Acts 18:23
What does Acts 18:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 18:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 18:23 means
After some time in Antioch, Paul departs again, traveling through Galatia and Phrygia in orderly fashion, strengthening all the disciples. His priority is consolidation: encouraging, teaching, and stabilizing existing churches. Apostolic work is not only pioneering but also pastoral, ensuring that young believers stand firm in truth and love. The careful, sequential route reflects intentional shepherding rather than hurried expansion. This verse marks the start of another season of ministry that will eventually return to Ephesus with extended impact. Strengthening disciples—through doctrine, example, and exhortation—is as essential as making new converts for the health of Christ’s church.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And having been there for some time, he went through the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, making the disciples strong in the faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And having made some stay he went forth, going through in order the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And after he had spent some time there, he departed and went through the country of Galatia and Phrygia, in order, confirming all the disciples.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And having stayed [there] some time, he went forth, passing in order through the country of Galatia and Phrygia, establishing all the disciples.
Context
With the Corinth phase closed and the report to the church given, Paul resumes itinerant ministry. Verse 23 launches the next journey, while the narrative camera temporarily shifts away from Paul. The following verses introduce Apollos in Ephesus, showing how God raises additional teachers to serve the growing church. Meanwhile, Priscilla and Aquila—left in Ephesus—play a crucial role in sharpening Apollos’s understanding.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 22:32
but I made supplication for thee, that thy faith fail not; and do thou, when once thou hast turned again, establish thy brethren.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2
and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.
- Daniel 11:1
And as for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him.
- Acts 15:41
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
- Acts 15:32
And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
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