Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Acts 18
Acts 18:9-10And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.
The Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, 'Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.' This shows God's personal encouragement during Paul's time of fear.Acts 18:26He 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.
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. This highlights the importance of humble learning and mentorship within the church.Acts 18:3and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.
And because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. This verse shows Paul's work ethic and how he connected with others through his daily job.
Historical & Cultural Context
Finding Community in a Busy City
After leaving Athens, Paul arrives in Corinth, a major trade hub known for its diversity and moral challenges. He meets Priscilla and Aquila, fellow tentmakers who become his lifelong friends and ministry partners. This section shows that ministry is not just about preaching. It is also about building relationships and working together in everyday life.
Divine Protection and New Horizons
As Paul faces intense pushback from the local synagogue, he decides to focus his efforts on the Gentiles. God speaks to him in a vision, promising safety and revealing that many people in the city belong to Him. This assurance allows Paul to stay for a year and a half, establishing a strong foundation for the Corinthian church.
The Gospel Takes Root in Corinth
In Acts 18:1-4, the scene opens with Paul arriving in Corinth and finding a home with fellow believers. The passage then moves through his transition from the synagogue to the house of Titius Justus, his legal victory before Gallio, and finally his return trip to Antioch.
Tentmaking and Teaching (Acts 18:1-4)
1 After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them,
3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Commentary:
Paul works as a tentmaker while reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath.
A Vision of Encouragement (Acts 18:5-11)
5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.
6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."
7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue.
8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,
10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.
11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Commentary:
God encourages Paul to keep preaching despite opposition and promises him safety.
The Trial Before Gallio (Acts 18:12-17)
12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal,
13 saying, "This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law."
14 And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint.
15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things."
16 And he drove them out of the tribunal.
17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.
Commentary:
A Roman official dismisses the charges against Paul, allowing him to stay longer.
Strengthening the Global Church (Acts 18:18-23)
18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow.
19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined.
21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.
22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch.
23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Commentary:
Paul travels to strengthen existing churches and begins a new missionary journey.
The Eloquence of Apollos (Acts 18:24-28)
24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.
25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.
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.
27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,
28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
Commentary:
Priscilla and Aquila help Apollos understand the gospel more fully so he can help others.
Spiritual Lessons from the Corinthian Mission
The Power of Partnership
Paul doesn't work alone. He relies on friends like Priscilla, Aquila, Silas, and Timothy. This shows that the mission of God is a team effort where everyone's skills, from tentmaking to preaching, are needed.
God's Sovereign Protection
Even when a united attack is formed against Paul, God uses a Roman official's indifference to keep him safe. It reminds us that God can use any situation or person to fulfill His plans and protect His servants.
Lifelong Learning
Even a brilliant and eloquent man like Apollos needed to be taught more accurately by others. This theme emphasizes that we should always remain humble and open to growing in our understanding of God's Word.
Applying Acts 18 to Your Daily Life
Look for tentmakers in your own life - people who share your daily struggles and your faith, as Paul found Priscilla and Aquila in Acts 18:2-3. God often provides community in the most unexpected places, like your workplace or neighborhood.
Follow Paul's example in Acts 18:6 by not letting rejection stop you. Sometimes a 'no' from one group is God's way of redirecting you to a 'yes' from another group that is ready and waiting to hear the truth.
Remember God's promise to Paul in Acts 18:9-10: 'Do not be afraid... for I am with you.' His presence is the ultimate antidote to fear, giving you the courage to keep going even when things get difficult or intimidating.
God Sustains His People Everywhere
Acts 18 shows that God is actively involved in the lives of His servants, providing friends, protection, and clear direction. Whether through a vision in the night or the kindness of fellow workers, God ensures His message reaches those who need it. The message is clear: you are never alone in your mission, for God has many people in every city and is always with you.
What This Means for Us Today
God invites us to join Him in His work, not as isolated heroes, but as part of a diverse and supportive community. Paul found strength in his friends and his Savior. We are invited to lean on God's presence and the people He places in our lives.
- Who has God placed in your life to help you grow in your faith?
- Where is God asking you to be bold and not silent today?
- How can you support someone else's spiritual journey this week?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
Connections Across Scripture
Paul's letter to the very church he founded in Acts 18, addressing their early struggles.
Paul sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, calling them his fellow workers who risked their lives for him.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think God chose to encourage Paul with a vision specifically in Corinth rather than in previous cities?
- How does the relationship between Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila change your view of what 'full-time ministry' looks like?
- What can we learn from the way Priscilla and Aquila corrected Apollos without discouraging his passion?