Acts 19
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Commentaries
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And it came to pass - while Apollos was at Corinth - The Codex Bezae begins this chapter differently. But then Paul was desirous, according to his own counsel, to go to Jerusalem, the Spirit commanded him to return into Asia: then, passing through the upper parts, he came to Ephesus. This addition is also found in the Latin or Itala part of the same MS., and in the margin of the later Syriac. Paul having passed through the upper coasts - That is, through those parts of Asia Minor that lay eastward of Ephesus, such as Galatia, Phrygia, and probably Lycaonia and Lydia; and it is in reference to Ephesus that these are called the upper coasts. See their situation on the map.
Open source ↗SIGNAL SUCCESS OF PAUL AT EPHESUS. (Acts 19:1-41) while Apollos was at Corinth--where his ministry was so powerful that a formidable party in the Church of that city gloried in his type of preaching in preference to Paul's (Co1 1:12; Co1 3:4), no doubt from the marked infusion of Greek philosophic culture which distinguished it, and which the apostle studiously avoided (Co1 2:1-5). Paul having passed through the upper coasts--"parts," the interior of Asia Minor, which, with reference to the seacoast, was elevated. came to Ephesus--thus fulfilling his promise (Act 18:21). finding certain disciples--in the same stage of Christian knowledge as Apollos at first, newly arrived, probably, and having had no communication as yet with the church at Ephesus.
Open source ↗And it came to pass that while Apollos was at Corinth,.... Whither he came after the Apostle Paul, and where he watered what the apostle had planted, and where he became very famous and eminent; insomuch that he was set up, though not with his will, at the head of a party, in opposition to the chief of the apostles, Peter and Paul; see Co1 1:12. Paul having passed through the upper coasts; that is, of Phrygia, Galatia, Pontus, Bithynia, Lydia, Lycaonia, and Paphlagonia; came to Ephesus; into Ionia, of which Ephesus was the chief city, and lay near the sea; wherefore the other countries are called the upper coasts; hither he came, according to his promise in Act 28:21 And finding certain disciples; such as believed in Christ, made a profession of him, and had been baptized in his name, for such were commonly called disciples: these do not seem to be persons, who were either converted by Paul, when he was at Ephesus before, or by Apollos, who had been there since, and was gone; but rather some who came hither from other parts, since the apostle was at this place; though indeed his stay at Ephesus before was so short, that they might be here, and he not hear of them, or meet with them.
Open source ↗Ephesus was a city of great note in Asia, famous for a temple built there to Diana, which was one of the wonders of the world: thither Paul came to preach the gospel while Apollos was at Corinth (Act 19:1); while he was watering there, Paul was planting here, and grudged not that Apollos entered into his labours and was building upon his foundation, but rejoiced in it, and went on in the new work that was cut out for him at Ephesus with the more cheerfulness and satisfaction, because he knew that such an able minister of the New Testament as Apollos was now at Corinth, carrying on the good work there. Though there were those that made him the head of a party against Paul (Co1 1:12), yet Paul had no jealousy of him, nor any way disliked the affection the people had for him. Paul having gone through the country of Galatia and Phrygia, having passed through the upper coasts, Pontus and Bithynia, that lay north, at length came to Ephesus, where he had left Aquila and Priscilla, and there found them. At his first coming, he met with some disciples there, who professed faith in Christ as the true Messiah, but were as yet in the first and lowest form in the school of Christ, under his usher John the Baptist. They were in number about twelve (Act 19:7); they were much of the standing that Apollos was of when he came to Ephesus (for he knew only the baptism of John, Act 18:25), but they had not opportunity of being acquainted with Aquila and Priscilla, or had not been so long in Ephesus or were not so willing to receive instruction as Apollos was, otherwise they might have had the way of God expounded to them more perfectly, as Apollos had. Observe here, I. How Paul catechised them. He was told, probably by Aquila and Priscilla, that they were believers, that they did own Christ…
Open source ↗19:1-7 Paul traveled to Ephesus after Apollos had left. Subsequently, Apollos returned to Ephesus while Paul was still working there (1 Cor 16:12). The two men had different personalities, gifts, and roles, but God worked through both of them. • Some believers in Ephesus still had an inadequate understanding of the Christian faith (cp. Acts 18:26) and did not receive the Holy Spirit when they believed. They had accepted John’s baptism, which called for repentance from sin, but had not received Christian baptism, which included the gift of the Holy Spirit. When Paul had instructed them further, they were able to receive Christian baptism (19:5) and the Holy Spirit (19:6).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… Ἀπολλῶς (Apollōs, G625) — Apollos, an Israelite εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Κόρινθος (Kórinthos, G2882) — Corinthus, a city of Greece Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… διέρχομαι (diérchomai, G1330) — to traverse (literally) ἀνωτερικός (anōterikós, G510) — superior, i.e. (locally) more remote μέρος (méros, G3313) — a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application) ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Ἔφεσος (Éphesos, G2181) — Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other…
Open source ↗ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… πιστεύω (pisteúō, G4100) — to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) οὐδέ (oudé, G3761) — not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
Open source ↗τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly βαπτίζω (baptízō, G907) — to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament)… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites βάπτισμα (báptisma, G908) — baptism (technically or figuratively)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… βαπτίζω (baptízō, G907) — to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament)… βάπτισμα (báptisma, G908) — baptism (technically or figuratively) μετάνοια (metánoia, G3341) — (subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… λαός (laós, G2992) — a people (in general; thus differing from G1218 (δῆμος), which denotes one's own populace) ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) πιστεύω (pisteúō, G4100) — to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) βαπτίζω (baptízō, G907) — to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament)… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… ἐπιτίθημι (epitíthēmi, G2007) — to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense) χείρ (cheír, G5495) — the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words γλῶσσα (glōssa, G1100) — the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired) προφητεύω (prophēteúō, G4395) — to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) ὡσεί (hōseí, G5616) — as if δεκαδύο (dekadýo, G1177) — two and ten, i.e. twelve
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… συναγωγή (synagōgḗ, G4864) — an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by… παῤῥησιάζομαι (parrhēsiázomai, G3955) — to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… τρεῖς (treîs, G5140) — "three" μήν (mḗn, G3376) — a month διαλέγομαι (dialégomai, G1256) — to say thoroughly, i.e. discuss (in argument or exhortation) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πείθω (peíthō, G3982) — to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other… περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object σκληρύνω (sklērýnō, G4645) — to indurate, i.e. (figuratively) render stubborn καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀπειθέω (apeithéō, G544) — to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely) κακολογέω (kakologéō, G2551) — to revile ὁδός (hodós, G3598) — a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or… ἐνώπιον (enṓpion, G1799) — in the face of (literally or figuratively) πλῆθος (plēthos, G4128) — a fulness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace ἀφίστημι (aphístēmi, G868) — to remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert,… ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀφορίζω (aphorízō, G873) — to set off by boundary, i.e. (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc.
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… δύο (dýo, G1417) — "two" ἔτος (étos, G2094) — a year ὥστε (hṓste, G5620) — so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole κατοικέω (katoikéō, G2730) — to house permanently, i.e. reside (literally or figuratively) Ἀσία (Asía, G773) — Asia, i.e. Asia Minor, or (usually) only its western shore ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
Open source ↗τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not τυγχάνω (tynchánō, G5177) — akin to the base of G5088 (τίκτω) through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or… δύναμις (dýnamis, G1411) — force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a… διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) χείρ (cheír, G5495) — the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or… Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὥστε (hṓste, G5620) — so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… χρώς (chrṓs, G5559) — the body (properly, its surface or skin) ἐπιφέρω (epiphérō, G2018) — to bear upon (or further), i.e. adduce (personally or judicially (accuse, inflict)),… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ἀσθενέω (asthenéō, G770) — to be feeble (in any sense) σουδάριον (soudárion, G4676) — a sudarium (sweat-cloth), i.e. towel (for wiping the perspiration from the face, or… ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than σιμικίνθιον (simikínthion, G4612) — a semicinctium or half-girding, i.e. narrow covering (apron) νόσος (nósos, G3554) — a malady (rarely figuratively, of moral disability) ἀπαλλάσσω (apallássō, G525) — to change away, i.e. release, (reflexively) remove τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί))
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… περιέρχομαι (periérchomai, G4022) — to come all around, i.e. stroll, vacillate, veer Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaîos, G2453) — Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah ἐξορκιστής (exorkistḗs, G1845) — one that binds by an oath (or spell), i.e. (by implication) an "exorcist" (conjurer) ἐπιχειρέω (epicheiréō, G2021) — to put the hand upon, i.e. undertake ὀνομάζω (onomázō, G3687) — to name, i.e. assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… πονηρός (ponērós, G4190) — hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556… πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,… Σκευᾶς (Skeuâs, G4630) — left-handed; Scevas (i.e. Scævus), an Israelite τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaîos, G2453) — Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah ἀρχιερεύς (archiereús, G749) — the high-priest (literally, of the Jews, typically, Christ); by extension a chief priest ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”