And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

ACTS 18:23KJV
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Acts 18:23 (KJV)

What does Acts 18:23 mean?

Acts 18:23 describes how Paul, after staying for a time in one place, began traveling through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, visiting the believers there to encourage and strengthen them in their faith. The verse highlights Paul’s ongoing commitment to supporting and building up the early Christian communities.

In this part of Acts, the writer is narrating Paul’s movements during his missionary journeys. Paul is the main figure, and he is traveling through areas in what is now modern-day Turkey. The verse shows that Paul’s work was not just about starting new churches but also about returning to places where he had already preached, making sure the disciples there were growing stronger and staying encouraged.

The Greek behind Acts 18:23

  • "Strengthening" (ἐπιστηρίζων, epistērizōn): This word means to make firm, support, or encourage. In this context, it shows that Paul’s visits were meant to help the disciples become more established and confident in their faith, not just to check in on them.
  • "In order" (καθεξῆς, kathexēs): This phrase means "in sequence" or "one after another." It suggests that Paul traveled through these regions in a planned, organized way, rather than randomly or by chance.

Why Acts 18:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s ministry involved ongoing care and encouragement, not just initial evangelism. He made deliberate efforts to revisit and support existing believers.
  • The mention of Galatia and Phrygia connects this journey to earlier parts of Acts, showing that Paul had a pattern of returning to places where he had already planted churches.
  • The focus on "strengthening all the disciples" highlights the importance of spiritual growth and stability for early Christians, not just conversion or numbers.

Where else these words appear

“Galatia” Greek G1054 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

“Phrygia” Greek G5435 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
  • Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
  • 1 Timothy 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.

“strengthening” Greek G1991 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
  • Acts 15:32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
  • Acts 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

“order” Greek G2517 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
  • Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
  • Acts 3:24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.