Acts 18:25

Translations

Modern

He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.

Traditional

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

Literal

He was instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and was teaching earnestly the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John,

Latin

Hic erat edoctus viam Domini: et fervens spiritu loquebatur, et docebat diligenter ea quæ sunt Jesu, sciens tantum baptisma Joannis.

Original

Greek

English

He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.

Notes

Acts 18:24–26

Alexandria was the second-largest city in the Roman Empire. It was known for its strong tradition of public speaking and for the writings of Philo, a Jewish philosopher.

Apollos was a skilled speaker and knew the Scriptures (the Old Testament) very well. However, his understanding of Jesus and the Holy Spirit was incomplete. He did not yet understand that believers can experience the Holy Spirit’s power in their lives now.

Priscilla and Aquila kindly took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately.

Acts 18:23–19:41

This section describes Paul's third mission journey, which happened around AD 53 to 57. Paul visited Galatia and Phrygia again to build stronger relationships with the disciples (18:23). He then traveled to Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years (19:1, 8–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Apollos Ephesus John the Baptist Paul (Saul) Priscilla and Aquila Baptism

Events

Related verses

Acts 19:3
“Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied.
Romans 12:11
Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Hosea 14:9
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.
Mark 12:14
“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”
Acts 19:23
About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.
Acts 19:9
But when some of them stubbornly refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way, Paul took his disciples and left the synagogue to conduct daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.
Acts 9:2
…and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
Psalm 119:1
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD.
Acts 13:10
…and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord?
1 Samuel 12:23
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way.
John 1:19–36
And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”
Judges 2:22
In this way I will test whether Israel will keep the way of the LORD by walking in it as their fathers did.”

Parallels

Acts 13:1–3 Acts 15:36–41

People

John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus

Glossary

Apollos Aquila Book of the Acts of the Apostles Church Meetings Corinth Inscriptions Letter to the Ephesians Paul the Apostle Priscilla and Aquila Spirit of God Travel

Topics

All Christians should be As Missionaries: Apollos Apollos: An Eloquent, Christian Convert at Corinth Baptism: Christian Christian Minister: Success Attending: Apollos Diligence: Apollos Ephesus: Apollos Visits and Preaches In Orator: Apollos Religious Zeal: Exemplified The Way Zeal: Holy: Apollos

Acts 18:25

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