After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
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.
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
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.
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.
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.
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
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:
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.
And he drave them from the judgment seat.
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.
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.
And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
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.
And when he had landed at Cesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
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.
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
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.
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.
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:
For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Acts 18 recounts a pivotal period in Paul's ministry, encompassing the latter part of his second missionary journey and the initial stages of his third. It's a chapter filled with both challenges and triumphs, showcasing Paul's unwavering dedication to spreading the Gospel and God's providential care in guiding and protecting him. This chapter is SEO optimized for the keyword: Acts 18.
Paul's Ministry in Corinth (Acts 18:1-17)
Arrival and Tentmaking (Acts 18:1-4)
After his time in Athens, Paul journeyed to Corinth (Acts 18:1), a major city in Achaia, the Roman province encompassing southern Greece. Corinth was strategically located along trade routes and boasted access to important port cities, but it was also notorious for its pagan temples and moral laxity. Despite the challenges, Paul recognized Corinth's strategic importance for spreading the Gospel.
There, he encountered Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish Christians who had recently arrived from Italy due to Emperor Claudius' decree expelling Jews from Rome around AD 49 (Acts 18:2). Historical sources suggest the expulsion was sparked by unrest related to "Chrestus," likely a distorted reference to "Christos," the Greek term for "Christ." Whether Aquila and Priscilla were believers before leaving Rome or converted through Paul's ministry, they shared his trade as tentmakers. Paul joined them in their craft to support himself (Acts 18:3), enabling him to dedicate his Sabbaths to proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah to both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles (Acts 18:4).
Growing Ministry and Opposition (Acts 18:5-11)
The arrival of Silas and Timothy from Macedonia (Acts 18:5), where Paul had left them in Berea (Acts 17:14-15), allowed Paul to fully devote himself to preaching and persuading the Jews that Jesus was indeed the Christ. However, this intensified his opposition. Frustrated by their resistance and rejection, Paul symbolically shook out his clothes (Acts 18:6), a gesture akin to brushing dust off one's garment (cf. Acts 13:51). This act signified his innocence regarding the judgment they would face for rejecting God's Messiah, and marked a shift in his focus towards the Gentiles.
Paul then moved next door to the synagogue, residing in the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile convert (Acts 18:7). Crispus, the synagogue leader, became a believer, along with many others (Acts 18:8), demonstrating God's power to penetrate even the most resistant hearts. To further encourage Paul, the Lord appeared to him in a night vision, urging him not to be afraid and promising His presence and protection (Acts 18:9-10). Strengthened by this divine assurance, Paul remained in Corinth for a year and a half, solidifying the church's foundation (Acts 18:11).
It's easy to see Paul as a spiritual giant, but this passage reminds us that he faced fear and discouragement just like we do. God's encouragement to Paul speaks to us today: when overwhelmed by emotions, turn to God in prayer, access His resources, and experience the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
Accusation and Acquittal (Acts 18:12-17)
The Jews, determined to thwart Paul's ministry, launched an attack against him during Gallio's tenure as proconsul of Achaia. Archeological evidence confirms that Gallio assumed this position around AD 51. They brought Paul before the tribunal (Greek bēma) accusing him of persuading people to worship God in ways contrary to the law (Acts 18:12-13). The bēma was the seat from which authorities rendered judicial judgments (see Matthew 27:19, John 19:13). The Corinthian bēma has been unearthed in the marketplace and is likely the location of Paul's encounter with Gallio. Paul would later remind the Corinthians that all believers will appear before the bēma of Christ to receive rewards for their earthly service (2 Corinthians 5:10).
However, Gallio, recognizing the dispute as a matter of internal Jewish religious law rather than a violation of Roman law, refused to intervene (Acts 18:14-16). He dismissed the case, declaring that Paul had committed no crime against Rome. Frustrated, the crowd seized Sosthenes, the new synagogue leader, and beat him in front of the tribunal (Acts 18:17). This incident further underscored Paul's vindication and freedom from legal repercussions.
This episode mirrors earlier attempts to portray Christianity as a threat to secular authority (see Acts 16:19-24; 17:5-9). Gallio's refusal to engage highlights the distinct nature of the Gospel, which, while impacting society, is not primarily a political movement.
Return to Antioch and Apollos' Ministry (Acts 18:18-28)
Departure and a Vow (Acts 18:18-21)
After a considerable stay, Paul, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila, set sail for Syria, intending to return to his home church in Antioch. At Cenchreae, a port near Corinth, Paul had his hair cut off in fulfillment of a vow (Acts 18:18), likely a reference to a Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21). Upon arriving in Ephesus, Paul briefly engaged in discussions with the Jews in the synagogue. Although they urged him to stay longer, he declined, promising to return if it was God's will (Acts 18:19-21). He then left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus and departed.
Paul's phrase, "if God wills" (Acts 18:21), wasn't just a pious expression. It reflected his humble recognition that his life and plans were subject to God's sovereign will. James echoes this sentiment, urging believers to avoid arrogant boasting and instead acknowledge God's ultimate control over their lives and plans (James 4:13-17). While making plans is wise (Proverbs 16:9; 19:21), we must remain open to God's leading and welcome His disruptions when He has different purposes for us.
Journey Home and Third Missionary Journey Begins (Acts 18:22-23)
Landing in Caesarea, Paul traveled to Jerusalem to greet the church before finally returning to Antioch, thus concluding his second missionary journey (Acts 18:22). However, his passion for ministry remained undiminished. After spending some time in Antioch, he embarked on his third missionary journey, revisiting the churches in Galatia and Phrygia in Asia Minor, strengthening the believers (Acts 18:23).
Apollos' Ministry (Acts 18:24-28)
Before Luke continues with Paul's journey in chapter 19, he introduces Apollos, a Jewish man from Alexandria who arrived in Ephesus (where Paul had left Priscilla and Aquila; see Acts 18:18-19). Apollos was known for his eloquence and deep understanding of the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). He had been instructed in the way of the Lord but was only familiar with John's baptism, lacking knowledge of the Holy Spirit's coming and baptism (Acts 18:25).
Priscilla and Aquila, recognizing Apollos' potential, took him aside and "explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26). This highlights the importance of mutual edification within the body of Christ. Men and women can learn from and teach one another, distinct from the restriction on women serving in the office of elder/pastor (see 1 Timothy 2:11-12). Importantly, they corrected Apollos privately, demonstrating sensitivity and grace.
Empowered by Priscilla and Aquila's instruction, Apollos traveled to Corinth, armed with letters of recommendation from the Ephesian church (Acts 18:27). There, he greatly assisted the believers and powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, demonstrating from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 18:28).
This account underscores the importance of equipping believers to understand and explain the Scriptures. Every Christian should strive to grow in their knowledge of God's Word and be able to articulate and defend their faith (1 Peter 3:15).
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
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.
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
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.
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.
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.
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
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:
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.
And he drave them from the judgment seat.
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.
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.
And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
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.
And when he had landed at Cesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
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.
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
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.
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.
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:
For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Acts 18 recounts a pivotal period in Paul's ministry, encompassing the latter part of his second missionary journey and the initial stages of his third. It's a chapter filled with both challenges and triumphs, showcasing Paul's unwavering dedication to spreading the Gospel and God's providential care in guiding and protecting him. This chapter is SEO optimized for the keyword: Acts 18.
Paul's Ministry in Corinth (Acts 18:1-17)
Arrival and Tentmaking (Acts 18:1-4)
After his time in Athens, Paul journeyed to Corinth (Acts 18:1), a major city in Achaia, the Roman province encompassing southern Greece. Corinth was strategically located along trade routes and boasted access to important port cities, but it was also notorious for its pagan temples and moral laxity. Despite the challenges, Paul recognized Corinth's strategic importance for spreading the Gospel.
There, he encountered Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish Christians who had recently arrived from Italy due to Emperor Claudius' decree expelling Jews from Rome around AD 49 (Acts 18:2). Historical sources suggest the expulsion was sparked by unrest related to "Chrestus," likely a distorted reference to "Christos," the Greek term for "Christ." Whether Aquila and Priscilla were believers before leaving Rome or converted through Paul's ministry, they shared his trade as tentmakers. Paul joined them in their craft to support himself (Acts 18:3), enabling him to dedicate his Sabbaths to proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah to both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles (Acts 18:4).
Growing Ministry and Opposition (Acts 18:5-11)
The arrival of Silas and Timothy from Macedonia (Acts 18:5), where Paul had left them in Berea (Acts 17:14-15), allowed Paul to fully devote himself to preaching and persuading the Jews that Jesus was indeed the Christ. However, this intensified his opposition. Frustrated by their resistance and rejection, Paul symbolically shook out his clothes (Acts 18:6), a gesture akin to brushing dust off one's garment (cf. Acts 13:51). This act signified his innocence regarding the judgment they would face for rejecting God's Messiah, and marked a shift in his focus towards the Gentiles.
Paul then moved next door to the synagogue, residing in the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile convert (Acts 18:7). Crispus, the synagogue leader, became a believer, along with many others (Acts 18:8), demonstrating God's power to penetrate even the most resistant hearts. To further encourage Paul, the Lord appeared to him in a night vision, urging him not to be afraid and promising His presence and protection (Acts 18:9-10). Strengthened by this divine assurance, Paul remained in Corinth for a year and a half, solidifying the church's foundation (Acts 18:11).
It's easy to see Paul as a spiritual giant, but this passage reminds us that he faced fear and discouragement just like we do. God's encouragement to Paul speaks to us today: when overwhelmed by emotions, turn to God in prayer, access His resources, and experience the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
Accusation and Acquittal (Acts 18:12-17)
The Jews, determined to thwart Paul's ministry, launched an attack against him during Gallio's tenure as proconsul of Achaia. Archeological evidence confirms that Gallio assumed this position around AD 51. They brought Paul before the tribunal (Greek bēma) accusing him of persuading people to worship God in ways contrary to the law (Acts 18:12-13). The bēma was the seat from which authorities rendered judicial judgments (see Matthew 27:19, John 19:13). The Corinthian bēma has been unearthed in the marketplace and is likely the location of Paul's encounter with Gallio. Paul would later remind the Corinthians that all believers will appear before the bēma of Christ to receive rewards for their earthly service (2 Corinthians 5:10).
However, Gallio, recognizing the dispute as a matter of internal Jewish religious law rather than a violation of Roman law, refused to intervene (Acts 18:14-16). He dismissed the case, declaring that Paul had committed no crime against Rome. Frustrated, the crowd seized Sosthenes, the new synagogue leader, and beat him in front of the tribunal (Acts 18:17). This incident further underscored Paul's vindication and freedom from legal repercussions.
This episode mirrors earlier attempts to portray Christianity as a threat to secular authority (see Acts 16:19-24; 17:5-9). Gallio's refusal to engage highlights the distinct nature of the Gospel, which, while impacting society, is not primarily a political movement.
Return to Antioch and Apollos' Ministry (Acts 18:18-28)
Departure and a Vow (Acts 18:18-21)
After a considerable stay, Paul, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila, set sail for Syria, intending to return to his home church in Antioch. At Cenchreae, a port near Corinth, Paul had his hair cut off in fulfillment of a vow (Acts 18:18), likely a reference to a Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21). Upon arriving in Ephesus, Paul briefly engaged in discussions with the Jews in the synagogue. Although they urged him to stay longer, he declined, promising to return if it was God's will (Acts 18:19-21). He then left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus and departed.
Paul's phrase, "if God wills" (Acts 18:21), wasn't just a pious expression. It reflected his humble recognition that his life and plans were subject to God's sovereign will. James echoes this sentiment, urging believers to avoid arrogant boasting and instead acknowledge God's ultimate control over their lives and plans (James 4:13-17). While making plans is wise (Proverbs 16:9; 19:21), we must remain open to God's leading and welcome His disruptions when He has different purposes for us.
Journey Home and Third Missionary Journey Begins (Acts 18:22-23)
Landing in Caesarea, Paul traveled to Jerusalem to greet the church before finally returning to Antioch, thus concluding his second missionary journey (Acts 18:22). However, his passion for ministry remained undiminished. After spending some time in Antioch, he embarked on his third missionary journey, revisiting the churches in Galatia and Phrygia in Asia Minor, strengthening the believers (Acts 18:23).
Apollos' Ministry (Acts 18:24-28)
Before Luke continues with Paul's journey in chapter 19, he introduces Apollos, a Jewish man from Alexandria who arrived in Ephesus (where Paul had left Priscilla and Aquila; see Acts 18:18-19). Apollos was known for his eloquence and deep understanding of the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). He had been instructed in the way of the Lord but was only familiar with John's baptism, lacking knowledge of the Holy Spirit's coming and baptism (Acts 18:25).
Priscilla and Aquila, recognizing Apollos' potential, took him aside and "explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26). This highlights the importance of mutual edification within the body of Christ. Men and women can learn from and teach one another, distinct from the restriction on women serving in the office of elder/pastor (see 1 Timothy 2:11-12). Importantly, they corrected Apollos privately, demonstrating sensitivity and grace.
Empowered by Priscilla and Aquila's instruction, Apollos traveled to Corinth, armed with letters of recommendation from the Ephesian church (Acts 18:27). There, he greatly assisted the believers and powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, demonstrating from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 18:28).
This account underscores the importance of equipping believers to understand and explain the Scriptures. Every Christian should strive to grow in their knowledge of God's Word and be able to articulate and defend their faith (1 Peter 3:15).