King James Version

What Does Acts 18:27 Mean?

Acts 18:27 in the King James Version says “And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he w...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

Acts 18:27 · King James Version

FaithGrace

Context

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

Read Acts 18 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
'When he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him.' Church letters of commendation facilitated itinerant ministry. 'He helped them much which had believed through grace' - Apollos's ministry complemented Paul's foundation-laying.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Letters of recommendation (see 2 Corinthians 3:1, Romans 16:1) connected scattered churches and vouched for traveling workers. Apollos's Corinthian ministry later created some factionalism (1 Corinthians 1:12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do letters of commendation facilitate ministry across church networks?
  2. What does 'helped them much' teach about building on others' foundations?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
βουλομένου1 of 24

“was disposed”

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

δὲ2 of 24

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτόν3 of 24

“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

διελθεῖν4 of 24

“to pass”

G1330

to traverse (literally)

εἰς5 of 24

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν6 of 24
G3588

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

Ἀχαΐαν7 of 24

“Achaia”

G882

achaia (i.e., greece), a country of europe

προτρεψάμενοι8 of 24

“exhorting”

G4389

to turn forward for oneself, i.e., encourage

οἱ9 of 24
G3588

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

ἀδελφοὶ10 of 24

“the brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἔγραψαν11 of 24

“wrote”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

τοῖς12 of 24
G3588

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

μαθηταῖς13 of 24

“the disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ἀποδέξασθαι14 of 24

“to receive”

G588

to take fully, i.e., welcome (persons), approve (things)

αὐτόν15 of 24

“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

ὃς16 of 24

“who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παραγενόμενος17 of 24

“when he was come”

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

συνεβάλετο18 of 24

“helped them”

G4820

to combine, i.e., (in speaking) to converse, consult, dispute, (mentally) to consider, (by implication) to aid, (personally) to join, attack

πολὺ19 of 24

“much”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

τοῖς20 of 24
G3588

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

πεπιστευκόσιν21 of 24

“which had believed”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

διὰ22 of 24

“through”

G1223

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

τῆς23 of 24
G3588

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

χάριτος·24 of 24

“grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

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 18:27 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 18:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14James 1:16-18Colossians 2:12Titus 3:4-61 Corinthians 15:101 Corinthians 3:10-14

Places in This Verse

AchaiaRegion · Modern: Achaia · 38.72°N, 22.54°E10 verses across 5 books
EphesusSettlement · Modern: Ephesus · 37.94°N, 27.34°E20 verses across 6 books
View all places in Acts 18 →

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