Acts 18:27
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 18:27
Acts 18:27 follows the development of Apollos’ ministry. After Aquila and Priscilla refined his teaching, Apollos chose to travel to Achaia. The believers there welcomed him and “exhorted the disciples to receive him,” recognizing his need for broader influence and confirming his ministry’s alignment with the gospel. When he arrived in Corinth, he “helped them much which had believed through grace.” The phrase “through grace” foregrounds the gospel’s unearned nature: those who believe are recipients of God’s generous favor, not credit to human performance. The community’s response—welcoming and supporting a gifted teacher—reflects the early church’s practice of partnership in mission. It also shows how the spread of the gospel often required collaboration across communities and regions. The broader context includes the dispersion of believers and the strategic planting of churches in diverse locales, illustrating how apostolic teams shared resources, credibility, and encouragement.
This verse underscores the unity and synergy of gospel mission. It demonstrates that ministries are not isolated; they flourish when communities recognize and invest in gifts for the common good. Apollos’ reputation as a strong teacher is affirmed, and the church’s readiness to receive him reflects a healthy ecclesial culture of welcome, accountability, and support. The emphasis on grace reinforces the heart of salvation—God’s empowering grace enables effective ministry, not human merit. The verse also points to the importance of mentorship and cross-community cooperation in spreading the gospel, a pattern that continues as churches partner to equip leaders, Sunday schools, and outreach teams.
In today’s church, this can be lived out as welcoming new or growing leaders into service roles—pastors, teachers, or lay leaders—while providing mentorship and accountability. When someone moves to a new community or shifts ministries, churches can emulate the “receive him” spirit: affirm credentials, offer practical support (housing, resources, connections), and help them integrate into local mission. The emphasis on grace reminds us that our contribution is grace-enabled, not self-made. Consider forming a welcome-and-mentorship team for new believers or graduates entering ministry, ensuring they have mentors who guide biblical interpretation, church norms, and practical ministry skills. This collaborative model fortifies unity and multiplies effective gospel work across regions.
Cross-References: Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:11-13; 2 Timothy 4:9-17; John 13:35