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.

And {G5037} he {G3778} began {G756} to speak boldly {G3955} in {G1722} the synagogue {G4864}: whom {G846} when {G1161} Aquila {G207} and {G2532} Priscilla {G4252} had heard {G191}, they took {G4355} him {G846} unto them, and {G2532} expounded {G1620} unto him {G846} the way {G3598} of God {G2316} more perfectly {G197}.

He began to speak out boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way of God in fuller detail.

And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him in and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

and he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more accurately.

Commentary

Acts 18:26 introduces Apollos, a gifted and eloquent speaker who was "mighty in the scriptures" (as described in Acts 18:24). While he spoke boldly and taught accurately what he knew about Jesus, his understanding was incomplete, knowing "only the baptism of John." This verse highlights a pivotal moment in his spiritual journey and the invaluable role of two humble believers, Aquila and Priscilla.

Context

This event takes place in Ephesus, a significant center for early Christian evangelism. Apollos had come from Alexandria, a city renowned for its intellectual and philosophical pursuits. He was already a zealous preacher, speaking in the synagogue. Aquila and Priscilla, a devout Jewish couple who had previously hosted Paul in Corinth (see Acts 18:1), recognized Apollos's passion and gifts but also his need for a more complete understanding of Christian truth. Their willingness to approach him privately and teach him demonstrates a beautiful model of discipleship, free from public correction or humiliation.

Key Themes

  • Discipleship and Mentorship: This verse beautifully illustrates the principle of one believer helping another grow in faith. Aquila and Priscilla, a lay couple, took the initiative to mentor Apollos, a prominent speaker. This underscores that spiritual growth is often a communal effort, not just dependent on ordained leaders.
  • Humility in Learning: Apollos, despite his eloquence and deep knowledge of the Old Testament, displayed remarkable humility by accepting instruction from Aquila and Priscilla. His openness to correction and deeper understanding allowed him to become an even more powerful advocate for Christ, as seen in Acts 18:28.
  • The "Way of God": This phrase, also referred to as "the Way" in early Christian contexts (e.g., Acts 9:2), signifies the full revelation of God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, including His life, death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Aquila and Priscilla "expounded" this way "more perfectly," providing the missing pieces of his theological understanding.
  • Women in Ministry: The inclusion of Priscilla's name before Aquila's here (and in some other instances, like Romans 16:3) highlights her active and significant role in teaching and ministry within the early church. She was clearly an integral part of this important instructional encounter.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly" is key. The Greek word translated "expounded" is ektithemai (ἐκτίθημι), meaning "to set forth, to explain fully." The phrase "more perfectly" comes from akribesteron (ἀκριβέστερον), an adverb meaning "more accurately" or "more exactly." This implies that Apollos's previous knowledge was accurate as far as it went, but lacked the full precision and completeness regarding the Christian gospel, particularly concerning the implications of Jesus' finished work and the role of the Holy Spirit, which were central to the apostolic teaching.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Be open to further learning: No matter how much we know or how gifted we are, there is always room to grow in our understanding of God's Word and His ways. Humility is essential for spiritual maturity.
  • Embrace mutual discipleship: The church thrives when believers actively invest in one another's spiritual growth. Look for opportunities to teach, encourage, and gently correct in love, just as Aquila and Priscilla did.
  • Value sound doctrine: While zeal is commendable, it must be accompanied by accurate understanding of biblical truth. Seek to know "the way of God more perfectly" so you can effectively share and live out your faith.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 12:21

    And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

  • Acts 14:3

    Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

  • Hebrews 6:1

    ¶ Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

  • 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.

  • Ephesians 6:19

    ¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

  • Ephesians 6:20

    For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

  • Matthew 18:3

    And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
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