New Testament
Acts 18:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They arrived at Ephesus, and he left them there. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
Compare translations
And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
What Acts 18:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Paul and his companions arrive in Ephesus, a significant city in the ancient world. Paul decides to leave his companions behind and enters the local synagogue. There, he engages in discussions with the Jewish community. His goal is to share insights and reason with them about faith and understanding. This moment highlights Paul's commitment to spreading his message and connecting with others. By choosing to enter the synagogue, he shows respect for their traditions while also seeking to challenge and deepen their beliefs. This interaction is a key part of his mission, demonstrating the importance of dialogue in faith. It reminds us that sharing ideas and beliefs can lead to greater understanding and growth. Paul's actions encourage us to engage thoughtfully with others, especially in matters of faith and belief, fostering a spirit of inquiry and openness. His journey in Ephesus sets the stage for further developments in his mission, emphasizing the importance of community and conversation in spiritual growth.
How to apply Acts 18:19 to your life
Consider how you can engage in meaningful conversations about your beliefs with others. Look for opportunities to share your thoughts and listen to different perspectives. Remember that respectful dialogue can lead to deeper understanding and connections with those around you. Be open to learning from others as well as sharing your own insights. This approach can enrich your own faith journey and those of others too.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother

Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 18:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 18:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 18:19 mean?
Acts 18:19 describes Paul's arrival in Ephesus where he leaves his companions and enters the synagogue to discuss faith with the Jewish community. This shows his dedication to sharing his beliefs and engaging in meaningful dialogue.
What is the significance of Paul entering the synagogue in Acts 18:19?
Paul entering the synagogue signifies his respect for Jewish traditions and his commitment to sharing his message with the Jewish people. It highlights the importance of engaging with different communities to foster understanding.
How does Acts 18:19 relate to community engagement?
Acts 18:19 illustrates community engagement by showing Paul actively participating in discussions within the synagogue. It highlights how meaningful conversations can strengthen connections and promote understanding among different groups.
What can we learn from Acts 18:19 about sharing beliefs?
Acts 18:19 teaches us the value of respectfully sharing our beliefs with others. It encourages open dialogue, which can lead to deeper understanding and growth in faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.