Page 287 - Demo

* [18:23–21:16] Luke’s account of Paul’s third missionary journey devotes itself mainly to his work at Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20:1). There is a certain restiveness on Paul’s part and a growing conviction that the Spirit bids him return to Jerusalem and prepare to go to Rome (Acts 19:21).
* [18:24–25] Apollos appears as a preacher who knows the teaching of Jesus in the context of John’s baptism of repentance. Aquila and Priscilla instruct him more fully. He is referred to in 1 Cor 1:12; 3:5–6, 22.
* [18:26] The Way [of God]: for the Way, see note on Acts 9:2. Other manuscripts here read “the Way of the Lord,”“the word of the Lord,” or simply “the Way.”
* [19:1–6] Upon his arrival in Ephesus, Paul discovers other people at the same religious stage as Apollos, though they seem to have considered themselves followers of Christ, not of the Baptist. On the relation between baptism and the reception of the Spirit, see note on Acts 8:16.
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES -
to Antioch. 23* After staying there some time, he left and traveled in orderly sequence through the Galatian country and Phrygia, bringing strength to all the disciples.
Apollos. 24A Jew named Apollos,g a native
of Alexandria, an eloquent speaker, arrived
in Ephesus. He was an authority on the
scriptures.* 25He had been instructed in the
Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke
and taught accurately about Jesus, although
he knew only the baptism of John. 26He began
to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when
Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him
aside and explained to him the Way [of God]* more accurately. 27And when he wanted to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. After his arrival he gave great assistance to those who had come to believe through grace. 28He vigorously refuted the Jews in public, establishing from the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.
Paul in Ephesus.
interior of the country and came [down] to Ephesus where 19
he found some disciples. 2He said to them, “Did you receive the holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a holy Spirit.” 3He said, “How were you baptized?” They replied, “With the baptism of John.” 4Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.”a 5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul laid [his] hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.b 7Altogether there were about twelve men.
8He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly with persuasive argu- ments about the kingdom of God. 9But when some in their obstinacy and disbelief disparaged the Way before the assembly, he withdrew and took his disciples with him and
1* While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the
18:24
Apollos is full of enthusiasm and begins preaching Christ in Ephesus, but his knowledge is incomplete. Two local Christians, Priscilla and Aquila, quietly take him aside, share their wisdom, and encourage him to continue his work. In welcoming and encouraging this newcomer, they are living out the words of Jesus: “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you” (Luke 9:49). Paul acknowledges the couple and their great work on behalf of Christ in his letters (Romans 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19).
CHAPTER 18
g. [18:24] 1 Cor 1:12.
CHAPTER 19
a. [19:4] 1:5; 11:16; 13:24–25; Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8; Lk 3:16.
b. [19:6] 8:15–17; 10:44, 46.
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