1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews [that] Jesus [was] Christ.
6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain [man’s] house, named Justus, [one] that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
11 And he continued [there] a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
13 Saying, This [fellow] persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
14 And when Paul was now about to open [his] mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O [ye] Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
15 But if it be a question of words and names, and [of] your law, look ye [to it]; for I will be no judge of such [matters].
16 And he drave them from the judgment seat.
17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat [him] before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
18 And Paul [after this] tarried [there] yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn [his] head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
20 When they desired [him] to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
23 And after he had spent some time [there], he departed, and went over [all] the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [and] mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto [them], and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, [and that] publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Overview of Acts Chapter 18
Acts Chapter 18 recounts the missionary activities of the Apostle Paul in Corinth, his interactions with Aquila and Priscilla, and his subsequent travels. This chapter highlights the spread of early Christianity, the challenges faced by the apostles, and the establishment of the church in various regions.
Key Events
- Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-17)
- Paul arrives in Corinth and meets Aquila and Priscilla, who are tentmakers like him.
- He stays with them and begins preaching in the synagogue every Sabbath.
- After facing opposition, Paul shifts his focus to the Gentiles, leading to a significant conversion of many believers.
- Paul receives encouragement from the Lord in a vision, assuring him of protection and the promise of many converts.
- The local authorities, led by Gallio, dismiss charges against Paul, viewing them as religious disputes.
- Departure from Corinth (Acts 18:18-22)
- Paul takes a vow and cuts his hair before sailing to Syria.
- He visits Ephesus briefly, leaving Aquila and Priscilla there.
- Paul continues to Caesarea, visits the church, and then goes to Antioch.
- Apollos in Ephesus (Acts 18:23-28)
- Paul’s ministry leads to the emergence of Apollos, an eloquent speaker and knowledgeable in the Scriptures.
- Apollos teaches about Jesus but only knows of John’s baptism.
- Aquila and Priscilla instruct him more accurately about the way of God.
- Apollos becomes a powerful advocate for the faith, effectively refuting the Jews in public debates.
Theological Themes
- Divine Guidance and Encouragement
Paul’s vision in Corinth illustrates God’s ongoing presence and support for His servants in their mission.
- Community and Partnership in Ministry
The relationship between Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla underscores the importance of collaboration in spreading the Gospel.
- Inclusivity of the Gospel
Paul’s shift to the Gentiles reflects the universal nature of Christianity, extending beyond Jewish boundaries.
- Importance of Teaching and Discipleship
Aquila and Priscilla’s mentorship of Apollos emphasizes the need for sound teaching and the growth of new leaders in the church.
Historical Context
Corinth was a major city known for its commerce and diverse population. The challenges Paul faced in preaching the Gospel were significant due to the cultural and religious pluralism of the city. The chapter also reflects the sociopolitical dynamics of the time, particularly the relationship between the early church and Roman authorities.
Conclusion
Acts Chapter 18 serves as a vital link in the narrative of the early church, showcasing the expansion of Christianity through the efforts of dedicated individuals. The chapter highlights the themes of divine support, community involvement, and the importance of sound teaching, all essential for the growth of the church in a challenging environment.
