Acts 18:28

For he mightily convinced the Jews, [and that] publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

For {G1063} he mightily {G2159} convinced {G1246} the Jews {G2453}, and that publickly {G1219}, shewing {G1925} by {G1223} the scriptures {G1124} that Jesus {G2424} was {G1511} Christ {G5547}.

for he powerfully and conclusively refuted the unbelieving Jews in public, demonstrating by the Tanakh that Yeshua is the Messiah.

For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

for he powerfully confuted the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Commentary

Context

Acts 18:28 concludes a brief but significant section detailing the ministry of Apollos, an eloquent Jewish believer from Alexandria. He is introduced in Acts 18:24 as "an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures." Though initially knowing only the baptism of John, he was more accurately instructed in the way of God by Priscilla and Aquila in Acts 18:26. This verse highlights Apollos's powerful and public ministry in Achaia (likely Corinth), where he built upon Paul's foundational work, specifically targeting the Jewish community.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Scriptural Argumentation: Apollos's primary method was to "shew by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ." This emphasizes the Old Testament's foundational role in proving Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah. The early apostles consistently used the Hebrew Scriptures to validate Christian claims, demonstrating continuity with God's plan.
  • Public and Convincing Witness: The phrase "mightily convinced... publickly" underscores the boldness and effectiveness of Apollos's ministry. He didn't shy away from open debate or confrontation, engaging directly with those who opposed the gospel message, particularly the Jews who held the Scriptures sacred.
  • Jesus as the Christ (Messiah): The central message of Apollos, and indeed the entire New Testament, is the identification of Jesus of Nazareth as the long-awaited Christ, or Messiah. This was the critical point of contention and conviction for Jewish audiences, as they awaited a deliverer foretold in their sacred texts.
  • The Role of Eloquence in Ministry: Apollos's gift of eloquence, combined with his deep knowledge of Scripture and spiritual fervor, made him a formidable and effective evangelist. His ability to articulate truth clearly and persuasively was a powerful tool for God's kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "mightily convinced" translates the Greek word diakatelégcheto (διακατελέγχθη), which is a strong term implying a thorough, powerful, and decisive refutation or conviction. It suggests that Apollos didn't just persuade, but he overwhelmingly defeated the arguments of his opponents, leaving them without a counter-argument. The word "publickly" comes from demosía (δημοσίᾳ), meaning "in public" or "openly," highlighting the transparent and accessible nature of his evangelism.

Related Scriptures

Apollos's method of reasoning from the Scriptures echoes the approach of other early Christian leaders. Paul, for instance, also "reasoned with them out of the scriptures" in places like Thessalonica (Acts 17:2-3). Even Jesus Himself, after His resurrection, explained "in all the scriptures the things concerning himself" to His disciples (Luke 24:27).

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. It highlights the enduring importance of knowing and accurately handling God's Word in sharing the gospel. Like Apollos, we are called to be well-versed in the Scriptures, able to articulate the truth about Jesus Christ clearly and convincingly. Furthermore, it encourages boldness in public witness, trusting that God can use our prepared minds and Spirit-led words to "mightily convince" those who are seeking truth. The example of Apollos also underscores the value of mentorship and ongoing learning, as his effectiveness was enhanced by the instruction he received from Priscilla and Aquila.

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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

  • Acts 18:5

    And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews [that] Jesus [was] Christ.

  • Acts 9:22

    But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

  • Luke 24:44

    And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:3

    For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

  • 1 Corinthians 15:4

    And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

  • Acts 26:22

    Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

  • Acts 26:23

    That Christ should suffer, [and] that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
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