Acts 19:1
What does Acts 19:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 19:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 19:1 means
Luke opens with a travel note that sets the stage: while Apollos remains in Corinth, Paul arrives in Ephesus by the inland route and finds certain disciples. The emphasis is not on sightseeing but shepherding. Paul meets people who are already inclined toward God yet still need fuller instruction in the gospel. His pattern is pastoral and discerning—he does not assume that everyone called a “disciple” has received the complete New Covenant blessing. Ephesus, a strategic and spiritually charged city, will now become the center of a remarkable work of God. This first encounter signals that the Lord has more to do in hearts that are partway along the path of repentance and faith.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And it came about that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having gone through the higher country, came to Ephesus, where there were certain disciples:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And it came to pass, in Apollos' being in Corinth, Paul having gone through the upper parts, came to Ephesus, and having found certain disciples,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And it came to pass, while Apollo was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper coasts, came to Ephesus and found certain disciples.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And it came to pass, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper districts, came to Ephesus, and finding certain disciples,
Context
This verse begins Paul’s extended ministry in Ephesus during his third missionary journey. Apollos, who earlier had needed fuller instruction, is now at Corinth, showing the networked spread of the gospel. Paul’s arrival sets up a crucial conversation about the Holy Spirit and baptism in the following verses. The chapter will move from private discipleship to public proclamation, then to extraordinary miracles, mass repentance, and finally a civic riot. This opening scene frames the theme: the gospel brings clarity and fullness where there is partial understanding.
v.1This passage
v.2and he said unto them, Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? And they said unto him, Nay, we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was given.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 18:19
And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
- 1 Corinthians 1:12
Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 16:12
But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not at all his will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.
- 1 Corinthians 3:4
For when one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not men?
- Acts 18:1
After these things he departed from Athens, and came to Corinth.
- Acts 18:23
And having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.
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