Acts 18:27

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he {G846} was disposed {G1014} to pass {G1330} into {G1519} Achaia {G882}, the brethren {G80} wrote {G1125}, exhorting {G4389} the disciples {G3101} to receive {G588} him {G846}: who {G3739}, when he was come {G3854}, helped them {G4820} much {G4183} which had believed {G4100} through {G1223} grace {G5485}:

Complete Jewish Bible

When he made plans to cross over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote the talmidim there to welcome him. On arrival, he greatly helped those who through grace had come to trust;

Berean Standard Bible

When Apollos resolved to cross over to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On his arrival, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.

American Standard Version

And when he was minded to pass over into Achaia, the brethren encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him: and when he was come, he helped them much that had believed through grace;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:27 describes the significant transition of Apollos from Ephesus to Achaia, highlighting the early church's practice of communal support and commendation for ministers. It underscores the divine enablement of Apollos's ministry, which profoundly strengthened believers who had come to faith through God's unmerited favor, setting the stage for his impactful work in Corinth and emphasizing the centrality of grace in Christian experience and growth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Apollos's spiritual refinement by [Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus](/acts/18-26 "Acts 18:26 - Priscilla and Aquila Instruct Apollos"), where they "expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." Prior to this, Apollos is introduced as an eloquent and knowledgeable Jew from Alexandria, "mighty in the scriptures," who taught accurately about Jesus but only knew "the baptism of John" ([Acts 18:24-25](/acts/18-24-25 "Acts 18:24-25 - Apollos's Background and Initial Ministry")). Acts 18:27 thus serves as a bridge, detailing the Ephesian brethren's initiative to facilitate Apollos's ministry in Achaia, specifically preparing him for the challenges and opportunities in Corinth, a city where Paul had recently established a church and faced significant opposition ([Acts 18:1-17](/acts/18-1-17 "Acts 18:1-17 - Paul's Ministry in Corinth")). This transition is crucial for understanding the subsequent dynamics within the Corinthian church, particularly the factions that later emerged around Paul and Apollos, as addressed in [1 Corinthians 1-4](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians 1-4 - Divisions in the Church").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Achaia was a Roman senatorial province encompassing much of southern Greece, with Corinth as its capital. It was a strategic hub for trade, culture, and intellectual discourse, making it a vital center for the spread of the Gospel. The practice of writing letters of commendation, as seen here, was common in the ancient world, both within secular and religious spheres. Such letters served as credentials, vouching for a person's character, doctrine, and mission, thereby ensuring their acceptance and support within new communities. For the early church, which lacked centralized authority structures, these letters were indispensable for maintaining unity, preventing false teachers, and facilitating the movement of evangelists and teachers. This cultural norm provided a practical means for the nascent Christian movement to expand its reach while preserving doctrinal integrity.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 18:27 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Providence and Guidance**, as Apollos's desire to go to Achaia aligns with God's plan for the spread of the Gospel, facilitated by the Ephesian believers. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Communal Support and Partnership in Ministry**, demonstrating how believers collaborate to advance God's kingdom, recognizing and affirming one another's gifts. The "brethren" in Ephesus actively participate in Apollos's mission, not merely observing. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Centrality of Grace** in the Christian life and ministry. The phrase "believed through grace" emphasizes that faith itself is a gift and an outworking of God's unmerited favor, a foundational theological truth echoed throughout the New Testament, particularly in Pauline epistles (e.g., [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Finally, it showcases the **Effectiveness of Spirit-Empowered Teaching**, as Apollos's ministry "helped them much," affirming the vital role of sound doctrine and eloquent proclamation in nurturing and strengthening believers. This sets the stage for Apollos's significant role in the Corinthian church, as later referenced by Paul in [1 Corinthians 3:6](/1_corinthians/3-6 "1 Corinthians 3:6 - Paul's Analogy of Planting and Watering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **disposed (Greek, _boúlomai'_):** This word, derived from a primary verb, means "to will," or reflexively, "to be willing." In this context, it indicates Apollos's strong internal desire or intention to travel to Achaia. It suggests a purposeful, deliberate inclination, likely guided by the Holy Spirit, rather than a casual whim. This "willingness" is an active state of mind, signifying his readiness and resolve to engage in ministry in a new region.
* **exhorting (Greek, _protrépomai'_):** This middle voice verb literally means "to turn forward for oneself," and by implication, "to encourage" or "to urge forward." The Ephesian brethren's act of "exhorting" the disciples in Achaia to receive Apollos was more than a mere suggestion; it was a strong recommendation or encouragement. It implies a persuasive appeal designed to ensure Apollos's warm reception and full integration into the local Christian community, recognizing his value and the spiritual benefit he would bring.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** This rich theological term refers to "graciousness," "favor," or "divine influence upon the heart." Here, it specifically denotes God's unmerited favor as the instrumental cause of the believers' faith. Their belief was not achieved through human effort or merit, but was enabled and sustained by God's sovereign, benevolent action. This emphasizes that salvation and spiritual growth are fundamentally gifts from God, highlighting the divine initiative in the process of conversion and sanctification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia,"**: This clause establishes Apollos's personal initiative and intention. Having been further instructed by Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus, Apollos felt a strong inner leading or desire (disposed) to extend his ministry to the Roman province of Achaia, particularly to Corinth, where a significant church had been established. This highlights his zeal and strategic thinking for the Gospel's advance.
* **"the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him:"**: Recognizing Apollos's gifts and his earnest desire, the Christian community in Ephesus, referred to as "the brethren," took a proactive step. They composed a letter of commendation, a common practice in the early church, urging the believers (disciples) in Achaia to welcome Apollos. This act demonstrates communal support, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to facilitating effective ministry across geographical boundaries, ensuring Apollos's legitimacy and acceptance.
* **"who, when he was come, helped them much"**: This part describes the immediate and significant impact of Apollos's arrival and ministry. Upon reaching Achaia, Apollos proved to be a tremendous asset, providing substantial spiritual assistance and strengthening to the local believers. The word "helped" (symbállō) implies a collaborative contribution, suggesting he engaged them in discourse, clarified understanding, and provided powerful arguments for the faith, leading to significant spiritual growth and consolidation within the community.
* **"which had believed through grace:"**: This concluding phrase is a profound theological statement. It clarifies the nature of the faith held by those Apollos helped. Their belief was not merely an intellectual assent or a product of human will, but it was enabled and sustained "through grace"—God's unmerited favor and divine influence. This emphasizes that their salvation and spiritual vitality were ultimately a work of God, making Apollos's ministry an instrument of that divine grace, building upon a foundation already laid by God's sovereign initiative.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Narrative Progression** is evident as Luke meticulously details the logical sequence of events: Apollos's inner disposition leads to the brethren's action, which in turn facilitates Apollos's journey and subsequent effective ministry. This creates a clear cause-and-effect chain. The use of **Commendation** through the written letter serves as a crucial plot device, highlighting the practical means by which the early church maintained unity and facilitated the spread of the Gospel, validating ministers and preventing false teachings. Finally, the concluding phrase "through grace" acts as a potent **Theological Emphasis**. By placing this phrase at the end, Luke underscores the divine enablement of faith and ministry, ensuring that the reader understands that Apollos's success, and indeed the believers' faith, is ultimately rooted in God's unmerited favor, not human effort or eloquence alone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:27 beautifully weaves together themes of divine calling, communal support, and the fundamental role of grace in the Christian life. Apollos's disposition to minister in Achaia reflects a Spirit-led initiative, while the Ephesian brethren's letter of commendation exemplifies the early church's understanding of mutual accountability and partnership in the Gospel. Most profoundly, the verse highlights that genuine faith is not self-generated but is a gift, a divine work enabled "through grace." This serves as a powerful reminder that all spiritual fruitfulness, both in the believer's life and in ministry, flows from God's unmerited favor, providing both the foundation for salvation and the power for effective service.

* [2 Corinthians 3:1-3](/2_corinthians/3-1-3 "2 Corinthians 3:1-3 - Paul's Defense of His Ministry Without Letters of Commendation")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [1 Corinthians 3:6](/1_corinthians/3-6 "1 Corinthians 3:6 - Paul and Apollos as God's Fellow Workers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 18:27 offers profound insights for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us that God often works through the willing hearts of His servants, like Apollos, who are "disposed" to advance His kingdom. This disposition, however, is not a solitary endeavor but is often affirmed and facilitated by the body of Christ. The practice of commendation, though perhaps not always in the form of a physical letter today, translates into the vital need for churches to recognize, affirm, and send out those gifted for ministry, providing them with the necessary support and endorsement. Furthermore, the verse's emphasis on believers having "believed through grace" serves as a crucial theological anchor. It calls us to constantly remember and proclaim that salvation, spiritual growth, and the very ability to believe are sovereign acts of God's unmerited favor. This truth should cultivate humility, deepen our gratitude, and fuel our reliance on God, rather than on our own abilities or efforts. When we minister, like Apollos, our aim should be to "help much" by clearly articulating the message of grace, strengthening others in their faith, and pointing them to the divine source of all spiritual life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Apollos's "disposition" to minister challenge or affirm my own willingness to serve God where He calls?**
* **In what ways can my local church better practice "exhorting" and "receiving" those God sends for ministry, whether locally or globally?**
* **How does the truth that believers "believed through grace" impact my understanding of evangelism, discipleship, and my own spiritual journey?**
* **What does it mean for me, in my sphere of influence, to "help them much" who have believed through grace?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "letter of commendation" mentioned in Acts 18:27?**

Answer: The letter of commendation was highly significant in the early church, serving as a vital credential for traveling ministers like Apollos. In a time before formal denominational structures or widespread communication, these letters provided a crucial means of authentication. They vouched for the character, doctrinal soundness, and mission of the bearer, ensuring they would be welcomed, trusted, and supported by local Christian communities. This practice helped to maintain unity within the burgeoning Christian movement, prevent the infiltration of false teachers, and facilitate the effective spread of the Gospel by validating those who ministered. Paul later refers to such letters, contrasting them with the transformed lives of believers as "letters of Christ" in [2 Corinthians 3:1-3](/2_corinthians/3-1-3 "2 Corinthians 3:1-3 - Paul's Discussion on Letters of Commendation").

**How did Apollos "help them much" in Achaia?**

Answer: Apollos "helped them much" primarily through his powerful and eloquent teaching, particularly his ability to demonstrate from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ ([Acts 18:28](/acts/18-28 "Acts 18:28 - Apollos's Powerful Preaching")). Having been more fully instructed by Priscilla and Aquila ([Acts 18:26](/acts/18-26 "Acts 18:26 - Priscilla and Aquila Instruct Apollos")), Apollos was now equipped to clarify and deepen the understanding of those who had already come to faith. His ministry would have strengthened their theological foundations, provided robust apologetic arguments against Jewish opposition, and encouraged their spiritual growth. This "help" was instrumental in nurturing the nascent church in Corinth, building upon the foundation laid by Paul, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 3:6](/1_corinthians/3-6 "1 Corinthians 3:6 - Paul and Apollos as God's Fellow Workers").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 18:27, while focusing on Apollos's ministry, ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate source and enabler of all spiritual life and effective service. Apollos's willingness to go to Achaia, the brethren's commendation, and his powerful impact are all channels through which God's grace flows. The phrase "believed through grace" is profoundly Christ-centered, for it is through Christ's redemptive work that God's unmerited favor is extended to humanity ([Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justified Freely by His Grace")). Jesus is the embodiment of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and it is His Spirit who empowers believers to have faith and ministers to serve effectively ([Ephesians 4:7](/ephesians/4-7 "Ephesians 4:7 - Grace Given According to the Measure of Christ's Gift")). Apollos, in "helping them much," was acting as an instrument of Christ, building up the body of Christ, which is the church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). His ministry, empowered by grace, served to strengthen those whose faith was rooted in Christ's finished work, foreshadowing the ongoing work of Christ through His Spirit and His people to nourish and mature His church until His return ([Colossians 1:28](/colossians/1-28 "Colossians 1:28 - Proclaiming Christ to Present Everyone Mature")).

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

2 Thessalonians 2:13

¶ But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

2 Thessalonians 2:14

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

James 1:16

Do not err, my beloved brethren.

James 1:18

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

1 Peter 1:2

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

1 Peter 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Titus 3:4

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,