06/05/2026
# # # Daily Bread - June 6 (Saturday)
**Title:** "Paul Strengthens All the Disciples"
**Scripture:** Acts 18:12-28
**Hymn:** 289
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**Key Verse:**
“After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.” (Acts 18:23)
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# # # Reflection
When Gallio became the new proconsul, the Jews united to bring Paul before the court. However, Gallio dismissed the case. Despite this, the ongoing persecution meant that Paul could no longer remain in Corinth.
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# # # Text Overview
**12** While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court.
**13** “This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.”
**17** Then they all turned on Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and beat him in front of the court. Gallio showed no concern whatsoever.
**18** Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken.
**19** They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
**20** When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined.
**21** But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
**22** When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.
**23** After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
**24** Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.
**25** He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.
**26** He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
**27** When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him.
**28** On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed, for he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
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# # # Observations
1. **Where did Paul go after leaving Corinth, and how did he strengthen the disciples? (18-23)**
After leaving Corinth, Paul traveled to Ephesus, then went to Jerusalem and Antioch. He then journeyed through Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples he encountered.
2. **How did Priscilla and Aquila assist Apollos? (24-28)**
Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside and explained the way of God more accurately to him, helping him understand the full message of Jesus beyond John's baptism. They also encouraged him to go to Achaia, providing a letter of recommendation.
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# # # Application
**What does it mean to strengthen disciples?**
First, it involves nurturing spiritual growth and understanding.
Paul's commitment to visiting and strengthening the disciples illustrates the importance of spiritual mentorship. It’s essential to not only lead people to faith but also to nurture their growth in Christ. This involves teaching, encouragement, and providing resources for deeper understanding.
Next, it requires collaborative support and encouragement within the community of believers.
Priscilla and Aquila's support for Apollos shows the importance of working together in the body of Christ. They recognized Apollos' potential and took the time to help him grow in his understanding of the gospel. We should be willing to invest in the spiritual growth of others, just as they did.
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# # # Prayer
Heavenly Father, I repent for neglecting the nurturing of disciples in my life. Help me to actively participate in strengthening others in their faith and to boldly share the gospel. In Jesus' name, I pray.
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# # # One Word
“Strengthen the disciples.”