Acts 17:1 ¶ Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
Acts 17:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
Acts 17:3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
Acts 17:4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
After leaving Philippi, Paul and Silas traveled about 100 miles passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia before arriving at Thessalonica, the capital of Macedonia. Ray Stedman points out that, “Paul and Silas were following the famous Roman road called the Egnatian Way which crossed Macedonia and connected the Adriatic Sea with the Black Sea.”
In Thessalonica there was a Jewish synagogue; and as was customary for Paul, he began his witness in that city at the synagogue among the Jews.
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
He spent three Sabbath days at the synagogue reasoning with the people from the scriptures. The Greek for “reasoning” implies dialogue or discussion with those at the synagogue. He used the Old Testament scriptures to teach and explain that the Messiah, the Christ, had to suffer death and resurrect to new life in fulfillment of that scripture. He then declared the risen Jesus to be the Messiah prophesied in the scripture and taught about the rapture and His return as king as revealed by his letters to them.
Luke reports that some of the Jews became believers as well as many of the devout Greeks that believed in God and many of the important women of the city.
Acts 17:5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
Acts 17:8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.
Acts 17:9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.
Again, the Jews that rejected Paul’s teaching were so jealous at the number of people that chose to believe him that they decided to cause trouble and get rid of him. They gathered up a bunch of troublemakers and incited a riot. They attacked the house of Jason thinking to find Paul and Silas there—but they weren’t. So they took Jason and some of the other believers that were with him to the city leaders and accused them of harboring men that were causing a lot of trouble in the city. They declared that Jason and his friends followed the teachings of these men that had “turned the world upside down” and promoted things that were contrary to the decrees of Caesar. In other words, these men (Paul and Silas) were causing trouble everywhere they went. They, in fact, were declaring another king by the name of Jesus. The city leaders were not pleased, but decided to defuse the situation by making Jason and the “other” post bond before letting them go. Commentators conclude that this money was a guarantee that they would see that Paul and Silas left town.
I liked David Guzik’s comment on this section: “Actually, God was working through Paul and Silas to turn the world right side-up again. But when you yourself are upside-down, the other direction appears to be upside-down!”
It was interesting to note that the Greek for “rulers of the city” is the word “politarches,” which must be a root word for politician. It seems that politicians have just been troublemakers from the get-go.
Acts 17:10 ¶ And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts 17:12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
Luke notes that the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night. I am sure that the nighttime departure was to ensure that they got away safely.
The next stop for Paul and Silas was Berea, a city about sixty miles southwest of Thessalonica. Again, they went first to the Jewish synagogue. Luke notes that those in Berea readily received Paul’s message, but they were careful to search the scriptures daily to make sure the message was indeed supported by scripture. The wording implies that those in Thessalonica were not as careful.
This is an important principle that every believer should use in response to the teaching of the word. Diligently following this one principle would go a long way toward preventing the spread of false teaching in the professing church. It is a principle I take very seriously—no matter how popular or charismatic or learned the teacher. I believe God holds me personally accountable for upholding the truth of His word. May I say once again, that these journals are a record of my current understanding of the truth of God’s word; and I know that there is much yet for me to learn and revisions made accordingly.
Again, there was a wonderful response to the gospel message delivered by Paul and Silas; many believed. It seems that those having hearts most open to the gospel message were among the Greeks—honorable women and many of the men.
Acts 17:13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
Acts 17:14 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
Acts 17:15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
Not content with running Paul out of Thessalonica, the Jews that had opposed him there came to Berea to stir up trouble when they heard that Paul was preaching the gospel there. They were evidently successful enough that the believers in Berea sent Paul away with an escort that appeared to be headed to the seacoast; however, Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea. (I had forgotten that Timothy was with them.) Paul’s entourage traveled on to Athens. He then sent his escort back to Berea with a command for Silas and Timothy to join him in Athens as soon as possible.
Acts 17:16 ¶ Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
Acts 17:17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
Ray Stedman makes this observation about Athens at that time: “At the time of Paul's visit to Athens, that city was no longer important as a political seat; Corinth was the commercial and political center of Greece under the Roman Caesars. But Athens was still the university center of the world.”
While waiting for Silas and Timothy, Paul observed how idolatry dominated the culture. Luke tells us that his spirit was provoked; the Greek implies that he was exasperated by the observation. Webster defines “exasperate” as “irritated to a high degree…to enrage…to inflame the anger of.” (Note: The next chapter indicates that Silas and Timothy eventually joined him in Corinth.)
McGarvey’s commentary provides the following insight: “In Athens, where flourished the most profound philosophy, the most glowing eloquence, the most fervid poetry, and the most refined art which the world has ever seen, there was the most complete and studied abandonment of every vice which passion could prompt or imagination invent.”
JFB informs us that, “Petronius, a contemporary writer at Nero’s court, says satirically that it was easier to find a god at Athens than a man.”
Again, in keeping with his custom, Paul showed up at the synagogue to share the gospel in light of the truth of scripture; and, as usual, this resulted in lively discussion with the leading Jews and other devout people. He also shared his message with those that he encountered daily in the marketplace.
Acts 17:18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
Acts 17:19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
Acts 17:20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
Acts 17:21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
In time, Paul came in contact with the philosophers, the Epicureans and the Stoics. According to the NIV Commentary: The Epicureans followed the teachings of Epicurus (342-270BC) who held that “pleasure was the chief goal of life, with the pleasure most worth enjoying being a life of tranquility free from pain, disturbing passions, superstitious fears, and anxiety about death. He did not deny the existence of gods but argued in deistic fashion that they took no interest in the lives of people.” The Stoics followed the teachings of Zeno (340-265 BC) who focused on “living harmoniously with nature and emphasized one’s rational abilities and individual self-sufficiency. Theologically, he was essentially pantheistic and thought of God as “the World-soul.”
The responses of the philosophers varied; some considered Paul a babbler spouting nonsense. Others just thought him presenting some strange gods as he declared the gospel and the death and resurrection of Jesus. McGarvey notes that, “…the prominence in his arguments of the name of Jesus and the resurrection suggested to the inattentive hearers that these were two foreign demons whom he was trying to make known to them.”
According to Easton’s Dictionary, the Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill, was the designated seat of the court of justice. It was located on a rocky hill to the west of the Acropolis where the Parthenon was located. It was to this court that the philosophers took Paul to be questioned about his teaching. Research indicates that this council’s approval was needed for Paul to continue teaching in Athens. The council specifically wanted him to explain the new doctrine he was teaching and what it meant because they had never heard anything like it before.
Luke notes that the people of Athens and those that visited there loved to discuss the latest ideas and philosophies.
Acts 17:22 ¶ Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
Acts 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
“too superstitious” = more religious than others (from the Greek)
Paul opens his explanation to the council with words they would consider complimentary. He notes that he has observed that the people of Athens are more religious than most. Among the many altars in the city he had even found one dedicated “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.” Paul then declares that he is going to make that god known to them.
Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Acts 17:25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
Paul naturally begins at the beginning; he declares this God to be the Creator of the world and everything in it. Though he is using the same Greek word, “theos,” in reference to God, the context of his teaching will prove Him to be the God that is unique and sovereign over everything. This God is LORD of heaven and earth and is too big to be contained in a temple made with hands. Man cannot serve Him by giving Him anything that He needs. In fact, He is the One that gives man life and breath and everything that he needs to live.
Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Paul goes on to explain that all men are descendants of one blood, one source, one man. God has in fact determined the rise and fall of nations, the men that would form these nations, when they would exist, how long they would exist, and where they would be located. JFB states, “The apostle here opposes both Stoical Fate and Epicurean Chance, ascribing the periods and localities in which men and nations flourish to the sovereign will and prearrangements of a living God.”
Paul declares that God’s desire is that men would seek to know Him, and He is near to be found for those that are seeking. Paul goes on to explain that it is the LORD Who is the sustaining force of life. He reminds them that even their own poets supported his teaching.
The NIV Commentary informs us that, “’For in him we live and move and have our being’ comes from the Cretan poet Epimenides (c. 600 B.C.); …’for we are his offspring,’ from the Cilician poet Aratus (c. 315–240 B.C…. In his search for a measure of common ground with his hearers, he is, so to speak, disinfecting and rebaptizing the poets’ words for his own purposes.”
Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Paul concludes that since we are the children of God, why should we think of Him in context of an idol made of gold, silver or stone that has been created by man.
I like the CJB translation of verse 30: “In the past, God overlooked such ignorance; but now He is commanding all people everywhere to turn to Him from their sins.”
Paul goes on to explain that God has appointed a day of judgment that will determine one’s future, and that His chosen representative will execute that judgment. His resurrection from the dead testifies to His righteousness and rightness in serving as the judge.
We know from the context of Paul’s speech that he is referencing Jesus, but it is interesting to me that he never mentions his name before the council.
I liked David Guzik’s summary statement: “Paul went from knowing who God is (our Creator), to who we are (His offspring), to our responsibility before Him (to understand Him and worship Him in truth), to our accountability if we dishonor Him (judgment).”
Acts 17:32 ¶ And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
Acts 17:33 So Paul departed from among them.
Acts 17:34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Once Paul mentioned resurrection from the dead, some of the men immediately began to mock him; others decided that they wanted to hear more at another time. So, Paul left; he didn’t stay to argue his case further.
Ray Stedman makes a pertinent observation: “Some mocked. That means their pride was threatened. Mocking is always the defense of pride when it feels itself attacked but has no logical defense; it resorts to ridicule.”
Sadly, these men would not get another chance to hear Paul again. Since the council’s approval was needed for him to be allowed to continue to teach in Athens, and he did not get that approval, the next chapter tells us that Paul headed out to Corinth.
Luke tells us that there were some men who became believers and chose to follow him—Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris and a few others.
Historical note from Eerdman’s Dictionary: “Called “the Areopagite,” Dionysius was a member of Athens’ chief governing council, the Areopagus, and the first bishop of Athens (Eusebius HE 3.4.11; 4.23.3). Tradition also names him as Athens’ first Christian martyr and its patron saint.”
Acts 18:1 ¶ After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
Acts 18:2 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.
Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
Luke now records that when Paul left Athens, he headed to Corinth. According to Easton’s Dictionary, Corinth was “a Grecian city, on the isthmus which joins the Peloponnesus to the mainland of Greece. It is about 48 miles west of Athens.” The NIV Commentary adds the following insight: “Thanks to its commercial advantages, the city greatly prospered. But along with its wealth and luxury, there was immorality of every kind. Beginning with the fifth century B.C., the verb ‘to corinthianize’ meant to be sexually immoral. Corinth was also the center for the worship of the goddess Aphrodite….”
Upon arriving, Paul met Aquila, a Jewish man from Pontus, that had just recently come with his wife Priscilla to Corinth from Rome. The reason this couple came to Corinth was because Claudius had expelled all the Jews from Rome. Paul quickly found out that this husband and wife were fellow tentmakers, and they decided to work together.
Acts 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
Acts 18:6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
As was his custom, Paul went to the synagogue every Sabbath to present the gospel to the Jews and Greeks that attended. Luke notes that when Silas and Timothy finally rejoined him from Macedonia, Paul felt an urgency to get the Jews to recognize Jesus as the Christ, the promised Messiah.
Note: We know from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians that Silas and Timothy brought financial support that evidently allowed Paul to spend less time working as a tentmaker and more time evangelizing.
As was often the case, the Jews refused to believe him and began abusing and insulting him. Paul “shook his raiment” in an act of disgust against them. He basically declared that because they had rejected the truth he presented, they would suffer God’s judgment. He, however, would be held guiltless because he had tried to give them the truth. Paul seems to be referencing the principal declared by the prophet Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 33:8–9 “When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.”
Because they had rejected him, he would concentrate his efforts among the Gentiles of that city.
Acts 18:7 ¶ And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
After leaving the synagogue, Justus (a Gentile) invited Paul to teach from his house—which just happened to be right next to the synagogue. Despite the opposition, Paul’s ministry in the synagogue did produce fruit. Even Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and his family along with many of the Corinthians became believers in Jesus as the Messiah and were baptized.
Acts 18:9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
Acts 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
Acts 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Evidently, the opposition against Paul was so great that the LORD decided to give him extra encouragement by appearing to him in a night vision and telling him to continue to speak boldly and fearlessly. According to Ray Stedman, the wording is literally, "Stop being afraid, but keep right on speaking." The LORD assured Paul that He was with him and would allow no man to hurt him. He also told Paul that there were many in Corinth that would respond in faith to the message of the gospel (another statement showing God’s omniscience). So Paul continued teaching the word of God in Corinth for 18 months.
Acts 18:12 ¶ And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
Acts 18:13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
Luke provides an identifying time marker at this point—“when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia.” According to Easton’s Dictionary, Gallio was “the elder brother of Seneca the philosopher, who was tutor and for some time minister of the emperor Nero.” The NIV Commentary adds the following information: “An inscription at Delphi mentions Gallio as being proconsul of Achaia during the period of Claudius’s twenty-sixth acclamation as imperator—that is, during the first seven months of A.D. 52.”
Paul had been in Corinth for several months when Gallio took office. The Jews probably thought they would be more likely to get a ruling in their favor from a new judge, so they made an accusation of insurrection against Paul. They accused him of persuading men to worship God, action they declared was against the law.
Acts 18:14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
Acts 18:15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
Acts 18:16 And he drave them from the judgment seat.
Acts 18:17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
Before Paul could even say a word, Gallio had a ready answer for the Jewish accusers. Because he saw no action worthy of punishment according to Roman law, he basically declared that he would not be bothered with adjudicating matters pertinent to “your law,” in reference to Jewish law; and he dismissed the case.
Evidently, the Greeks responded by taking Sosthenes, the new chief ruler of the synagogue, and beating him before the judgment seat—in front of Gallio seems to be implied—without censure. (“Greeks” - followers of Paul or just “Jew haters” taking advantage of an opportunity—commentators are of different opinions.)
Ray Stedman provides further insight: “Now, the beating did Sosthenes a lot of good. If you turn to the First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians you will find a most interesting item in the very first verse: 1 Corinthians 1:1 “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother….”
I have never considered beating as a method of Christian evangelism before, but it worked in this case. Evidently Sosthenes' eyes were opened when these men turned against him, and he decided that maybe their cause was not so just after all. He gave heed to the gospel, and now, here he is, a co-laborer with Paul in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Acts 18:18 ¶ And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
After Gallio’s favorable ruling, Paul continued his ministry in Corinth for several more months. He finally decided to leave Corinth and sail to Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.
Luke notes that Paul shaved his head in Cenchrea in connection with a vow he had made. David Guzik offers the following insight: “The vow was almost certainly the vow of a Nazirite (Numbers 6). Usually this vow was taken for a certain period of time and when completed, the hair (which had been allowed to freely grow) was cut off and offered to the Lord at a special ceremony at the temple in Jerusalem.”
Acts 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
Acts 18:20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
Acts 18:21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
Paul eventually arrived in Ephesus and took advantage of an opportunity to “reason” with the Jews in the synagogue there. He was evidently well received and asked to stay longer, but he was determined to get to Jerusalem in time for the feast. He did, however, promise to come back “if God will.”
Paul was very aware of two important truths:
We are not promised tomorrow.
We should always seek to make our plans in accordance with God’s will.
James 4:13–15 “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”
Acts 18:22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
Acts 18:23 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.
After arriving in Israel at Caesarea, the port city for Jerusalem (another 60+ miles southeast), he immediately went up (to Jerusalem seems to be understood) and greeted the church there before continuing on to Antioch (where he had begun this missionary journey). Antioch is about 300 miles north of Jerusalem, but I guess in the Jewish mindset everything was “down” from Jerusalem.
Paul then set out to revisit some of the places he had ministered previously in Galatia and Phrygia in order to “strengthen all the disciples. He wanted to be sure that these believers in whom he had personally invested time and energy were continuing to build on a firm foundation of the truth of God’s word. His heart for those to whom he ministered is beautifully reflected in the introductions to each one of his epistles, e.g.:
Philippians 1:9–11 “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”
Historical note from Courson: “Alexandria was the second largest city in the Roman Empire. One-third of the city was Jewish. It was a city of such intellectual wealth that recent excavations have uncovered an Alexandrian library of seven hundred thousand volumes.”
Acts 18:24 ¶ And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Acts 18:25 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.
At this point, Luke provides a little insight as to events in Ephesus before Paul returned. He tells us about a Jewish man named Apollos from Alexandria, at that time recognized as the chief seat of Hebrew learning. He was evidently a very charismatic speaker who was well versed in the scriptures. This man showed up as a missionary in Ephesus. He spoke powerfully and taught accurately according to all that he knew about Jesus, but that knowledge was limited to John’s baptism—the message of the need for repentance and the fact that Jesus was the promised Messiah. I think that means that he was unaware of the death and resurrection of Jesus and had not received the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Acts 18:26 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.
When Apollos boldly spoke in the synagogue, Aquila and Priscilla heard him and recognized that he needed more instruction. They evidently invited him to their home to teach him what he was lacking.
Acts 18:27 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:
Acts 18:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
The fact that when Apollos left to minister in Achaia (including Corinth according to the next chapter) with a recommendation from the brethren in Ephesus that he be well received indicates that he was also an humble man willing to receive instruction. Because of that his ministry in Achaia was very helpful to the body of believers there. He very effectively reasoned with the Jews from the scripture declaring Jesus as the Messiah; where Paul had met with opposition, he found some success.
JFB’s note on “mightily convinced” – “The word is very strong: “stoutly bore them down in argument,” “vigorously argued them down,” and the tense in that he continued to do it, or that this was the characteristic of his ministry.”
We know from other scriptures that Apollos was evidently well respected—especially in Corinth where he was esteemed on a level with Paul and Peter.
It is also clear in his letter to the Corinthians, that Paul respected Apollos as a fellow laborer for the gospel.
1 Corinthians 1:12 “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 3:5–6 & 21-23 “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase….Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.”
1 Corinthians 16:12 “As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.”