Acts 18:2
What does Acts 18:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 18:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 18:2 means
Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish refugees expelled from Rome by Claudius. Their displacement, though politically caused, becomes spiritually significant. God weaves imperial decrees into His missionary purposes, bringing seasoned believers to Paul at a key moment. Aquila’s roots in Pontus and their recent arrival from Italy underline the international scope of the early church. This couple will prove faithful coworkers and teachers. The verse teaches that gospel partnerships often arise through providential turns, not mere planning. Those scattered by earthly powers are gathered by the Lord to strengthen His work. He fashions fellowship for labor, support, and future ministry far beyond one city.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome: and he came unto them;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome: and he came unto them;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And there he came across a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by birth, who not long before had come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had given orders that all Jews were to go away from Rome: and he came to them;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having found a certain Jew, by name Aquilas, of Pontus by birth, lately come from Italy, and Priscilla his wife--because of Claudius having directed all the Jews to depart out of Rome--he came to them,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And finding a certain Jew, named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with Priscilla his wife (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome), he came to them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and finding a certain Jew by name Aquila, of Pontus by race, just come from Italy, and Priscilla his wife, (because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome,) came to them,
Context
Having reached Corinth, Paul forms vital connections that will shape the chapter’s events. Verse 2 introduces Aquila and Priscilla, whose background explains why they are in Corinth. The next verse will show a practical bond—shared trade—leading to shared lodging and work. This relationship becomes central later, when they travel with Paul and help Apollos. Thus, before the synagogue ministry intensifies, Luke shows God assembling a team, grounding Paul in community and provision.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
- Acts 11:28
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine over all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius.
- 1 Peter 1:1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
- Acts 2:9
Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, in Judæa and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia,
- Acts 18:18
And Paul, having tarried after this yet many days, took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila: having shorn his head in Cenchreæ; for he had a vow.
- 2 Timothy 4:19
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 18
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 18.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…