Bible Strands
Acts 18:25
He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator places Apollos in Ephesus as he prepares to speak in the synagogue, immediately before Priscilla and Aquila intervene to correct his teaching.
The words — κατηχημένος (katēchēmenos) literally means "having been instructed," and ἦν (ēn) denotes his continuous state of being fervent.
The thread — The text links this partial knowledge and zeal to the baptism of John in Acts 19:3, the call to discern the Lord's ways in Hosea 14:9, and the command to maintain spiritual fervor in Romans 12:11.
Why it lands — The verse states that accurate teaching requires correction of incomplete knowledge, and it demands the reader pursue precise understanding while actively serving.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
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.
Cross-references
- Acts 19:3 “Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied.
- Hosea 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.
- Romans 12:11 Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
- Mark 12:14 “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”
- Acts 9:2 and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
- Acts 19:9 But when some of them stubbornly refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way, Paul took his disciples and left the synagogue to conduct daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.
- Acts 19:23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.
- Genesis 18:19 For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”
- Judges 2:22 In this way I will test whether Israel will keep the way of the LORD by walking in it as their fathers did.”
- 1 Samuel 12:23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way.