King James Version

What Does Acts 18:26 Mean?

Acts 18:26 in the King James Version says “And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and ex... — study this verse from Acts chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 18:26 · KJV


Context

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:

28

For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. Christ: or, is the Christ


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Apollos 'began to speak boldly in the synagogue' but Aquila and Priscilla 'took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.' Private correction preserved Apollos's reputation while improving his understanding. Humble teaching and humble receiving characterized this encounter.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Priscilla is mentioned first, suggesting her prominent role. Their gentle correction illustrates mature discipleship - receiving great giftedness while addressing incomplete knowledge.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does private, gentle correction model mature discipleship?
  2. What does Apollos's teachability despite his eloquence teach about humility?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
οὗτός1 of 23

he

G3778

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

τε2 of 23

And

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ἤρξατο3 of 23

began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

παῤῥησιάζεσθαι4 of 23

to speak boldly

G3955

to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor

ἐν5 of 23

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ6 of 23
G3588

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

συναγωγῇ7 of 23

the synagogue

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

ἀκούσαντες8 of 23

had heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

δὲ9 of 23

when

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῷ10 of 23

him

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

Ἀκύλας11 of 23

Aquila

G207

akulas, an israelite

καὶ12 of 23

and

G2532

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

Πρίσκιλλα13 of 23

Priscilla

G4252

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

προσελάβοντο14 of 23

they took

G4355

to take to oneself, i.e., use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)

αὐτῷ15 of 23

him

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

καὶ16 of 23

and

G2532

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

ἀκριβέστερον17 of 23
G199

exactly

αὐτῷ18 of 23

him

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

ἐξέθεντο19 of 23

expounded

G1620

to expose; figuratively, to declare

τὴν20 of 23
G3588

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

τοῦ21 of 23
G3588

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

θεοῦ22 of 23

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὁδὸν23 of 23

the way

G3598

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


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 18:26 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 18:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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