In Acts 18, Paul's journey takes him to Corinth, where he forms powerful connections and faces significant challenges, all while fervently spreading the message of Jesus. It's a story of friendship, faith, and resilience.
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 Arrives in Corinth
After leaving Athens, Paul finds himself in the bustling city of Corinth, known for its trade and diverse population. Here, he meets Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish couple who share his profession as tent makers. They quickly become partners in both business and ministry.
Teaching and Trials
Every Sabbath, Paul speaks in the synagogue, engaging both Jews and Greeks with his teachings about Jesus. When Silas and Timothy arrive from Macedonia, Paul feels a renewed urgency to share the message of Christ. However, not everyone is receptive - when he faces opposition, he dramatically shakes out his clothes, declaring he will now focus on the Gentiles instead.
A New Beginning
Paul finds refuge in the home of Justus, a God-worshiper next to the synagogue. Here, he experiences success as Crispus, the synagogue leader, and many Corinthians embrace the faith. God comforts Paul in a night vision, assuring him that he has a supportive community in the city, which gives him the courage to teach for a year and a half.
Legal Troubles
However, the peace doesn't last. A new proconsul named Gallio hears accusations from the Jews against Paul, but dismisses their claims as religious squabbles, showing indifference towards their complaints. This moment solidifies Paul's right to preach freely.
Moving On
After spending more time in Corinth, Paul sets off for Syria with Aquila and Priscilla. He briefly stops in Ephesus, where he engages in conversation with Jews but declines to stay longer, promising to return if God wills. Finally, we meet Apollos, an eloquent man who teaches about Jesus but needs further instruction, leading to his fruitful ministry in Achaia.
Why It Matters
Embracing Community
Paul's connection with Aquila and Priscilla highlights the power of partnership in faith. They support and encourage each other, which is essential in our own journeys. Finding a community, like through Sancta, can help us grow in our faith.
Perseverance Amid Opposition
Paul's resilience in the face of opposition speaks volumes about the commitment to his message. When met with resistance, he chooses to redirect his efforts rather than give up. This reminds us that challenges may arise in our lives, but we can learn to adapt and move forward with purpose.
Confidence in God's Presence
God assures Paul that he is not alone, which is a comforting reminder for us all. Whether we are in moments of doubt or fear, understanding that God is with us can provide the courage to continue our mission. Knowing we have a supportive community and divine presence can be reassuring.
As you explore your own faith journey, consider how you can connect with others. With Sancta, you can find a church near you that supports your spiritual growth and encourages your faith.
Growth in Understanding
Apollos' story teaches us that learning is a continuous journey. Even those who are knowledgeable can benefit from guidance and further teachings. This underscores the importance of being open to growth, regardless of our current understanding.
Coming Up Next: Acts 19
The adventure continues in Acts 19, where Paul encounters even more challenges and opportunities as he spreads the Gospel in Ephesus. Join us for the next part of this exciting journey!