25. Instructed. See on Luke i. 4.
Fervent (wv). Fervent, which is formed from the parti- ciple of the Latin ferveo, to boil or ferment, is an exact transla- tion of this word, which means @o seethe or bubble, and is there- fore used figuratively of mental states and emotions. See on leaven, Matt. xiii. 33.
Diligently (axpy8as). Rather, accurately ; so far as his knowledge went. The limitation is given by the words fol- lowing: knowing only the baptism of John. See on Luke i. 3 ; and compare the kindred verb, inguired diligently, Matt. ii. 7, where Rev. renders learned carefully.
26. More perfectly (axpuBéorepov). The comparative of the same word. More accurately.
550 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. [Cu. XIX.
97. Exhorting (apotpewdpevor). Originally, to turn for- ward, as in flight. Hence, to inpel or urge. The word may apply either to the disciples at Corinth, in which case we must render as A. V., or to Apollos himself, as Rev., encouraged him. prefer the former. Hackett very sensibly remarks that Apollos did not need encouragement, as he was disposed to go.
Helped (cuveSdrero). The radical sense of the word is to throw together: hence, to contribute ; to help ; to be useful to. He threw himself into the work along with them. On different senses of the word, see notes on Luke ii. 19; xiv. 831; and com- pare Acts iv. 15; xvii. 18; xviii. 27; xx. 14.
Through grace. race has the article, the special grace of God imparted. Expositors differ as to the connection ; some joining through grace with them which had believed, insisting on the Greek order of the words; and others with helped, refer- ring to grace conferred on Apollos. I prefer the latter, princi- pally for the reason urged by Meyer, that “the design of the text is to characterize Apollos and his work, and not those who believed.”
28. Mightily (edroves). See on Luke xxiii. 10.
Convinced (Ssaxatnréyxero). Only here in New Testament. See on tell him his fault, Matt. xviii. 15. The compound here is a very strong expression for thorough confutation. Confute (Rev.) is better than convince. Note the prepositions. He con- futed them thoroughly (dia), against (kara) all their arguments.