Podcast Summary: Back to the Bible Podcast

Host: Larsen Plyler
Episode: 119 – Acts 18:17–19:7
Date: August 17, 2025
Theme: Topical and Textual Bible Studies

Episode Overview

In this episode, Larsen Plyler conducts an in-depth study of Acts 18:17–19:7, focusing on Paul's missionary journeys, the roles of key figures like Sosthenes, Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos, and pivotal discussions on baptism and the reception of the Holy Spirit. The episode illuminates early church dynamics, doctrinal clarity, and practical lessons for modern believers regarding authority, teaching, and proper baptism.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Paul Before Gallio and the Beating of Sosthenes

(Acts 18:12–17) – [02:20]

• Paul’s Response to Accusations:
  Paul prepares to use his trial not for personal defense but as an opportunity to proclaim the gospel.

  “When Paul gives an answer, it’s very seldom that he is doing some sort of self-defense…he just uses those opportunities to proclaim the risen Christ.” — Larsen Plyler [03:07]

• Gallio’s Dismissal:
  Gallio, the Roman proconsul, deems the dispute internal to Jewish law and refuses to intervene.

  “If there are questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I’m not willing to be a judge of these matters.” — Gallio, paraphrased [04:40]

• The Beating of Sosthenes:
  Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, is beaten. The podcast explores two interpretations: by Greeks as anti-Semitic violence, or by Jews frustrated with his failure against Paul. Larsen notes the later appearance of a Sosthenes as Paul’s co-author in 1 Corinthians, opening a discussion on transformation and grace.

  “Does that drive him away? Does that help him see the foolishness, the envy, the pride, the jealousy that’s going on among them?” — Larsen Plyler [06:30]

2. Paul’s Vow, Departure, and Return to Antioch

(Acts 18:18–23) – [07:00]

• Paul’s Continued Ministry Despite Opposition:
  Paul remains in Corinth after legal threats, encouraged by God's promise of protection (cf. Acts 18:9).

  “He is staying, even in view of the court procedures, because of God’s promise that no one would harm him.” — Larsen Plyler [08:13]

• Travel Details:
  Paul departs for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila, stops at Cenchrea (where he fulfills a vow via haircut), and reasons with Jews in Ephesus before moving on, promising to return “if God wills.”
• Geographic Clarification:
  The podcast explains "going up" (to Jerusalem) and "down" (to Antioch) refers to elevation, not map direction, helping listeners understand biblical language.

  “It refers to elevation, not to direction…Antioch was far north of Jerusalem, but it was downhill all the way.” — Larsen Plyler [11:45]

• Start of Third Missionary Journey:
  Quietly begins (v.23), with Paul traveling through Galatia and Phrygia, “strengthening all the disciples.”

3. The Introduction of Apollos

(Acts 18:24–28) – [15:30]

• Apollos’ Background and Knowledge:
  Apollos, an eloquent Alexandrian Jew, is “mighty in the Scriptures,” fervent and accurate in teaching about Jesus, but only knows John’s baptism.
• Priscilla and Aquila’s Guidance:
  They privately instruct Apollos, “explaining the way of God more accurately” [v.26]. The podcast highlights:
  • Both are involved in teaching—not just Aquila.
  • Priscilla’s role does not violate biblical restrictions on teaching; it takes place outside the public assembly and without exercising authority over men.

  “It’s not just Aquila over there teaching and Priscilla making the coffee…Both of them have some instruction to pass on to Apollos.” — Larsen Plyler [19:40]

• Apollos’ Ministry and Impact:
  Apollos is encouraged to go to Achaia (esp. Corinth), integrates into Paul’s planted work, and “powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.”

  “He sees all of these promises…Apollos is able to answer that question by saying the answer is Jesus.” — Larsen Plyler [25:05]

• Parallel with Paul:
  Paul later writes (1 Corinthians): “Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

4. Paul Encounters Disciples with John’s Baptism

(Acts 19:1–7) – [25:30]

• The Question of the Holy Spirit:
  Paul finds disciples in Ephesus who have not received (or heard about) the Holy Spirit as being given; this raises questions about their baptism.
• Baptism Clarity:
  Discovering they received only John’s baptism, Paul teaches them about Jesus and rebaptizes them "in the name of the Lord Jesus."

  “John baptized people for repentance looking forward to the one who was coming…now it was, can we say, null and void given that Jesus had arrived.” — Larsen Plyler [27:05]

• Laying on of Hands and Spiritual Gifts:
  Paul lays hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit, speak in tongues, and prophesy. Larsen argues this is the “gift of the Holy Spirit” as promised in Acts 2:38, usually given by apostolic laying of hands (Acts 8, Acts 19), except with Cornelius, where God acts directly to affirm inclusion of Gentiles.

  “Almost every time, if not every time…the idea of being full of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts…is connected with prophecy or with speaking in tongues as being given as a spiritual gift.” — Larsen Plyler [28:20]

• Implications for Baptism Today:
  If those with a once-valid baptism (John’s) required rebaptism for the right reasons, how much more so should those baptized with a deficient understanding or for illegitimate reasons (i.e., as infants, or thinking they were already saved)?

  “Has somebody been baptized thinking they were already saved, that baptism is not legitimate…They need to be baptized into the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins.” — Larsen Plyler [29:10]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Seeking Correction and Clarity:

  “If there’s ever an occasion where we’re saying something that’s incorrect, certainly we want you to correct us…and if there’s something that we could be more clear about, we would love for your help in that as well.” — Larsen Plyler [01:35]

• On Women’s Role in Teaching (Priscilla and Aquila):

  “It seems to me…the Scriptures are telling us that both of them were involved in the conversation, in getting Apollos to understand the way of God more accurately.” — Larsen Plyler [19:10]

• On Right Baptism:

  “If these people who were baptized in what at one time had been a legitimate baptism, if they needed to be rebaptized for the right reasons, how much more we should encourage those who have been baptized for illegitimate reasons to be baptized for the right reasons.” — Larsen Plyler [29:02]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:20] – Setting the Stage: Paul in Corinth and the Gallio Trial
• [04:40] – Gallio’s Verdict and Sosthenes’ Beating
• [07:00] – Paul’s Departure, Priscilla & Aquila, and Cenchrea
• [09:00] – Geographic Clarifications: Up and Down in Biblical Narratives
• [15:30] – Apollos Introduced: Background and Ministry
• [18:30] – Priscilla & Aquila Teach Apollos
• [25:30] – Paul in Ephesus: Disciples of John’s Baptism
• [28:20] – Receiving the Holy Spirit and Modern Baptism Lessons

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a detailed yet accessible exegesis of Acts 18:17–19:7, engaging modern listeners in questions of biblical authority, the transmission of Christian teaching, and the importance of correct understanding and practice in matters of faith—especially baptism. Larsen’s tone is earnest, inviting, scripturally grounded, and sensitive to differing Christian traditions. The teaching highlights both the continuity and practical application of the early church’s experience for believers today.