King James Version

What Does Acts 18:25 Mean?

Acts 18:25 in the King James Version says “This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the thin... — study this verse from Acts chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 18:25 · KJV


Context

23

And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

24

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

25

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.

26

And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

27

And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Apollos was 'instructed in the way of the Lord' and taught 'accurately the things of the Lord,' yet knew 'only the baptism of John.' This shows how sincere believers can have partial understanding requiring further instruction. Aquila and Priscilla's gentle correction - taking him aside to 'expound unto him the way of God more perfectly' - models humble teaching that builds on existing knowledge.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Apollos's knowledge of John's baptism but not Christian baptism suggests he learned about Jesus through John's disciples before Pentecost. His Alexandrian origin meant he likely received teaching from early believers who had incomplete understanding.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you humbly receive correction when your sincere understanding proves incomplete?
  2. What does Aquila and Priscilla's approach teach about correcting others - privately, gently, building on what they know?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
οὗτος1 of 24

This man

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἦν2 of 24

was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

κατηχημένος3 of 24

instructed in

G2727

to sound down into the ears, i.e., (by implication) to indoctrinate ("catechize") or (genitive case) to apprise of

τὴν4 of 24
G3588

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

ὁδὸν5 of 24

the way

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

τοῦ6 of 24
G3588

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

Κυρίου,7 of 24

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καὶ8 of 24

and

G2532

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

ζέων9 of 24

being fervent

G2204

to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e., (figuratively) be fervid (earnest)

τῷ10 of 24
G3588

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

πνεύματι11 of 24

in the spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἐλάλει12 of 24

he spake

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

καὶ13 of 24

and

G2532

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

ἐδίδασκεν14 of 24

taught

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ἀκριβῶς15 of 24

diligently

G199

exactly

τὰ16 of 24
G3588

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

περὶ17 of 24

the things of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τοῦ18 of 24
G3588

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

Κυρίου,19 of 24

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐπιστάμενος20 of 24

knowing

G1987

to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with

μόνον21 of 24

only

G3440

merely

τὸ22 of 24
G3588

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

βάπτισμα23 of 24

the baptism

G908

baptism (technically or figuratively)

Ἰωάννου·24 of 24

of John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites


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 18:25 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 18:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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