Acts 18:19

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

And {G1161} he came {G2658} to {G1519} Ephesus {G2181}, and {G2548} left {G2641} them there {G847}: but {G1161} he himself {G846} entered {G1525} into {G1519} the synagogue {G4864}, and reasoned with {G1256} the Jews {G2453}.

They came to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself went into the synagogue and held dialogue with the Jews.

When they reached Ephesus, Paul parted ways with Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews.

And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

Context

This verse marks a significant stop for Paul during his second missionary journey. After a productive time in Corinth and Cenchrea, Paul, accompanied by his faithful companions Priscilla and Aquila, arrives in the bustling city of Ephesus. Ephesus was a major Roman provincial capital in Asia Minor, a vital commercial and religious hub, famously known for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Paul briefly leaves Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus, setting the stage for their future influential ministry there, while he immediately continues his established practice of proclaiming the gospel.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Evangelism: Paul's deliberate visit to Ephesus highlights its importance as a strategic hub for spreading the Christian message across the Roman world. His consistent approach of first entering the Jewish synagogue underscores his belief that the gospel was "to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16).
  • Reasoned Discourse: The phrase "reasoned with the Jews" indicates Paul's primary method of engagement. He didn't merely preach but engaged in logical discussion, presenting arguments from the Scriptures to demonstrate that Jesus was the Messiah. This approach sought to convince through evidence and thoughtful dialogue.
  • Partnership in Ministry: Although Paul leaves them, the mention of Priscilla and Aquila suggests their vital role in the burgeoning Christian movement. Their presence in Ephesus would later prove crucial for grounding new believers and even instructing prominent figures like Apollos (Acts 18:26).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "reasoned" is dialegomai (διαλέγομαι), from which we derive our English word "dialogue." It implies an interactive discussion, a logical presentation of arguments, and a persuasive engagement rather than a simple monologue or proclamation. Paul wasn't just speaking; he was actively conversing, questioning, and responding to objections, using the Jewish Scriptures as his foundation to prove Christ's identity.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for faith and outreach. Like Paul, believers today are called to be strategic in sharing the gospel, identifying influential areas or communities where the message can have the broadest impact. Furthermore, Paul's method of "reasoning" encourages us to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with others, using clear arguments grounded in truth, always ready to explain the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). Finally, the subtle mention of Priscilla and Aquila reminds us of the importance of partnership and equipping others for ministry, as the work of God often requires collaboration.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Timothy 1:18

    The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

  • Ephesians 1:1

    ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

  • 1 Timothy 1:3

    As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

  • Acts 18:4

    And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

  • Acts 19:1

    ¶ And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

  • Acts 18:24

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

  • 1 Corinthians 15:32

    If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back