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Acts 18:25
Verse
Context
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey Begins
24Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures. 25He 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.26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him in and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Sermons
Norman Grubb
Joseph Balsan
George VerwerHarris Franklin Rall
Don Currin
Horatius BonarSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord - Κατηχημενος; He was catechized, initiated, in the way, the doctrine, of Jesus as the Christ. Being fervent in the spirit - Being full of zeal to propagate the truth of God, he taught diligently, ακριβως accurately, (so the word should be translated), the things of Christ as far as he could know them through the ministry of John the Baptist; for it appears he knew nothing more of Christ than what John preached. Some suppose we should read ουκ, not, before ακριβως, correctly, or accurately, because it is said that Aquila and Priscilla expounded the way of the Lord, ακριβεϚερον, more perfectly, rather more accurately; but of this emendation there is not the slightest necessity; for surely it is possible for a man to teach accurately what he knows; and it is possible that another, who possesses more information on the subject than the former, may teach him more accurately, or give him a larger portion of knowledge. Apollo knew the baptism of John; but he knew nothing farther of Jesus Christ than that baptism taught; but, as far as he knew, he taught accurately. Aquila and Priscilla were acquainted with the whole doctrine of the Gospel: the doctrine of Christ dying for our sins, and rising again for our justification; and in this they instructed Apollo; and this was more accurate information than what he had before received, through the medium of John's ministry.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord . . . knowing only the baptism of John--He was instructed, probably, by some disciple of the Baptist, in the whole circle of John's teaching concerning Jesus, but no more: he had yet to learn the new light which the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost had thrown upon the Redeemer's death and resurrection; as appears from Act 19:2-3. being fervent in the spirit--His heart warm, and conscious, probably, of his gifts and attainments, he burned to impart to others the truth he had himself received. he spake and taught diligently--rather, "accurately" (it is the same word as is rendered "perfectly" in Act 18:26).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, &c. The chief city of which was Corinth, and whither Apollos went, as appears from Act 19:1. What disposed him to go thither, after he had received a greater degree of light and knowledge, was no doubt that he might communicate it, to the good of others, to which he was moved by the Holy Ghost, who had work for him to do there: according to Beza's most ancient copy, there were Corinthians sojourning in Ephesus, who when they had heard him (Apollos), besought him that he would go with them into their country; to which he agreeing, the Ephesians wrote to the disciples at Corinth to receive him, as follows: the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; that is, the brethren at Ephesus, among whom Aquila was a principal one, wrote letters of recommendation to the brethren of the churches in Achaia, particularly at Corinth, not only that they would receive him into their houses, and hospitably entertain him as a Christian man, but admit him, and behave towards him as a preacher of the Gospel: who when he was come; into Achaia, and to Corinth: helped them much which had believed through grace; the phrase "through grace", is omitted in the Vulgate Latin version, but is in all the Greek copies, and may be connected either with the word "helped"; as the Syriac version, "he helped through grace"; and then the sense is, that Apollos, through the gifts of grace bestowed on him, or by the assistance of the grace of God, or both, greatly helped and contributed much to the advantage of the believers in those parts; as to the encouragement of their faith, and the increase of the joy of it; for the quickening, and comforting, and establishing them in the truths and doctrines of the Gospel, by his affectionate, fervent, and nervous way of preaching: or it may be connected with the word "believed", as it is in the Arabic version and in ours; and the meaning is, that he greatly assisted such who were already believers; and who became so, not of themselves, but through the grace of God; for faith is not of nature, nor the produce of man's free will, but is the gift of God's grace; it is a fruit of electing grace, an instance of distinguishing grace, it is owing to efficacious grace, and comes along with effectual calling grace, through the word preached, the means of grace; and is supported and maintained by the grace of God; the Ethiopic version renders it, "he preached much to them, who believed in the grace of God"; that is, in the Gospel, the doctrine of the grace of God, which they had received and professed; or in the love and favour of God, they were rooted and grounded in, and persuaded of.
Acts 18:25
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey Begins
24Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures. 25He 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.26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him in and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Meaning of Life - 6. I Will Do It Through You
By Norman Grubb6.4K43:30Meaning Of LifeGEN 12:3JHN 4:14JHN 6:35ACT 18:25EPH 1:3EPH 2:6COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of God in their lives and the lives of others. They emphasize the importance of understanding and knowing the way of God more perfectly. The central message of the sermon is the purpose of God to create a vast family of sons through His own son, Jesus, and to elevate them to the same level as Jesus, giving them the inheritance of the universe. The speaker also discusses the concept of the soul and the need to overcome the illusion of being an independent self, recognizing that in Christ, we are a self that is truly His.
I Will Do It Through You
By Norman Grubb2.7K43:30Christ In UsGEN 12:3JHN 4:14JHN 6:35ACT 18:25EPH 1:3EPH 2:6COL 2:9In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of God in their lives and the lives of others. They emphasize the importance of understanding and knowing the way of God more perfectly. The central message of the sermon is the purpose of God to create a vast family of sons through His own son, Jesus, and to elevate them to the same level as Jesus, giving them the inheritance of the universe. The speaker also discusses the concept of the soul and how disturbances in the soul can lead to feelings of dryness or a need for renewal, but emphasizes that in Christ, we are not independent selves but rather expressions of His self in union with Him.
Lesser Known Characters 02 Apollos - Teachable
By Joseph Balsan40651:00MAT 3:11MAT 11:25LUK 10:21ACT 18:25ROM 12:1COL 3:231TH 5:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the reason why God waited 4,000 years before sending his son into the world. He explains that when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God promised the coming of his son to die for that sin. However, God waited because if he had sent his son immediately, mankind may have believed they could save themselves. So, God gave humanity 4,000 years to try and redeem themselves, but ultimately, man was unable to save himself. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus' death on the cross fulfilled all the sacrifices and types of the Jewish system, and his cry of "It is finished" signifies that the price for sin was paid in full.
Acts Highlights - Part 7
By George Verwer14927:56Book Of ActsMAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 18:25ACT 19:4ACT 20:21ACT 20:24In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the simplicity of the gospel message, which is the necessity of turning from sin and trusting in God through faith in Jesus Christ. The speaker discusses the debate surrounding whether repentance is a part of believing and becoming a believer, and concludes that it is indeed a crucial aspect. The sermon also highlights how God works in different ways in different people's lives, as seen in the example of those who only knew the baptism of John and needed help to understand and receive the Holy Spirit. The speaker then focuses on his favorite verse, which emphasizes the importance of using one's life to do the work assigned by Jesus, which is to share the good news of God's kindness and love. The sermon concludes with a hymn and a mention of a remarkable open-air preacher who traveled the world preaching the gospel.
John the Baptist
By Harris Franklin Rall0MAT 3:1MRK 1:1MRK 6:14LUK 1:5LUK 3:1LUK 7:24ACT 18:25Harris Franklin Rall delves into the profound impact of John the Baptist, a figure in the Bible overshadowed by Jesus but who left a lasting impression on his own age. John's message of repentance and the imminent arrival of the kingdom of God stirred the hearts of many, drawing people from all walks of life to his preaching. His baptism symbolized cleansing, repentance, and consecration to God's rule, preparing the way for Jesus. While John's work was powerful in highlighting sin and judgment, it also revealed the need for a message of deliverance, a void that Jesus would later fulfill.
Maintaining Ministerial Fervor
By Don Currin0JDG 18:7ISA 50:11JHN 8:12ACT 18:251TH 5:19Don Currin delivers a powerful sermon on the lethal effects of clerical complacency, emphasizing the danger of passionless ministers contributing to spiritual deadness and formality in congregations. He highlights the importance of leaders having a burning zeal for God to impact communities for Christ, warning against creating self-induced zeal without God's truth. Currin stresses the need for ministers to maintain spiritual passion through consistency in their walk with Christ, drawing inspiration from historical spiritual leaders like George Whitefield who were known for their fervor in serving the Lord.
Rev. 3:20. Christ's Loving Earnestness
By Horatius Bonar0Christ's LoveSpiritual AwakeningSNG 5:2ISA 1:18LUK 12:35JHN 14:23ACT 18:25ROM 12:11REV 3:20Horatius Bonar emphasizes Christ's loving earnestness in Revelation 3:20, where Jesus stands at the door and knocks, seeking to enter the hearts of the lukewarm Laodiceans. He highlights the church's need for awakening from spiritual slumber and the importance of responding to Christ's persistent call. Bonar illustrates Christ's love, patience, and earnestness, urging believers to open their hearts to Him, as He desires a personal relationship with each individual. The sermon conveys that Christ's invitation is for all, regardless of their spiritual state, and emphasizes the joy of communion with Him. Ultimately, Bonar reassures that Christ's promise to sup with those who open the door signifies a deep and abiding fellowship.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord - Κατηχημενος; He was catechized, initiated, in the way, the doctrine, of Jesus as the Christ. Being fervent in the spirit - Being full of zeal to propagate the truth of God, he taught diligently, ακριβως accurately, (so the word should be translated), the things of Christ as far as he could know them through the ministry of John the Baptist; for it appears he knew nothing more of Christ than what John preached. Some suppose we should read ουκ, not, before ακριβως, correctly, or accurately, because it is said that Aquila and Priscilla expounded the way of the Lord, ακριβεϚερον, more perfectly, rather more accurately; but of this emendation there is not the slightest necessity; for surely it is possible for a man to teach accurately what he knows; and it is possible that another, who possesses more information on the subject than the former, may teach him more accurately, or give him a larger portion of knowledge. Apollo knew the baptism of John; but he knew nothing farther of Jesus Christ than that baptism taught; but, as far as he knew, he taught accurately. Aquila and Priscilla were acquainted with the whole doctrine of the Gospel: the doctrine of Christ dying for our sins, and rising again for our justification; and in this they instructed Apollo; and this was more accurate information than what he had before received, through the medium of John's ministry.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord . . . knowing only the baptism of John--He was instructed, probably, by some disciple of the Baptist, in the whole circle of John's teaching concerning Jesus, but no more: he had yet to learn the new light which the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost had thrown upon the Redeemer's death and resurrection; as appears from Act 19:2-3. being fervent in the spirit--His heart warm, and conscious, probably, of his gifts and attainments, he burned to impart to others the truth he had himself received. he spake and taught diligently--rather, "accurately" (it is the same word as is rendered "perfectly" in Act 18:26).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, &c. The chief city of which was Corinth, and whither Apollos went, as appears from Act 19:1. What disposed him to go thither, after he had received a greater degree of light and knowledge, was no doubt that he might communicate it, to the good of others, to which he was moved by the Holy Ghost, who had work for him to do there: according to Beza's most ancient copy, there were Corinthians sojourning in Ephesus, who when they had heard him (Apollos), besought him that he would go with them into their country; to which he agreeing, the Ephesians wrote to the disciples at Corinth to receive him, as follows: the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; that is, the brethren at Ephesus, among whom Aquila was a principal one, wrote letters of recommendation to the brethren of the churches in Achaia, particularly at Corinth, not only that they would receive him into their houses, and hospitably entertain him as a Christian man, but admit him, and behave towards him as a preacher of the Gospel: who when he was come; into Achaia, and to Corinth: helped them much which had believed through grace; the phrase "through grace", is omitted in the Vulgate Latin version, but is in all the Greek copies, and may be connected either with the word "helped"; as the Syriac version, "he helped through grace"; and then the sense is, that Apollos, through the gifts of grace bestowed on him, or by the assistance of the grace of God, or both, greatly helped and contributed much to the advantage of the believers in those parts; as to the encouragement of their faith, and the increase of the joy of it; for the quickening, and comforting, and establishing them in the truths and doctrines of the Gospel, by his affectionate, fervent, and nervous way of preaching: or it may be connected with the word "believed", as it is in the Arabic version and in ours; and the meaning is, that he greatly assisted such who were already believers; and who became so, not of themselves, but through the grace of God; for faith is not of nature, nor the produce of man's free will, but is the gift of God's grace; it is a fruit of electing grace, an instance of distinguishing grace, it is owing to efficacious grace, and comes along with effectual calling grace, through the word preached, the means of grace; and is supported and maintained by the grace of God; the Ethiopic version renders it, "he preached much to them, who believed in the grace of God"; that is, in the Gospel, the doctrine of the grace of God, which they had received and professed; or in the love and favour of God, they were rooted and grounded in, and persuaded of.