Acts 18:25

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὗτος

G3778

This man

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἦν

G2258

was

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

κατηχημένος

G2727

instructed in

to sound down into the ears, i.e., (by implication) to indoctrinate ("catechize") or (genitive case) to apprise of

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδὸν

G3598

the way

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Κυρίου,

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ζέων

G2204

being fervent

to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e., (figuratively) be fervid (earnest)

#10

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

πνεύματι

G4151

in the spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#12

ἐλάλει

G2980

he spake

to talk, i.e., utter words

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

ἐδίδασκεν

G1321

taught

to teach (in the same broad application)

#15

ἀκριβῶς

G199

diligently

exactly

#16

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

περὶ

G4012

the things of

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#18

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

Κυρίου,

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#20

ἐπιστάμενος

G1987

knowing

to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with

#21

μόνον

G3440

only

merely

#22

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

βάπτισμα

G908

the baptism

baptism (technically or figuratively)

#24

Ἰωάννου·

G2491

of John

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul