And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

ACTS 18:27KJV
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Acts 18:27 (KJV)

What does Acts 18:27 mean?

Acts 18:27 describes how, when Apollos wanted to travel to Achaia, the Christian believers wrote a letter encouraging the disciples there to welcome him. When Apollos arrived, he was a great help to those who had already come to faith by God’s grace.

In this verse, the focus is on Apollos, a Jewish believer who had become an effective teacher. The “brethren” (fellow Christians) in Ephesus supported his journey by writing to the believers in Achaia (a region in Greece) to receive him warmly. The verse highlights how Apollos, once welcomed, strengthened and encouraged the local Christians who had already believed, emphasizing the importance of support and partnership among early followers of Jesus.

The Greek behind Acts 18:27

  • The word “exhorting” (προτρεψάμενοι, protrepsamenoi) means urging or encouraging. Here, it shows that the letter was not just an introduction but a strong encouragement for the disciples to welcome Apollos.
  • The phrase “helped them much” (συνέβαλεν πολὺ, sunebalen poly) means he contributed greatly or was of great assistance. This highlights that Apollos’ arrival made a significant positive impact on the believers in Achaia.
  • The word “grace” (χάρις, charis) refers to God’s unearned favor. The verse points out that those Apollos helped had already believed “through grace,” stressing that their faith was a result of God’s kindness, not their own effort.

Why Acts 18:27 matters

  • Acts 18:27 clarifies that early Christian communities communicated and supported each other, showing a network of trust and encouragement.
  • The verse emphasizes that faith and growth in the early church depended on God’s grace, not just human effort or teaching skill.
  • This verse connects Apollos’ ministry to the wider story in Acts, showing how individual gifts and encouragement from others helped the church grow across different regions.

Where else these words appear

“receive” Greek G588 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 8:40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.
  • Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
  • Acts 24:3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

“them” Greek G4820 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • Acts 17:18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

“Achaia” Greek G882 · used in 11 verses

  • Acts 18:12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
  • Romans 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

“disposed” Greek G1014 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Acts 22:30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
  • 1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.