Imagine arriving in a bustling city where new friendships can change lives. In Acts 18, Paul arrives in Corinth, meets Aquila and Priscilla, and sets out on a mission that will shape the early church.
The Reading: Acts 18
World English Bible1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth.
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2 He found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, who had recently come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. He came to them,
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3 and because he practiced the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers.
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4 He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.
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5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
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6 When they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook out his clothing and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles!”
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7 He departed there, and went into the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.
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8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized.
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9 The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent;
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10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
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11 He lived there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
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12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat,
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13 saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”
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14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, you Jews, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you;
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15 but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves. For I don’t want to be a judge of these matters.”
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16 So he drove them from the judgment seat.
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17 Then all the Greeks laid hold on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. Gallio didn’t care about any of these things.
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18 Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, and sailed from there for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow.
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19 He came to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
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20 When they asked him to stay with them a longer time, he declined;
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21 but taking his leave of them, he said, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will return again to you if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
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22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the assembly, and went down to Antioch.
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23 Having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.
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24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures.
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25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John.
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26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
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27 When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;
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28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Paul's Arrival in Corinth
After his time in Athens, Paul heads to Corinth, a city known for its diversity and commerce. There, he meets Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tent-makers who have recently arrived from Rome. They quickly bond over their shared trade and faith.
Sharing His Message
Each Sabbath, Paul makes his way to the synagogue, passionately arguing that Jesus is the Messiah. But as some of the Jews oppose him, Paul decides to focus on the Gentiles, shaking off the dust from his clothes as a way of saying he's done trying to convince them. He finds a new home next door to the synagogue, where Crispus, the synagogue leader, and many others join him in faith.
A Vision of Encouragement
One night, God reassures Paul in a vision, telling him not to be afraid and promising protection as he continues preaching. Paul stays in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching about Jesus and establishing a strong community of believers.
Trouble Brews
However, when a new proconsul named Gallio comes into town, the Jews launch an attack against Paul, claiming he breaks their laws. But Gallio sees through their motives, dismissing the case and driving them away. This leads to Sosthenes, the synagogue ruler, being beaten, but Gallio remains indifferent.
Moving On
After some time, Paul decides to leave, taking Aquila and Priscilla with him. They sail to Ephesus, where Paul engages with the Jews in the synagogue but declines to stay longer, promising to return if God allows.
Apollos Enters the Scene
The chapter wraps up with Apollos, an eloquent man from Alexandria, arriving in Ephesus. He speaks about Jesus but only knows of John's baptism. Aquila and Priscilla take him aside to provide deeper insight, and he later helps strengthen the believers in Achaia. Paul's travels and the connections made become pivotal in spreading the gospel.
Why It Matters
Embrace New Connections
Paul's journey in Acts 18 highlights the importance of building relationships. Friends Aquila and Priscilla not only support him but also play a key role in educating Apollos. In our lives, surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals can help us grow in faith and understanding.
Stand Firm in Your Beliefs
When faced with opposition, Paul does not waver. Instead, he boldly declares his mission to the Gentiles. This teaches us the value of standing firm in our beliefs, even when challenged.
Seek Guidance from God
Paul's vision from God serves as a reminder to seek divine guidance. In our own challenges, turning to prayer can provide the encouragement and clarity we need. If you're looking for a supportive community to grow in faith, find a church near you where you can connect with others.
The Power of Knowledge
Apollos' journey underscores the importance of continuous learning. Even someone as knowledgeable as him benefited from further instruction about Jesus. Staying open to learning is essential for spiritual growth and understanding.
Coming Up Next: Acts 19
As we turn to Acts 19, Paul dives deeper into ministry in Ephesus, facing more challenges and witnessing incredible transformations. Join us for this next part of the journey!