Acts 18:26
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Original Language Analysis
οὗτός
he
G3778
οὗτός
he
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 23
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
παῤῥησιάζεσθαι
to speak boldly
G3955
παῤῥησιάζεσθαι
to speak boldly
Strong's:
G3955
Word #:
4 of 23
to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγῇ
the synagogue
G4864
συναγωγῇ
the synagogue
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
7 of 23
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Πρίσκιλλα
Priscilla
G4252
Πρίσκιλλα
Priscilla
Strong's:
G4252
Word #:
13 of 23
priscilla (i.e., little prisca), a christian woman
προσελάβοντο
they took
G4355
προσελάβοντο
they took
Strong's:
G4355
Word #:
14 of 23
to take to oneself, i.e., use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 6:1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,Acts 14:3Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.Acts 18:25This 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.2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.1 Corinthians 12:21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Historical Context
Priscilla is mentioned first, suggesting her prominent role. Their gentle correction illustrates mature discipleship - receiving great giftedness while addressing incomplete knowledge.
Questions for Reflection
- How does private, gentle correction model mature discipleship?
- What does Apollos's teachability despite his eloquence teach about humility?
Analysis & Commentary
Apollos 'began to speak boldly in the synagogue' but Aquila and Priscilla 'took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.' Private correction preserved Apollos's reputation while improving his understanding. Humble teaching and humble receiving characterized this encounter.