Acts 18:25
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.
Original Language Analysis
οὗτος
This man
G3778
οὗτος
This man
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 24
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
κατηχημένος
instructed in
G2727
κατηχημένος
instructed in
Strong's:
G2727
Word #:
3 of 24
to sound down into the ears, i.e., (by implication) to indoctrinate ("catechize") or (genitive case) to apprise of
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν
the way
G3598
ὁδὸν
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
5 of 24
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κυρίου,
of the Lord
G2962
Κυρίου,
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ζέων
being fervent
G2204
ζέων
being fervent
Strong's:
G2204
Word #:
9 of 24
to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e., (figuratively) be fervid (earnest)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματι
in the spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
in the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 24
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
the things of
G4012
περὶ
the things of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
17 of 24
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κυρίου,
of the Lord
G2962
Κυρίου,
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
19 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐπιστάμενος
knowing
G1987
ἐπιστάμενος
knowing
Strong's:
G1987
Word #:
20 of 24
to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 19:3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.Romans 12:11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;Acts 9:2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.Acts 19:23And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.Acts 19:9But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.Mark 12:14And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?Hosea 14:9Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Historical Context
Apollos's knowledge of John's baptism but not Christian baptism suggests he learned about Jesus through John's disciples before Pentecost. His Alexandrian origin meant he likely received teaching from early believers who had incomplete understanding.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you humbly receive correction when your sincere understanding proves incomplete?
- What does Aquila and Priscilla's approach teach about correcting others - privately, gently, building on what they know?
Analysis & Commentary
Apollos was 'instructed in the way of the Lord' and taught 'accurately the things of the Lord,' yet knew 'only the baptism of John.' This shows how sincere believers can have partial understanding requiring further instruction. Aquila and Priscilla's gentle correction - taking him aside to 'expound unto him the way of God more perfectly' - models humble teaching that builds on existing knowledge.