Acts 18

Acts 18 depicts Paul's ministry in Corinth, a key city of ancient Greece known for its cultural and commercial significance. This chapter highlights the challenges and successes Paul encounters while preaching the gospel. It also introduces Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers and significant partners in ministry. This narrative reflects the broader themes of missionary work, divine protection, and the importance of community support in the spread of Christianity.

Acts 18:1-5 (NKJV)
After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

In Corinth, Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish exiles due to Emperor Claudius' edict. They share the same trade—tentmaking—which allows Paul to support himself while ministering. His efforts at the local synagogue show his initial strategy to engage with both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing dialogue and persuasion in his approach to spreading the gospel.

Acts 18:6 (NKJV)
But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

Paul's declaration marks a pivotal moment in his ministry. Facing significant opposition and blasphemy from his Jewish audience, he performs a symbolic act of shaking his garments—indicating he has fulfilled his duty and any consequences of rejection fall on the listeners. He then shifts his primary focus to the Gentiles, aligning with his calling as the Apostle to the Gentiles.

Acts 18:7-8 (NKJV)
And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized.

Paul moves his base next to the synagogue, to the house of Justus, a God-fearing Gentile. This strategic location suggests his continued outreach to both Jews and Gentiles. Remarkably, Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, converts, underscoring the impactful nature of Paul’s ministry. His household’s conversion and the baptism of many Corinthians signify a significant breakthrough in the city.

Acts 18:9-11 (NKJV)
Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Jesus reassures Paul through a vision, encouraging him to continue his efforts without fear of harm, promising divine protection and affirming the presence of many believers in Corinth. This divine endorsement empowers Paul to extend his stay, dedicating a significant period to teaching and strengthening the local Christian community.

Acts 18:12-17 (NKJV)
When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, saying, "This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law." And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, reason would that I should bear with you. But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters." And he drove them from the judgment seat. Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.

The Jewish opposition tries to accuse Paul of illegal teachings under Roman law, but Gallio, the Roman proconsul, dismisses the case as an internal religious dispute. His decision effectively grants Paul and other Christians a degree of legal protection under Roman indifference to internal Jewish matters. The subsequent beating of Sosthenes, the new synagogue ruler, possibly reflects local frustration with the Jewish leadership rather than with Paul, highlighting the complex dynamics at play.

Acts 18:18 (NKJV)
So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.

After a significant period of successful ministry, Paul departs Corinth for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila, indicating their close partnership in the gospel. The cutting of his hair in Cenchrea signifies the completion of a Nazirite vow—a personal act of dedication to God, reflecting Paul's deep spiritual commitment amidst his missionary journeys.

Acts 18:19-21 (NKJV)
And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, but took leave of them, saying, "I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing." And he sailed from Ephesus.

In Ephesus, Paul continues his pattern of engaging with the Jewish community first. Although he receives a positive response and an invitation to extend his stay, he expresses a commitment to be in Jerusalem for an upcoming feast, likely Pentecost. His promise to return "God willing" highlights his submission to God’s guidance in his travel plans.

Acts 18:22 (NKJV)
And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch.

Upon arriving in Caesarea, Paul makes a brief visit to greet the church, maintaining his connection and support for the believers there. Subsequently, he travels to Antioch, marking the end of his second missionary journey. This return to Antioch serves as a period of reporting and recuperating before he embarks on further travels.

Acts 18:23 (NKJV)
After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

Paul resumes his missionary efforts, focusing on Galatia and Phrygia. This journey is dedicated to strengthening the existing disciples, indicating a shift from initial evangelism to consolidating and deepening the faith of the communities he had previously established. This reflects Paul’s pastoral care and his strategic approach to church growth and stability.

Acts 18:24-26 (NKJV)
Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Apollos emerges as a significant figure, a learned and passionate speaker who understands much of Christian doctrine but only up to the teachings of John the Baptist. Aquila and Priscilla, demonstrating their deep understanding and commitment, privately instruct Apollos, correcting and expanding his knowledge. This mentorship illustrates the early Christian community's emphasis on accurate teaching and mutual edification.

Acts 18:27-28 (NKJV)
And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the brethren to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

With the support of the Ephesian believers, Apollos travels to Achaia, where his skills in scriptural argumentation prove invaluable. His ability to convincingly demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah strengthens the believers and provides a robust defense against Jewish opposition. Apollos' ministry highlights the importance of scriptural literacy and reasoned debate in early Christian evangelism.