New International VersionThey arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
New Living TranslationThey stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews.
English Standard VersionAnd they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
Berean Standard BibleWhen they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews.
Berean Literal BibleNow they came to Ephesus, and left them there. And he himself having entered into the synagogue, reasoned with the Jews.
King James BibleAnd he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
New King James VersionAnd he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
New American Standard BibleThey came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
NASB 1995They came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
NASB 1977And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd they arrived at Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
Amplified BibleThen they arrived in Ephesus, and he left the others there; but he entered the synagogue and reasoned and debated with the Jews.
Christian Standard BibleWhen they reached Ephesus he left them there, but he himself entered the synagogue and debated with the Jews.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen they reached Ephesus he left them there, but he himself entered the synagogue and engaged in discussion with the Jews.
American Standard VersionAnd they came to Ephesus, and he left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
Contemporary English VersionThe three of them arrived in Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He then went into the synagogue to talk with the people there.
English Revised VersionAnd they came to Ephesus, and he left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
GOD'S WORD® Translationand arrived in the city of Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. Paul went into the synagogue and had a discussion with the Jews.
Good News TranslationThey arrived in Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He went into the synagogue and held discussions with the Jews.
International Standard VersionWhen they arrived in Ephesus, he left Priscilla and Aquila there. Then he went into the synagogue and had a discussion with the Jews.
NET BibleWhen they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila behind there, but he himself went into the synagogue and addressed the Jews.
New Heart English BibleThey came to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
Weymouth New TestamentThey put in at Ephesus, and there Paul left his companions behind. As for himself, he went to the synagogue and had a discussion with the Jews. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen he reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews.
World English BibleHe came to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself entered into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he came down to Ephesus, and left them there, and he himself having entered into the synagogue reasoned with the Jews:
Berean Literal BibleNow they came to Ephesus, and left them there. And he himself having entered into the synagogue, reasoned with the Jews.
Young's Literal Translation and he came down to Ephesus, and did leave them there, and he himself having entered into the synagogue did reason with the Jews:
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Paul arrived at Ephesus, and left those of his: and he having come into the synagogue, discussed with the Jews. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he came to Ephesus, and left them there. But he himself entering into the synagogue, disputed with the Jews.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he arrived at Ephesus, and he left them behind there. Yet truly, he himself, entering into the synagogue, was disputing with the Jews.
New American BibleWhen they reached Ephesus, he left them there, while he entered the synagogue and held discussions with the Jews.
New Revised Standard VersionWhen they reached Ephesus, he left them there, but first he himself went into the synagogue and had a discussion with the Jews. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they came to Eph'e-sus, and Paul entered into the synagogue and spoke to the Jews.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he arrived at Ephesaus and Paulus entered the synagogue and he was speaking with the Jews. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself went into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
Godbey New TestamentAnd they arrived in Ephesus, and he left them there: and himself, having gone into the synagogue, spoke to the Jews.
Haweis New TestamentAnd he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself went into the synagogue, and discoursed with the Jews.
Mace New Testamentbeing arriv'd at Ephesus, he left them there, and went himself to the synagogue, where he disputed with the Jews,
Weymouth New TestamentThey put in at Ephesus, and there Paul left his companions behind. As for himself, he went to the synagogue and had a discussion with the Jews.
Worrell New TestamentAnd they came down to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself, entering into the synagogue, reasoned with the Jews.
Worsley New TestamentAnd he came to Esphesus, and left them there: but before his departure he himself went into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul Returns to Antioch18Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. 19Whenthey reachedEphesus,Paul parted ways withPriscilla and Aquila.He himselfwentintothesynagogue thereand reasonedwith theJews.20When they asked him to stay for a while longer, he declined.…
Cross References Acts 19:1While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the interior and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples
Acts 17:2As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
Acts 13:14And from Perga, they traveled inland to Pisidian Antioch, where they entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and sat down.
Acts 14:1At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue, where they spoke so well that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.
Acts 17:10-11As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue. / Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.
Acts 9:20Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.”
Acts 13:5When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper.
Acts 17:17So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those he met each day.
Acts 19:8Then Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
Acts 28:23So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
1 Corinthians 16:8-9But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, / because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.
1 Corinthians 1:1-2Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, / To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:
1 Corinthians 16:19The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
2 Corinthians 1:1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:
Ephesians 1:1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Treasury of Scripture And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. Ephesus. Acts 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man,and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. Acts 19:1,17,26 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, … Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. but. Acts 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. Acts 17:2,3 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, … Jump to Previous AquilaArguedArrivedCompanionsDiscussionEnteredEnteringEphesusJewsLeavePaulPriscillaReasonReasonedSynagogueJump to Next AquilaArguedArrivedCompanionsDiscussionEnteredEnteringEphesusJewsLeavePaulPriscillaReasonReasonedSynagogueActs 18 1.Paul labors with his hands, and preaches at Corinth to the Gentiles.9.The Lord encourages him in a vision.12.He is accused before Gallio the deputy, but is dismissed.18.Afterwards passing from city to city, he strengthens the disciples.24.Apollos, being instructed by Aquila and Priscilla, preaches Christ boldly.When they reached EphesusEphesus was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its large population and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a significant center for trade and culture, making it a strategic location for spreading the Gospel. The city's prominence in commerce and religion provided Paul with a diverse audience for his teachings. Paul left Priscilla and Aquila
Priscilla and Aquila were a Jewish couple who had become Christians and were close companions of Paul. They were tentmakers by trade, like Paul, and had previously been expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius. Their presence in Ephesus indicates the importance of laypeople in the early church's mission. Paul leaving them there suggests he trusted them to continue the work of establishing and nurturing the church in his absence. He himself went into the synagogue there
Paul's custom was to begin his ministry in a new city by visiting the local synagogue. This was a strategic approach, as synagogues were places where Jews and God-fearing Gentiles gathered, providing Paul with an audience familiar with the Scriptures. This method allowed him to connect the Old Testament prophecies with the life and mission of Jesus Christ. and reasoned with the Jews
Paul's reasoning in the synagogue involved explaining and proving that Jesus was the Messiah, as foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures. This approach was both intellectual and theological, engaging the Jews in discussions that connected their expectations of the Messiah with the fulfillment found in Jesus. This method of reasoning is consistent with Paul's approach in other cities, as seen inActs 17:2-3, where he reasoned from the Scriptures to demonstrate that Jesus had to suffer and rise from the dead. Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulA key apostle in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. In this passage, he is actively engaging in his mission to spread the Gospel. 2. Priscilla and AquilaA married couple who were fellow tentmakers and companions of Paul. They were significant figures in the early church, known for their teaching and hospitality. 3. EphesusA major city in Asia Minor, known for its large population and the Temple of Artemis. It was a significant center for early Christian evangelism. 4. SynagogueA place of Jewish worship and teaching. Paul often began his ministry in a new city by reasoning in the synagogue, engaging with the Jewish community. 5. Reasoning with the JewsThis refers to Paul's method of engaging in dialogue and debate, using the Scriptures to explain and prove that Jesus is the Messiah. Teaching Points Engagement with CulturePaul’s approach in Ephesus shows the importance of engaging with the local culture and religious practices to effectively communicate the Gospel. Partnership in MinistryThe mention of Priscilla and Aquila highlights the value of partnerships in ministry. Their support and collaboration with Paul were crucial to the spread of Christianity. Strategic EvangelismPaul's method of starting his ministry in the synagogue demonstrates a strategic approach to evangelism, beginning with those who had a foundational understanding of Scripture. Courage in WitnessingPaul's willingness to reason with the Jews in the synagogue, despite potential opposition, is a model of courage and commitment to sharing the Gospel. The Role of Reasoning in FaithThe passage underscores the importance of reasoning and dialogue in faith, encouraging believers to be prepared to explain and defend their beliefs. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 18:19?
2.How does Acts 18:19 demonstrate the importance of reasoning in the synagogue?
3.What can we learn from Paul's approach to teaching in Acts 18:19?
4.How does Acts 18:19 connect with Paul's mission in Acts 17:2-3?
5.How can we apply Paul's dedication in Acts 18:19 to our evangelism today?
6.What role does reasoning play in sharing the Gospel, as seen in Acts 18:19?
7.Why did Paul leave Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus according to Acts 18:19?
8.What significance does Ephesus hold in the context of Acts 18:19?
9.How does Acts 18:19 reflect Paul's missionary strategy?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 18?
11.What is Ephesus's biblical significance?
12.Who were Priscilla and Aquila in the Bible?
13.How did Priscilla and Aquila help Apollos understand Christianity?
14.Can women teach in church? (1 Timothy 2:12 vs. Acts 18:26)What Does Acts 18:19 Mean When they reached Ephesus•Acts 18:19a states, “When they reached Ephesus…”—marking the first time Paul sets foot in the great port city of Asia Minor. • Ephesus was a strategic hub of commerce, culture, and pagan worship (cf.Acts 19:27–28;Revelation 2:1), making it ripe for gospel advance. • Paul arrives fresh from Corinth (Acts 18:18), demonstrating the Spirit-directed expansion of the church westward (Acts 16:6–10). • This moment fulfills the desire Paul once had to preach in Asia (Acts 16:6) but had been restrained until God’s perfect timing.
Paul left Priscilla and Aquila•Acts 18:19b tells us, “Paul left Priscilla and Aquila.” • The married tentmakers had become trusted co-laborers (Acts 18:2–3). – Their presence ensured a long-term witness in Ephesus while Paul continued traveling. – Later, they would disciple Apollos there (Acts 18:24–26), proving the wisdom of leaving them behind. • Other epistles highlight their sacrificial service (Romans 16:3–4;1 Corinthians 16:19;2 Timothy 4:19), underscoring how God multiplies ministry through faithful couples. • Application: partnering with mature believers sustains gospel work even when the primary missionary moves on.
He himself went into the synagogue there• “He himself went into the synagogue” (Acts 18:19c). • Paul’s consistent pattern was to begin with the Jews (Acts 13:5, 14; 17:1–2), honoring God’s covenant order (Romans 1:16). • Entering the synagogue signaled respect for Scripture and provided an audience already versed in the Old Testament promises (Acts 15:21). • This step also reveals Paul’s ongoing burden for his own people (Romans 9:1–3), showing love even amid frequent rejection.
and reasoned with the Jews•Acts 18:19d concludes, “and reasoned with the Jews.” • “Reasoned” points to thoughtful dialogue—explaining, proving, and persuading from the Scriptures (Acts 17:3; 18:4; 28:23). • Paul’s method mirrorsIsaiah 1:18, “Come now, let us reason together,” and Jesus’ own exposition of the Law and Prophets (Luke 24:27). • By appealing to prophecy and fulfillment, Paul demonstrated that Jesus is the promised Messiah, inviting his hearers to trust Him.
summaryActs 18:19 shows a Spirit-led, strategic advance of the gospel: Paul arrives in influential Ephesus, wisely stations Priscilla and Aquila for ongoing ministry, personally engages the synagogue, and reasons persuasively from Scripture. The verse models teamwork, cultural awareness, covenant priority, and thoughtful proclamation—timeless principles for effective witness today. (19) He came to Ephesus, and left them there.--The better MSS. give, "They came to Ephesus." What follows seems to imply that he no longer continued to work with them, as at Corinth, but leaving them to establish themselves in their craft, began, under the pressure of his eagerness to reach Jerusalem, an independent course of teaching in the synagogues. The first mention of Ephesus calls for a short account of its history. It had been one of the early Greek colonies on the western coast of Asia Minor. It fell under the power of Alyattes, King of Lydia, and his successor, Croesus. It had from the first been celebrated for the worship of Artemis (see Note onActs 19:14); and her Temple, with its sacred image, and stately courts, and its hundreds of priests and priestesses of various grades, was visited by pilgrims of all nations. It was one of the cities in which East and West came into close contact with each other, and the religion of Greece assumed there a more Oriental character, and was fruitful in magic, and mysteries, and charms. The Jewish population was sufficiently numerous to have a synagogue, and St. Paul, as usual, appeared in it as a teacher. Verse 19.- They came for he came, A.V. and T.R.; he left for left, A.V. They came to Ephesus. "No voyage across the AEgean was more frequently made than that between Corinth and Ephesus. They were the capitals of the two flourishing and peaceful provinces of Achaia and Asia, and the two great mercantile towns on opposite sides of the sea" (Howson, vol. 1:454). The voyage would take from ten to fifteen days. Reasoned; διελέχθη, as in Acts 17:2, 17; ver. 4, 19:8,9; 20:7, 9; 24:25. As regards the expression, left them there, it probably arises from some actual detail which made it the natural one to use. If, for example, the synagogue was just outside the city, and Paul, parting with Aquila and Priscilla in the city, had gone off immediately to the synagogue, the phrase used would be the natural one; or the words, "he left them there," may be spoken with reference to the main narrative, which is momentarily interrupted by the mention of St. Paul's visit to the synagogue. Note the extreme importance of this brief visit to Ephesus, where the foundation of a vigorous and flourishing Church seems to have been laid. He who knows "the times and the seasons" sent St. Paul there now, though two years before he had forbidden him to go to Asia.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [When]δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.they reachedΚατήντησαν(Katēntēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2658:From kata and a derivative of anti; to meet against, i.e. Arrive at.Ephesus,Ἔφεσον(Epheson)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2181:Ephesus, a coast city, capital of the Roman province Asia. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor.[Paul] parted ways withκατέλιπεν(katelipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2641:From kata and leipo; to leave down, i.e. Behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining.[Priscilla and Aquila].κἀκείνους(kakeinous)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2548:And he, she, it, and that. From kai and ekeinos; likewise that.He himselfαὐτὸς(autos)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.wentεἰσελθὼν(eiselthōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1525:To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.intoεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.synagogue [there]συναγωγὴν(synagōgēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4864:From sunago; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish 'synagogue'; by analogy, a Christian church.[and] reasonedδιελέξατο(dielexato)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1256:To converse, address, preach, lecture; I argue, reason. Middle voice from dia and lego; to say thoroughly, i.e. Discuss.with theτοῖς(tois)Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Jews.Ἰουδαίοις(Ioudaiois)Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453:Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.
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NT Apostles: Acts 18:19 He came to Ephesus and he left (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
