King James Version

What Does Acts 18:2 Mean?

Acts 18:2 in the King James Version says “And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Cla... — study this verse from Acts chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

Acts 18:2 · KJV


Context

1

After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

2

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

3

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

4

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul 'found a certain Jew named Aquila' and 'Priscilla his wife.' Their recent expulsion from Rome under Claudius shows the precariousness of Jewish life under Roman rule. These tentmakers became Paul's hosts and ministry partners.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Claudius's edict (AD 49) expelled Jews from Rome, possibly due to disturbances over 'Chrestus' (likely disputes about Christ). Aquila and Priscilla became foundational church leaders.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use persecution to position workers for strategic ministry?
  2. What does the Priscilla-Aquila partnership model for married ministry teams?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
καὶ1 of 31

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὑρών2 of 31

found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

τινα3 of 31

a certain

G5100

some or any person or object

Ἰουδαίους4 of 31

Jew

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ὀνόματι5 of 31

named

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

Ἀκύλαν6 of 31

Aquila

G207

akulas, an israelite

Ποντικὸν7 of 31

in Pontus

G4193

a pontican, i.e., native of pontus

τῷ8 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γένει9 of 31

born

G1085

"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)

προσφάτως10 of 31

lately

G4373

recently

ἐληλυθότα11 of 31

come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἀπὸ12 of 31

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς13 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰταλίας14 of 31

Italy

G2482

italia, a region of europe

καὶ15 of 31

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Πρίσκιλλαν16 of 31

Priscilla

G4252

priscilla (i.e., little prisca), a christian woman

γυναῖκα17 of 31

wife

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

αὐτοῖς18 of 31

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

διὰ19 of 31

(because that

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ20 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διατεταχέναι21 of 31

had commanded

G1299

to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc

Κλαύδιον22 of 31

Claudius

G2804

claudius, the name of two romans

χωρίζεσθαι23 of 31

to depart

G5563

to place room between, i.e., part; reflexively, to go away

πάντας24 of 31

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοὺς25 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίους26 of 31

Jew

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ἐκ27 of 31

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς28 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ῥώμης29 of 31

Rome

G4516

strength; roma, the capital of italy

προσῆλθεν30 of 31

and came

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

αὐτοῖς31 of 31

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 18:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 18:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study