Acts 18 details Paul’s ministry in Corinth, his interactions with key individuals, and the spread of the gospel despite opposition. It highlights God’s provision, the formation of a Christian community in Corinth, and Paul’s determination to continue his mission with the help of new co-workers.
Overview of Acts 18:
Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-11):
- Paul arrives in Corinth, a bustling commercial city with a reputation for immorality. He meets Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish tentmakers who recently came from Rome after Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews from the city.
- Paul stays with Aquila and Priscilla, working as a tentmaker alongside them. He also preaches in the synagogue every Sabbath, persuading Jews and Greeks about Jesus.
- When Silas and Timothy join Paul from Macedonia, he devotes himself fully to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. However, the Jews oppose him, so Paul declares he will focus on the Gentiles.
- Paul then stays with a Gentile believer named Titius Justus, whose house is next to the synagogue. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his family believe in the Lord, and many Corinthians are baptized.
- God speaks to Paul in a vision, encouraging him not to be afraid, as He has many people in the city. With this reassurance, Paul remains in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching the word of God.
Opposition from the Jews (Acts 18:12-17):
- The Jews in Corinth bring Paul before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, accusing him of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.
- Gallio dismisses the case, stating that it’s a matter of Jewish religious law, not Roman law. He refuses to judge it, and the accusers are driven from the court.
- In frustration, the crowd beats Sosthenes, the new synagogue leader, outside the tribunal, but Gallio shows no concern for the incident.
Return to Antioch and Beginning of the Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:18-23):
- Paul remains in Corinth for a while longer before setting sail for Syria, accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla. Before leaving, he has his hair cut in Cenchreae as part of a vow he made.
- In Ephesus, Paul briefly visits the synagogue and leaves Aquila and Priscilla there. He promises to return to Ephesus if God wills, then travels to Caesarea, greets the church there, and goes back to Antioch.
- After spending some time in Antioch, Paul begins his third missionary journey, traveling through Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Apollos in Ephesus (Acts 18:24-28):
- Apollos, a learned and eloquent Jew from Alexandria, arrives in Ephesus. He is knowledgeable about the Scriptures and fervent in spirit, teaching accurately about Jesus, but he only knows the baptism of John.
- Aquila and Priscilla hear Apollos speak and take him aside to explain the way of God more accurately, particularly the significance of baptism in Jesus’ name.
- Apollos becomes a powerful evangelist and moves to Achaia (Corinth), where he greatly helps the believers and effectively debates the Jews, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.
Important Points in Acts 18:
Partnership in Ministry:
- Paul’s partnership with Aquila and Priscilla is a strong example of Christian co-working. The couple becomes not only his co-laborers in tentmaking but also trusted partners in spreading the gospel.
Vision and Encouragement from God:
- Paul’s vision in Corinth serves as a divine reassurance, giving him courage to stay and preach despite opposition. God promises His protection and hints at the future growth of the Corinthian church.
Decision to Focus on Gentiles:
- After the Jews in Corinth reject his message, Paul decides to focus on the Gentiles. This is a pivotal shift in his mission, reflecting the expansion of the gospel beyond the Jewish community.
Legal Protection under Gallio:
- Gallio’s decision not to interfere in religious disputes sets a precedent that allows Christianity to continue growing within the Roman Empire without immediate interference from Roman authorities.
Discipleship of Apollos:
- Apollos’ mentorship by Aquila and Priscilla shows the importance of discipleship in refining understanding. Apollos’ teaching is powerful but incomplete, and with further instruction, he becomes a more effective witness for Christ.
Role of Corinth as a Missionary Center:
- Corinth becomes a strategic center for Paul’s ministry due to its influence and diverse population. The establishment of a church here is significant for the spread of Christianity in the region.
Boldness in Teaching:
- Both Paul and Apollos display boldness in preaching the gospel and debating publicly. Their courage in sharing the message underlines the strength of early Christian witness, even amidst opposition.
Acts 18 illustrates how God provides for His servants through fellowship, mentorship, and divine reassurance. It also underscores the transition of early Christian ministry from strictly Jewish audiences to more inclusive gatherings, setting the stage for Christianity’s broader spread.
