Acts 18:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} after he had spent {G4160} some {G5100} time {G5550} there, he departed {G1831}, and went over {G1330} all the country {G5561} of Galatia {G1054} and {G2532} Phrygia {G5435} in order {G2517}, strengthening {G1991} all {G3956} the disciples {G3101}.

Complete Jewish Bible

spent some time there, and afterwards set out and passed systematically through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the talmidim.

Berean Standard Bible

After Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

American Standard Version

And having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:23 marks the commencement of Paul's third missionary journey, following a period of rest in Antioch. This verse describes his systematic and purposeful tour through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, areas he had previously evangelized. His primary objective was not to plant new churches but to revisit and spiritually fortify the existing communities of believers, ensuring their continued growth and stability in the faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 18:23 follows Paul's return to Antioch (likely Syrian Antioch), his missionary home base, at the conclusion of his second missionary journey (Acts 18:22). This brief mention of his return and subsequent departure signals a transition point, preparing the reader for the extensive narrative of his third journey. The preceding verses detail the end of his second journey, including his brief stop in Ephesus and his interaction with Aquila and Priscilla, setting the stage for his future work in that significant city. The verse itself acts as a concise summary of the initiation and purpose of this new phase of ministry, which will eventually lead him back to Ephesus for an extended period.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The regions of Galatia and Phrygia were located in central Asia Minor, part of the Roman province of Galatia. Paul had previously evangelized these areas during his first (e.g., Iconium, Lystra, Derbe in southern Galatia, as seen in [Acts 14](/acts/14 "Acts 14 - Paul's First Missionary Journey")) and second missionary journeys (e.g., [Acts 16:6](/acts/16-6 "Acts 16:6 - Paul's Journey Through Phrygia and Galatia")). By the time of this third journey, Christian communities had been established in these areas for several years. The Roman Empire provided a relatively stable environment for travel, though dangers from bandits and local opposition were ever-present. Paul's methodical approach, described as "in order," reflects a common Roman administrative and travel practice, but here it is applied to a strategic pastoral itinerary, emphasizing deliberate and organized oversight of the burgeoning Christian movement in a diverse Greco-Roman world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse highlights several crucial themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Pastoral Care and Discipleship**, demonstrating Paul's commitment to nurturing and consolidating the faith of new converts rather than solely focusing on initial evangelism. His journey was an act of dedicated follow-up, emphasizing the importance of ongoing spiritual growth after initial conversion, a theme echoed in his epistles, such as when he speaks of presenting believers "mature in Christ" in [Colossians 1:28](/colossians/1-28 "Colossians 1:28 - Presenting Everyone Mature in Christ"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Strengthening of Believers**, indicating that the young churches needed continued instruction, encouragement, and grounding in truth to withstand challenges and doctrinal errors. This aligns with Paul's broader ministry of building up the body of Christ, as described in [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Edification"). Finally, the phrase "in order" points to **Systematic and Intentional Ministry**, revealing Paul's strategic and organized approach to church planting and development, ensuring that his efforts were not haphazard but purposeful and effective.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **strengthening (Greek, _epistērízō'_):** From ἐπί and στηρίζω, meaning "to support further, i.e. reestablish." This term signifies more than a casual visit; it implies a deep work of confirming, establishing, and making firm the believers in their faith. It speaks to solidifying their spiritual foundation, grounding them in truth, and helping them to stand resilient against external pressures and internal doubts.
* **in order (Greek, _kathexēs'_):** From κατά and ἑξῆς, meaning "thereafter, i.e. consecutively; by (in) order." This word highlights Paul's methodical and systematic approach to his journey. It suggests a planned itinerary, moving from one location to the next in a sequential and organized manner, rather than random or impulsive travel. This intentionality underscores the strategic nature of his pastoral oversight.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From μανθάνω, meaning "a learner, i.e. pupil." This term identifies the recipients of Paul's ministry as those who are committed followers of Christ, actively learning and growing in their faith. It emphasizes the ongoing process of spiritual formation and the importance of continued instruction for all who profess belief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after he had spent some time [there]":** This clause indicates a period of rest and perhaps strategic planning for Paul in Antioch, his sending church, following the arduous second missionary journey. It suggests a necessary pause for spiritual and physical refreshment before embarking on another demanding phase of ministry.
* **"he departed, and went over [all] the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order":** This describes the initiation and scope of Paul's third journey. "Departed" signifies the resumption of his itinerant ministry. "Went over" (Greek, _diérchomai_) implies traversing or passing through these regions thoroughly. The phrase "in order" emphasizes the deliberate, systematic, and planned nature of his itinerary, reflecting a strategic pastoral approach rather than random visitation. Galatia and Phrygia were areas where churches had already been established.
* **"strengthening all the disciples":** This final clause articulates the primary purpose and outcome of Paul's journey. His aim was not primarily to evangelize new territories but to fortify, confirm, and build up the existing believers in these regions. This "strengthening" involved teaching, encouragement, pastoral care, and addressing any challenges or doctrinal issues within the nascent Christian communities.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Purposeful Action** through verbs like "departed," "went over," and "strengthening," which convey Paul's intentional and directed ministry. The phrase "in order" further emphasizes this deliberate approach, suggesting a methodical and strategic plan. There is also an element of **Continuity** and **Reiteration**, as Paul revisits regions where he had previously sown the seeds of the gospel. This highlights the ongoing nature of discipleship and church development, moving beyond initial evangelism to sustained pastoral care. The overall tone is one of **Pastoral Nurturing**, portraying Paul not merely as an evangelist but as a spiritual shepherd tending to his flock, ensuring their spiritual health and stability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:23 deeply enriches our understanding of the ongoing nature of Christian discipleship and the vital role of pastoral care in the life of the church. It underscores that conversion is merely the beginning of the journey; sustained spiritual growth requires intentional nurturing, teaching, and encouragement. Paul's commitment to revisiting and strengthening established communities reveals a foundational principle of church health: that believers need to be continually grounded in truth and equipped to live out their faith amidst challenges. This verse highlights the holistic nature of apostolic ministry, encompassing both evangelism and diligent follow-up, ensuring the endurance and maturity of the body of Christ.

* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Equipping the Saints for Ministry")
* [Colossians 2:6-7](/colossians/2-6-7 "Colossians 2:6-7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")
* [1 Peter 5:1-4](/1_peter/5-1-4 "1 Peter 5:1-4 - Shepherding the Flock of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 18:23 serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian life is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of growth and maturation. Just as Paul diligently revisited and strengthened the early disciples, so too must contemporary believers and church leaders prioritize ongoing discipleship, teaching, and mutual encouragement. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement with faith to a deeper, more robust commitment to spiritual formation. It calls us to be intentional in our own growth, seeking out opportunities for learning and accountability, and to actively participate in the strengthening of our local church communities. For those in ministry, it underscores the profound importance of follow-up, pastoral care, and systematic teaching, recognizing that true spiritual health comes from consistent nourishment and support. We are all called to be both disciples who are strengthened and, in turn, those who strengthen others, building up the body of Christ in love and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's commitment to "strengthening all the disciples" challenge my own understanding of spiritual growth and discipleship?**
* **In what ways can I, or my church, be more intentional and "in order" in nurturing the faith of new believers and seasoned saints alike?**
* **What specific areas of my faith or understanding need to be "strengthened" currently, and what steps can I take to pursue that growth?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Paul revisiting Galatia and Phrygia instead of going to new territories?**

Answer: The significance lies in Paul's commitment to holistic church planting and pastoral care. While initial evangelism is crucial, the long-term health and stability of nascent Christian communities depend on ongoing support, teaching, and encouragement. By revisiting Galatia and Phrygia, Paul was demonstrating the importance of discipleship and consolidation of faith. These churches, though established, were still young and vulnerable to internal challenges (like doctrinal errors, as seen in the [book of Galatians](/galatians/1 "The Book of Galatians - Paul's Letter to the Galatians")) and external pressures. His systematic visitation ensured that the foundations laid were firm and that believers were equipped to stand strong in their faith, reflecting a mature understanding of ministry that extends beyond initial conversion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's methodical journey to "strengthen all the disciples" in Galatia and Phrygia is a profound reflection of Christ's own enduring commitment to His followers. Just as Paul sought to confirm and establish the early believers, Jesus continually nurtured and prepared His disciples for their mission, promising the Holy Spirit as their Helper and Strengthener (see [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper") and [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Paul's pastoral care mirrors the Good Shepherd's unwavering dedication to His flock, who lays down His life for them and then continues to sustain them (as depicted in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). The ultimate "strengthening" that Paul imparted was a deeper rooting in the person and work of Christ, who is the foundation upon which the church is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Cornerstone")). Thus, Paul's ministry serves as an earthly outworking of the heavenly Christ's ongoing work of building up His body, ensuring its spiritual vitality and equipping His people for every good work until His glorious return ([Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing Up into Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 14:22

Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Acts 16:6

¶ Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

Acts 15:41

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Acts 15:32

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed [them].

1 Corinthians 16:1

¶ Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].

Galatians 4:14

And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, [even] as Christ Jesus.