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Acts | 1-8: | 9-13| 14:1-18 | 14:19-28 | 15:1-21 | 15:22-41 | 16:1-15 | 16:16-40 | 17:1-15 | 17:16-34 |  18:1-17 | 18:18-28 | 19:1-20 | 19:21-41 | 20:1-16 | 20:17-38 | 21 | 22 | 23-28 | PDF |

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These small group Bible studies of Acts 18:18-28 contain commentary, discussion questions, and practical application. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.

Acts 18:18-28 Bible Study Guide – Paul’s Travels and Apollos

Outline

I. Paul’s Travels (18-23)
II. Apollos (24-28)

I. Paul’s Travels (18-23)

Discussion Questions

• What are your observations about Paul’s travels in these verses?
• Is he going to new places or the places he has been before? Why?
• What kind of a vow might Paul have made that led to him not cutting his hair for a while?
• What do you notice about Paul’s “promise” to the Ephesians in verse 21?

Cross-References

James 4:15-16 – Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

Ephesians 5:17 – Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. Paul cuts his hair –

Most likely, Paul had taken a Nazarite vow. This is described in detail in Numbers 6. Essentially, a Nazarite vow is a commitment before the Lord to separate oneself for a period of time from certain things in the world, such as alcohol. During this time, the individual would devote himself to special service of the Lord. It was something akin to fasting. It was a voluntary vow that was generally for a specific period of time. Men or women could take this vow.

From this, we see that Paul was not anti-Old Testament. Rather, he recognized that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament.

Application – Do you ever fast or refrain from certain pleasures for a period of time to focus on the Lord or a task He has called you to do? Consider fasting from food or a thing (such as social media or video games) for a set amount of time and replace that time with something spiritually productive.

2. Paul revisits many churches –

On this section of his second missionary journey, Paul revisited many churches he had visited before.

• Cenchrea (Corinth area) — Acts 18:1
• Ephesus — First visited here in this passage: Acts 18:19
• Caesarea — Acts 9:30
• Galatia — Acts 13:13–14
• Phrygia —Acts 16:6

Paul likely also visited Jerusalem. Luke mentions that he went to Caesarea and “went up and greeted the church” (a likely reference to Jerusalem).

Finally, Paul returned to his home base and sending church at Antioch.

Luke does not go into nearly as much detail about Paul’s return visit to these cities as he did about Paul’s first visit. But recording his returns does teach us an important lesson.

Follow-up is important. Even though Paul sought to do ministry where Christ had not been named (Romans 15:20-21), he still clearly recognized the need to follow up and disciple new believers, leaders, and churches.

Application – Is there a person you need to follow up? Perhaps a previous Bible study, Sunday School, or church member who has drifted away or with whom you have lost regular contact? Spend some time praying and ask God to bring someone to your mind. Then make a call or send a message to follow up with them about their life and spiritual well-being.

II. Apollos (24-28)

Discussion Questions

• What kind of person was Apollos?
• What were his strengths?
• What were his weaknesses?
• What does it mean that Apollos knew only the baptism of John?
• What did Aquila and Priscila do when they heard his teaching?
• What lessons can we learn from them?
• What is the wrong way to correct someone? What is the right way to correct someone?
• What should you do when someone corrects you?
• What can you learn from this whole section about real Christian fellowship?
• How can you encourage and support other believers around you?

Cross-References

Numbers 6:1-21 – Scriptures concerning the Nazarite vow.

Ephesians 6:19 – And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.

Galatians 6:1 – Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

James 5:19-20 – My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Matthew 18:15 – If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. Apollos –

Apollos was a Jew native to Alexandria, a major city in Egypt with a large Jewish diaspora. His name is of Greek origin and is interpreted to mean either “destroyer” or “god of the sun.”

Apollos was a very good teacher. He is described as being “eloquent,” “fervent in spirit,” and “competent in the Scriptures” (some translations translate this as “mighty in the Scriptures.”)

After Paul left, he would become a key leader and shepherd in the Corinthian church. Some there would even become factious, saying that they were “followers of Apollos.” (1 Corinthians 3:4)

The Alexandrian Jew was a bold, eloquent, and accurate teacher, something we should all strive to be (2 Timothy 2:15).

But there was a gap in his teaching. Luke says that he only knew “the baptism of John.” That is likely a reference to the message that John preached, repentance of sins. Luke tells us that Apollos did know of and preach about Jesus. What he preached was also correct, but he didn’t preach the full gospel yet because there were some parts he was unaware of.

It could be that he was unaware of Jesus’ resurrection, or perhaps the full meaning of the crucifixion and resurrection. Maybe also he was not well acquainted with the baptism of the Holy Spirit and what had happened at Pentecost. The text is not clear as to what Apollos was lacking, but it is clear that he was lacking.

Here, we should make an important distinction between two kinds of people: the person who is well-intentioned and sincere but ignorant of something, and the person who should or does know better but is unteachable and willfully teaches something wrong.

Sometimes, we are quick to label people as false teachers. But not everybody who is teaching something incorrectly is a false teacher. In Scripture, false teachers are evil and willful. It is possible that a genuine believer is off in some aspect of their theology and teaches incorrectly, but in ignorance and without malice.

2. How to correct others –

Priscila and Aquila give us an excellent example of how to correct other believers. From them, we learn several key lessons.

A. It is appropriate to humbly correct other believers

If no one ever points out our flaws or shortcomings, how can we grow? God has put us into fellowship with other believers. One reason is so that we can graciously encourage and correct each other when we see someone going astray. That doesn’t mean we walk around with a whistle ready to police everyone we see for every little thing. But neither should we keep our eyes down and ignore the areas of potential growth we see in others.

God has gifted many believers with the gift of discernment. Through the lens of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we should use that gift to edify the body of Christ. Even those without this specific gift should do the same, though they may not observe as clearly.

Many Scriptures teach us the importance of graciously approaching other believers who are going astray (Galatians 6:1, James 5:19-20, Matthew 18:15). Teaching isn’t the only area we can speak into. A person’s character is very important as well. Speaking practical truth into others’ lives is an essential aspect of discipleship.

B. Correct others in the right way –

Acts 18:26 – But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Reflect – Why did they take him aside to talk instead of doing it publicly? Is there ever a time to publicly confront someone?

The godly couple took Apollos aside. They did not publicly shame him. They did not attack or criticize him in front of others. Their goal was not to ruin his reputation or credibility, but only to help him grow, both in his own walk with the Lord and as a teacher of the Word.

It is an important lesson. The way we approach others with counsel makes a huge difference. If we are arrogant and heavy-handed, the words we share, no matter how true they may be, are much more likely to fall on deaf ears. A rude approach will often provoke defensiveness and arguments instead of mutual understanding and communication.

This is a lesson God has been teaching me personally over the years. Early on in my days as a teacher of the Bible, I would often be very blunt and sometimes heavy-handed. After all, the truth is the truth! But God has reminded me that gentleness, kindness, and patience are essential. Sometimes asking questions and gently leading a person to discover a truth can be more powerful than blasting them point-blank with it.

Coaxing a wild horse with gentle words and a treat can be more effective than the whip.

I was once asked to give counsel to a married couple who were struggling. After fully hearing out each side, we agreed to meet later. With just a few minutes of thought, I wrote down a long list of truths to share. But after much prayer, the Spirit convicted me that my list of points (though Scriptural) would not be well received. A more delicate touch was needed. More questions. More understanding. More precision instead of blunt force. Then I submitted to the Holy Spirit, put the list aside, and engaged on a more personal level. Thanks be to God, there was eventually a spiritual breakthrough and chains were broken.

The lesson is this. Speak the truth, but do it wisely and carefully while taking care not to damage the listener.

Certain times call for more blunt rebukes. Those are better suited toward people who clearly know better and are willfully hardening their hearts. Jesus did that to the Pharisees.

But Jesus showed us another way, gentleness.

Matthew 12:20 – A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

Reflect – Do you tend to be too soft or too heavy-handed? What would your spouse or children say? Spend some time to prayerfully consider how you correct others (in church, community, and family). Do you do it in public or private? How can you apply more wisdom when you counsel or correct others?

3. Mutual encouragement –

Acts 18:27 – And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed.

The brethren encouraged Apollos and he encouraged the brethren. This is a beautiful picture of how the body of Christ is to work. We both give to others and receive from them.

Reflect – Are you more inclined to give or receive encouragement? Which one do you need to improve in? What are some specific ways you can encourage other believers around you?

Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Every believer has a gift and a role. God has put us into a specific family and community for a reason. We are to be intentionally building up the others around us in Christ. We were not created to be lone Christians, doing our own thing. That is a big danger of being able to get all kinds of sermons and teachings online and even “going to church” online.

Online learning of the Scripture is a supplement, not the main course. Please go to a local church so that you can fellowship with other believers. As you do, consider how to stir them up in their faith. Apollos, Aquila, Priscila, and all the believers in these verses give us a good example in that.

There is only one you. God has blessed you with unique skills and
gifts so that you can use those to serve others (Ephesians 2:10).

4. The result –

Aquila and Priscila took Apollos aside and corrected him. We see the result here.

Acts 18:28 – For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

It is clear that he humbly received their counsel and grew as a result. He became more effective by listening to their counsel.

A famous Chinese proverb says, “Listen to advice. If it is right and you have been wrong, learn from it. If you have not done the thing accused of, take it to heart anyway and make sure not to in the future.”

It is good advice.

Reflect – What is our natural tendency when others correct us?

We tend to become defensive and argue. When we do, we lose the opportunity to learn and grow.

Application – When others correct you, try not to respond to the accusation or correction right away. Instead, simply listen. Say, “Thank you.” Then, prayerfully consider what was said. If it is accurate, take it to heart and ask God to help you grow as a result.

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