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,

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, that, while Apollos {G625} was {G1511}{G1722} at {G1722} Corinth {G2882}, Paul {G3972} having passed {G1330} through the upper {G510} coasts {G3313} came {G2064} to {G1519} Ephesus {G2181}: and {G2532} finding {G2147} certain {G5100} disciples {G3101},

While Apollos was in Corinth, Sha’ul completed his travels through the inland country and arrived at Ephesus, where he found a few talmidim.

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the interior and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples

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

Acts 19:1 marks a significant transition in the Apostle Paul's missionary endeavors, initiating his extended stay and impactful ministry in the prominent city of Ephesus. This verse sets the stage for a crucial period in early Christian history, highlighting Paul's strategic movements and his immediate engagement with existing believers.

Context

This verse opens with Paul's arrival in Ephesus, a major Roman city in Asia Minor, known for its immense Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. His journey is described as having passed "through the upper coasts," referring to the inland, higher regions of Asia Minor, likely Phrygia and Galatia. This indicates Paul's thoroughness in revisiting and strengthening churches established during his third missionary journey.

The mention of "while Apollos was at Corinth" provides a chronological anchor. Apollos, an eloquent and fervent teacher, had been ministering powerfully in Corinth after Paul's departure, as detailed in Acts 18:24-28. This demonstrates the collaborative nature of early Christian leadership, with different workers serving in different locations, all contributing to the spread of the gospel.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Ministry Location: Paul's decision to come to Ephesus was highly strategic. As a bustling port city and a religious center, Ephesus offered a prime location for the gospel to spread throughout the province of Asia.
  • Continuity of the Gospel Work: The seamless transition from Apollos's ministry in Corinth to Paul's arrival in Ephesus underscores that the work of God continues through various faithful servants. God raises up and uses different individuals for His purposes (see 1 Corinthians 3:6).
  • Seeking Out Disciples: Paul's immediate action upon arriving in Ephesus was "finding certain disciples." This highlights his pastoral heart and commitment to nurturing existing believers, laying the groundwork for deeper teaching, particularly concerning the Holy Spirit, as revealed in the subsequent verses.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "upper coasts" translates the Greek anōterika merē (ἀνωτερικὰ μέρη), meaning "upper parts" or "interior regions." This distinguishes Paul's route from the more common coastal roads, suggesting he traveled through the elevated central plateau of Asia Minor, perhaps ministering in lesser-known areas before reaching the major hub of Ephesus.

Practical Application

Acts 19:1 reminds us that God orchestrates the movements and ministries of His servants for His greater purpose. It encourages us to appreciate the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, recognizing that different individuals may be called to different roles or locations, all contributing to the growth of the Kingdom. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of intentional connection with fellow believers, seeking to build them up in faith and understanding, just as Paul did with the disciples he found in Ephesus.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:12

    As touching [our] brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:12

    Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

  • Acts 18:19

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

  • Acts 18:21

    But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

  • Acts 18:23

    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.

  • Acts 18:28

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

  • Acts 18:1

    ¶ After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

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