorical or idiomatic usage.
▣ “having come from Italy with his wife
Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome” In
Historia Contra Paganus 7.6.15, Orosius says the date of this edict was
a.d. 49. Suetonius, in Life of Claudius 25.4, tells us that it was
over rioting in the Jewish ghetto at the instigation of one Chrestus. The
Romans confused Christus with Chrestus (cf. Tacitus, Annais 25:44:3). Dio
Cassius in Histories 60.6, says the Jews were not expelled, but forbidden
to practice their ancestral customs.
The participle, “having come,”
is perfect active participle, implying that the
move was thought to be permanent or long term. Claudius’ edict (command) is a
perfect passive infinitive.
18:3 “because he was of the same trade”
This is usually thought to be tent-making, but the word can refer to leather
working. Paul’s rabbinical background demanded that he have a secular job or
trade. No rabbi could take money for teaching. Cilicia, Paul’s home area, was
noted for its goat hair and skins.
18:4 “he was reasoning in the synagogue every
Sabbath” Paul was active every Sabbath both “reasoning” and “trying to
persuade” (these are both imperfect tense).
Paul went to the Jews first because
1. it was Jesus’ example (cf. Matt. 10:5-6)
2. they knew the OT
3. the God-fearing Greeks there were generally responsive to his message (cf.
Rom. 1:16)
The synagogue developed during the Babylonian exile as a place of worship,
education, and prayer. It was designed to foster and maintain Jewish culture.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 18:5-11
5But when Silas and Timothy
came down from Macedonia, Paul
began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the
Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
6But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and
said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on I
will go to the Gentiles.” 7Then he left there and went to the house
of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next to the
synagogue. 8Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the
Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were
believing and being baptized. 9And the Lord said to Paul in the night
by a vision, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not
be silent; 10for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order
to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” 11And he settled
there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
18:5 “Silas and Timothy came down from
Macedonia” They apparently brought a love offering from the believers at
Philippi, which allowed Paul to preach full time (cf. II Cor. 11:9; Phil. 4:15).
Timothy also brought news about the church at Thessalonica in response to which
Paul wrote I and II Thessalonians (cf. 17:14). It seems that, just as Luke had
been left in Philippi to disciple the new believers, Timothy was left at
Thessalonica and Silas at Berea. Paul was very concerned with the training of
new Christians (i.e., the Great Commission is making and teaching disciples, not
just decisions). He wanted to leave an active, growing, reproducing church in
every city he visited.
NASB“Paul began devoting
himself completely to the word”
NKJV“Paul was constrained by the Spirit”
NRSV“Paul was occupied with proclaiming the word”
TEV“Paul ave his whole time to preaching the message”
NJB“Paul devoted all his time to preaching”
There is a Greek manuscript variant
in this phrase. The oldest and best texts have the
dative of Logos (cf. MSS P74, א, A, B, D, E, along with
the Vulgate, Peshitta, and Coptic translations). The UBS4 rates it “B” (almost
certain). The Textus Receptus has “Spirit” (pneumati), which is found
only in much later Minuscule Greek manuscripts (three from the tenth century are
the oldest).
▣ “solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus
is the Christ” Compare 9:22 with 17:3 concerning Paul’s method of
persuasion (imperfect passive indicative
of sunechō, which means to constrict or press), which was very much like
Stephen’s method and enthusiasm (cf. Acts 7). See note at 2:40. This often
repeated theological assertion (i.e., Jesus is the Messiah, see note at 17:3) is
the key to all others!
18:6 “resisted and blasphemed” These
are both present middle participles, which emphasize
continuing personal involvement. Unfortunately this became the all too common
response from the Jews of the Diaspora.
▣ “he shook out his garments” This was
a Jewish symbol for rejection (cf. Neh. 5:13; Acts 13:51; Luke 9:5; 10:11). See
complete note at 13:51.
▣ “Your blood be on your own heads”
This OT idiom has several connotations.
1. the responsibility of a watchman, both individually and collectively,
Ezek. 3:16ff; 33:1-6
2. a personal responsibility, Josh. 2:19; II Sam. 1:16; Ezek. 18:13; Acts
18:6; 20:26
3. a corporate responsibility of the ancestors or nations, II Sam. 3:28-29;
II Kgs. 2:33
4. NT combination of # 2 and #3, Matt. 27:25
Life was in the blood (cf. Lev. 17:11,14). The shedding of blood made someone
responsible to God for that death (cf. Gen. 4:10; 9:4-6).
▣ “I am clean” This is an OT
sacrificial metaphor of personal responsibility. Paul was no longer spiritually
responsible (cf. Ezekiel 33) for the Jews to hear the gospel in this city. He
shared the message and they would not respond. Are we clean?
▣
“From now on I will go to the Gentiles” This evangelistic procedure and
curse became normative for Paul (cf. 13:46; 18:6; 26:20; 28:28). Paul felt
obligated to preach to the house of Israel first, following Jesus (cf. Matt.
10:6; 15:24; Mark 7:27). He explains this theologically in Rom. 1:3,5,9-11 and
emotionally in Acts 9;15; 22:21; 26:17 (cf. Rom. 11:13; 15:16; Gal. 1:16; 2:7-9;
Eph. 3:2,8; I Tim. 2:7; II Tim. 4:17).
18:7 “Titus Justus” There are several
possibilities as to the identity of this “worshiper of God” who lived next to
the synagogue in Corinth.
1. His full name is Gaius Titus Justus and the church in Corinth met in his
home (cf. Rom. 16:23)
2. He may be the Gaius mentioned in I Cor. 1:14 who was baptized by Paul
3. There is a Greek manuscript variant connected with this name.
a. Titiou Ioustou, MSS B, D2 (UBS4 gives this a
“C” rating)
b. Titou Ioustou, MSS א, E, P
c. Ioustou, MSS A, B2, D*
d. Titou, Peshitta and Coptic translations
▣ “a worshiper of God” An inscription
from Aphrodisias (3rd
century), uses the phrase “worshiper of God” for those Gentiles attached to and
attending the synagogue. So “God fearers” (10:1-2,22; 13:16,26) is synonymous to
“worshiper of God” (cf. 13:50; 16:14; 18:6-7).
This phrase is hard to define. The same phrase is used of Lydia in 16:14 and
several Greeks at Thessalonica in 17:4 and in Berea in 17:17. They seem to be
Greeks who were attracted to Judaism, attended the synagogue when possible, but
were not full proselytes. However, the phrase “a God-fearing proselyte” is used
to describe full proselytes at the synagogue in Perga of Pamphylia in 13:43.
18:8 “Crispus” This man was the
organizer and superintendent of the local synagogue (cf. I Cor. 1:14).
▣ “believed in the Lord with all his
household” Acts records several instances where the head of a house
converts and the entire extended family is baptized (cf. 11:14; 16:15,31-34;
18:8, See
SPECIAL TOPIC: BAPTISM at 2:38). Westerners forget the place of the extended
family in the ancient Mediterranean world. Family was priority. Individuality
was not emphasized. Although this is different from our individualistic
understanding of evangelism, that does not make it inappropriate or less real.
However, it is also to be noted that not all the members of saved families
who attended church were saved. Onesimus was a slave in Philemon’s house where
the church met, but he was not saved until he met Paul in prison.
For “believed” see Special Topics at
2:40 and 3:16.
▣ “many of the Corinthians when they heard
were believing and being baptized” Many at Corinth readily accepted
Paul’s message, but Paul was discouraged and had to be energized by a special
divine vision (cf. v. 10b). The Corinthian churches (house churches) were Paul’s
most difficult, problematic congregations. He loved them, but they caused him
great personal pain (cf. I and II Corinthians).
There is a relevant parallel to this context in I Cor. 1:14-17. I have
included here one of my notes from my commentary on I Corinthians. See it online
free at
www.freebiblecommentary.org
“1:17 “For Christ did not send me to baptize,
but to preach” This is not meant to disparage baptism, but to react to
the factious spirit in the church of Corinth that was lifting up certain
leaders. However, this statement does indicate that baptism was not seen as a
“sacramental” agency of grace. It is surprising that some interpret Paul’s
writings in a sacramental sense when in all his writings he specifically
mentions the Lord’s Supper only once in I Corinthians 11 and baptism twice, in
Rom. 6:1-11 and Col. 2:12. However, baptism is the will of God for every
believer.
1. it is the example of Jesus
2. it is the command of Jesus
3. it is the expected, normal procedure for all believers
I do not believe it is the channel for receiving the grace of God or the
Spirit. It was that public opportunity for new believers to express their faith
in a very public and decisive way. No NT believer would ask, “Must I be baptized
to be saved?” Jesus did it! Jesus commanded the church to do it! Do it!” Baptism
is still a major decisive public declaration of one’s personal faith, especially
in non-Christian cultures.
18:9 “Do not be afraid any longer“
This is a present middle imperative with a
negative particle, which usually means to stop an act already in process.
This may be an allusion to Gen. 26:24 or Deut. 1:29-33; 20:1, where Isaac was
afraid. Paul was afraid and needed Christ’s encouragement. Luke records these
special visions of encouragement in 22:17-18; 23:11; 27:23-24. If a man like
Paul grew weary in well-doing, does it surprise you that you do, too? Jesus is
with us also (cf. v. 10; Matt. 28:20)! The Great Commission is still the guiding
goal, the main thing (cf. Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8).
▣ “but you go on speaking and do not be
silent” These are both
imperatives (present active and aorist active). Fear must not silence the
gospel proclaimer! Our emotions go up and down, but Acts 1:8 is still the
guiding light (cf. II Tim. 4:2-5).
18:10 “I am with you” There is no
greater promise (cf. Gen. 26:24; Exod 3:12; 33:4; Ps. 23:4; Matt. 28:20; Heb.
13:5). Notice He is with us, not for our personal comfort or security, but for
evangelistic boldness (so too, the purpose of the filling of the Spirit in
Acts). The Spirit’s presence is for proclamation, not personal peace alone.
▣ “for I have many people in this city”
The phrase “I have many people” is an allusion to the OT use of this term for
Israel (i.e., the people of God), but now in the NT it refers to those in
Corinth (Jews and Gentiles) who would respond to the gospel message. There is no
more Jew or Greek (cf. Rom. 3:22; I Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). The
church is now called by OT titles (cf. Gal. 6:16; I Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6).
This is an emphasis of God’s predestination and foreknowledge (cf. Romans 9;
Ephesians 1). Oh, if we could only see the book of Life
now! The church’s witness is effective (cf. Rev. 13:8). Personal
assurance is for evangelistic boldness, not the confirmation of a ticket to
heaven when believers die!
18:11 This verse helps establish a
possible chronology for Paul’s missionary travels. Although the phrase is
ambiguous, it implies a preaching mission of eighteen months in Corinth.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 18:12-17
12But while Gallio was
proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought
him before the judgment seat, 13saying, “This man persuades men to
worship God contrary to the law.” 14But when Paul was about to open
his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious
crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you; 15but
if there are questions about words and names and your own law, look after it
yourselves; I am unwilling to be a judge of these matters.” 16And he
drove them away from the judgment seat. 17And they all took hold of
Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of
the judgment seat. But Gallio was not concerned about any of these things.
18:12 “Gallio” From biblical and
extra-biblical sources we learn that this was a fair and competent political
leader. His brother, Seneca, says of him, “Even those who love my brother Gallio
to the utmost of their power do not love him enough” and “no man was ever as
sweet to one as Gallio is to all.” This political appointee helps us to date
Paul’s journeys. He was a proconsul for two and one half years starting in
a.d. 51.
▣ “Gallio was proconsul of Achaia”
Luke is an accurate historian. The names of Roman officials in this area had
changed since a.d. 44; “proconsul”
(cf. 13:7; 19:38) was correct because Emperor Claudius gave this province to the
Senate.
▣ “the Jews with one accord” Luke uses
this phrase many times to express the unity of the believers (cf. 1:14; 2:1,46;
4:24; 5:12; 8:6; 15:25), but here it denotes the unity of the jealousy and
anti-gospel rebellion of the Jews of Corinth (cf. v. 6). Other examples of the
use of this phrase in a negative sense are 7:57; 12:20; and 19:29. The term
“Jews” often has a pejorative sense in Luke’s writings.
▣ “brought him before the judgment seat”
This is the word
bēma (literally, “step”). It was the seat or raised platform of Roman
justice (cf. Matt. 27:19; John 19:13; Acts 25:6,10,17; II Cor. 5:10).
18:13 “to worship God contrary to the law”
This Jewish claim that Christianity was a violation of their laws and,
therefore, not a part of Judaism, was a very important legal issue. If Gallio
had ruled on this charge, Christianity would have become an illegal religion.
But, as it was, Christianity enjoyed political protection (it was seen as a sect
of Judaism, which was a legal religion) under Roman law until Nero’s
persecution, 10-12 years later.
It is even possible that one of Luke’s purposes in writing Acts was to
document that Christianity was not a threat to Roman authority. Every Roman
official is recorded as recognizing this fact.
18:14 “If” This is a
second class conditional sentence. It is a rare construction that makes a
false statement in order to make a point or continue a discussion. It is often
called “contrary to fact” condition. This should be translated “if it were a
matter of wrong or of vicious crime, which it is not, then it would be
reasonable for me to put up with you, which it is not.”
18:15 “if” This is a
first class conditional sentence. The legal issue was, in reality, a
religious issue. Gallio wisely recognized the true motive of the Jews. He could
not and would not act as a judge in these kinds of matters.
18:16 “he drove them away” This is the
only occurrence of this verbin the NT, but it was used several times
in the Septuagint (cf. I Sam. 6:8; Ezek. 34:12). It is an intensified form of
elaunō, which means to expel forcibly.
18:17 “they all took hold of Sosthenes”
“They all” refers to the Jews of v. 12 or possibly to Greeks, which shows the
underlying anti-Semitism of these Greek cities. A Sosthenes is mentioned in I
Cor. 1:1; whether he is the same one or not is uncertain, but it is a rather
rare name. This Sosthenes had taken Crispus’ place as leader of the synagogue.
Why the Jews should beat him is uncertain. Maybe he let Paul speak at the
synagogue.
▣ “But
Gallio was not concerned about any of these things” This Roman political
leader, unlike Pilate, would not be swayed by the crowd.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 18:18-21
18Paul, having remained many
days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with
him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was
keeping a vow. 19They came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he
himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20When they
asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent,
21but taking leave of them and saying, “I will return to you again if
God wills,” he set sail from Ephesus.
18:18 “Cenchrea” This was one of two
seaports of Corinth. It was located on the Aegean Sea, on the east side of the
narrow isthmus on which Corinth was located. It is mentioned again as the site
of a church in Rom. 16:1.
▣ “keeping a vow” This refers to a
chronologically limited Nazarite vow described in Num. 6:1-21 (cf. F. F. Bruce,
Answers to Questions, p. 52). Paul does this again in Acts 21:24 (see note
there). The cutting or shaving of the head would denote the end of the vow.
Both A. T. Robertson and M. R. Vincent think this was not a Nazarite vow
because it could only be terminated in Jerusalem according to Jewish custom.
Paul did become all things to all men to win some (cf. I Cor. 9:19-23). We can
be sure this vow was for evangelism, not legalism! And, of course, there is
always the possibility that it was Aquilla who shaved his head.
18:19 “Ephesus” This was a large
commercial city in western Asia Minor. After the harbor at Miletus was destroyed
by silt from the Maeander River, the commercial trade moved up the coast to
Ephesus, which also had a natural harbor. By the NT period the best days of
Ephesus had passed. It was still a large and influential city, but nothing like
its past glory.
1. It was the largest city of the Roman province of Asia Minor. It was not
the capital, though the Roman governor lived there. It was a commercial center
because of it excellent natural harbor.
2. It was a free city, which allowed it to have local government and much
freedom, including no garrison of Roman soldiers.
3. It was the only city which was allowed to hold the bi-annual Asian games.
4. It was the site of the Temple to Artemis (Diana in Latin), which was one
of the seven wonders of the world of its day. It was 425′ x 220′ with 127
columns, which were 60′ tall; 86 of them were overlaid with gold (see Pliny’s
Hist. Nat. 36:95ff). The image of Artemis was thought to have been a meteor
which resembled a many-breasted female figure. This meant that there were many
cultic prostitutes present in the city (cf. Acts 19). It was a very immoral,
multi- cultural city.
5. Paul stayed in this city more than three years (cf. Acts 18:18ff; 20:13).
6. Tradition asserts that it became John’s home after Mary’ death in
Palestine.
▣ “he
himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews” Paul loved his
people (cf. Rom. 9:1-5). He tried without fail to reach them with and for the
gospel.
18:20 These Jews were like the
Bereans. They were willing to listen. Why Paul was unwilling to stay is not
stated in the text, but in v. 21 it shows he was willing to return at God’s
direction at a later date.
18:21 “I will return to you again if God
wills” Paul believed his life was in God’s hands, not his own (cf. Rom.
1:10; 15:32; I Cor. 4:19; 16:7). This is the biblical worldview (cf. Heb. 6:3;
James 4:15; I Pet. 3:17). Paul will return and Ephesus will become his major
focus on the third missionary journey.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 18:22-23
22When
he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and went down to
Antioch. 23And having spent some time there, he left and
passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all
the disciples.
18:22 Verse 21 ends with Paul sailing
from Ephesus. Verse 22 has him landing in Palestine (Caesarea) and visiting the
church in Jerusalem (“he went up,” theologically speaking) and then (down) to
Antioch of Syria. It must be remembered that Luke is not recording a daily
exhaustive travel itinerary, but jumping from one significant theological event
to another. Acts is not modern history, but it is a good, accurate history!
Verse 22 ends the second missionary journey and verse 23 begins the third
missionary journey.
▣ “the church” See Special Topic at
5:11.
▣ “the Galatian region and Phrygia”
This phrase “Galatian region” is still the source of controversy among scholars
as to whether this refers to racial or political divisions within modern central
Turkey.
The Phrygian region is first mentioned in 2:10. Some who experienced
Pentecost were from this area. Paul was forbidden to preach in this area in
16:6.
One wonders if the phrase “strengthening all the disciples” in the latter
part of v. 23 refers to Pentecost converts in Phrygia or Paul’s converts in
Derbe, Lystra, and Iconium, which were in the Pisidian southern part of the
Roman province of Galatia.
This is the beginning of Paul’s third missionary journey (cf. 18:23-21:16).
▣ “strengthening all the disciples”
Paul took the Great Commission of Matt. 28:19-20 seriously. His ministry
involved both evangelism (cf. Matt. 28:19) and discipleship (cf. 15:36; Matt.
28:20).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 18:24-28
24Now a Jew named Apollos, an
Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the
Scriptures. 25This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord;
and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things
concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26and
he began to speak out 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. 27And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren
encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had
arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, 28for
he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that
Jesus was the Christ.
18:24-28 This seems to be an account
related to either
1. Priscilla and Aquila
2. John the Baptist’s followers (it is not in chronological sequence)
3. its function as a letter of recommendation for Apolos by Paul
18:24 “a Jew named Apollos” It is
highly unusual for a Jew to be named after a Greek god. He was a highly educated
and eloquent preacher (cf. 18:24-19:1). His ministry in Corinth was helpful, but
became problematic when one of the three factions (supporters of Paul, Peter,
Apollos, cf. I Cor. 1-4) took him as their champion. He refused to return to
Corinth (cf. I Cor 16:12).
▣ “an Alexandrian by birth” This was
the second largest city of the Roman Empire, known for its large library and
academic flavor. It had a large Jewish population (for which the Hebrew Bible
was translated into Greek, the Septuagint) and was the home of Philo, a famous
Jewish, neo-Platonist, allegorical scholar.
▣ “came to Ephesus” Acts is not a
detailed, chronological writing. Paul had just left (cf. v. 23).
▣ “an eloquent man” This term in Koine
Greek can mean either eloquent or educated. In the Septuagint logios is
used of the oracles of God. Apollos was obviously more gifted in public speaking
(Greek rhetoric) than Paul (compare I Cor. 1:17; 2:1; II Cor. 10:10; and 11:6).
He was a powerful preacher!
▣ “and he was mighty in the Scriptures”
The term “Scriptures” refers to the OT (cf. I Thess. 2:13; II Tim. 3:16; I Pet.
1:23-25; II Pet. 1:20-21), with the exception of II Pet. 3:15-16, where Paul’s
writings (by analogy) are attributed inspired status. Apollos knew his OT well.
The word “mighty” is dunatos, which is used of Jesus’ might in word
and deed in Luke 24:19, and of Moses in Acts 7:22.
18:25 “This man had been instructed”
This is a periphrastic pluperfect passive (cf. Luke
1:4). He had been trained in the teachings of Jesus, but only up to a certain
level or time period. Curtis Vaughan, Acts, p. 118, footnote #2, lists
the things Apollos may have known and preached.
1. John was the forerunner of the Messiah.
2. He pointed out the Messiah as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of
the world.
3. Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah.
I also think that repentance was probably emphasized in his preaching because
it was in both John’s and Jesus’ preaching.
▣ “in the way of the Lord” “The way”
was the first title used to describe the followers of Jesus in Acts (cf. 9:2;
19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22; John 14:6). It was used often in the OT (cf. Deut.
5:32-33; 31:29; Ps. 27:11; Isa. 35:8), where it speaks of lifestyle faith. It is
uncertain whether it has that meaning in this text (cf. 18:26).
Apollos also knew something about Jesus, but apparently it was His early
earthly ministry and not the post-Calvary, post-resurrection gospel.
▣
“being fervent in spirit” This is literally “burning in spirit.” This
phrase is meant to describe the enthusiasm of Apollos for what he did know and
understand about the life and teachings of Jesus.
▣ “being acquainted only with the baptism of
John” This phrase about Apollos may have been the literary technique that
Luke used to introduce the followers of John in 19:1-7. There were several
heresies that developed in first century Palestine connected with John the
Baptist’s teaching and preaching.
John was the last OT prophet who prepared for the coming of the Messiah (cf.
Isa. 40:3; Matt. 3:3), but he was
not the first gospel preacher.
If Apollos’ preaching focused too much on John, then he missed the full
significance of Jesus. Both John and Jesus emphasized “repentance,” “faith,” and
“godly living.” Both initially called the Jews to a new commitment to faith and
practice (covenant faithfulness and personal faith in YHWH). However, Jesus’
message developed into the bold assertion of His central place (e.g., John 10
and 14), possibly this is what Apollos lacked.
18:26 “he began to speak out boldly in the
synagogue” This verb is used of Paul speaking to the Jews in
the synagogue in 13:46; 14:3; 19:8 and before Festus in 26:26. Apollos was a
powerful and effective preacher.
▣ “in the synagogue” Notice Priscilla
and Aquila were also there. This was Paul’s regular custom also.
▣ “Priscilla and Aquila” She is
mentioned first several times, 18:18,26; Rom. 16:3; II Tim. 4:19. This is highly
unusual. Possibly she was the strongest personality or of Roman nobility. In
Acts 18:2, Aquila is said to be Jewish, but never Priscilla. They were forced to
leave Rome under Emperor Claudius’ edict in
a.d. 49. They met and befriended Paul in Corinth and followed him to
Ephesus. The three of them were tent makers.
▣ “took him aside” This term is used
to describe someone being accepted or received as a friend. It is uncertain how
or where Priscilla and Aquila did this for Apollos. They may have talked to him
privately or taken him home with them. Notice they did not embarrass him or
challenge him publicly!
▣ “explained to him the way of God more
accurately” He was teachable, which is rare for gifted, educated humans!
He obviously responded to their fuller information about Jesus.
18:27 “he wanted to go across to Achaia”
The Greek manuscript D adds “at the urging of Corinthian Christians.” He was
their kind of preacher (Greek rhetorical style).
▣ “the brethren. . .wrote” Letters of
recommendation from one church to another are referred to in Rom. 16:1; II Cor.
3:1; and II John. This was the early church’s way of avoiding false and
disruptive traveling preachers.
▣ “he greatly helped those who had believed
through grace” There are two ways to understand this phrase.
1. this refers to believers already saved by grace (NASB, NKJV, NRSV, TEV)
2. this refers to God’s gracious empowering of Apollos (NJB)
The main verb, helped,
(contributed) is an aorist middle indicative. Apollos was a
blessing!
The participle “believed” is a perfect active, implying they were already
believers. Apollos was functioning as a discipler, not an evangelist, in
Corinth.
18:28 Apollos used the OT in the same
way as Peter, Stephen, and Paul. Demonstrating from the OT that Jesus was the
Messiah was a recurrent pattern in the sermons to the Jews in Acts (see note at
17:3).
DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
This is a study guide
commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of
the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the
Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a
commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major
issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not
definitive.
1. Why is Priscilla listed first so often in the New Testament?
2. How did Paul get to know Priscilla and Aquila? Why?
3. Did Priscilla and Aquila ever return to Rome? How do we know?
4. Compare Paul and Apollos’ preaching styles.
5. Was Apollos a Christian before he visited with Aquila and Priscilla?
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