Act 18 | MHM | STEP | Paul Visits Corinth This section describes Paul’s move from Athens to Corinth. Although Paul was not forced out of Athens by persecution, he left because the people there were not very open to his message. In Corinth, a large and important city, Paul would help start a church that would become very influential. The story shows Paul’s humility, his willingness to work with his hands, and his dedication to sharing the gospel with both Jews and Gentiles. v. 1 : Paul left Athens and traveled to Corinth. He left behind the few believers in Athens, including Dionysius, and went to a new city where he hoped to have more success in preaching the gospel. Corinth was a rich and famous city, the main city of the region called Achaia.

‏ Acts 18

Paul Visits Corinth

This section describes Paul’s move from Athens to Corinth. Although Paul was not forced out of Athens by persecution, he left because the people there were not very open to his message. In Corinth, a large and important city, Paul would help start a church that would become very influential. The story shows Paul’s humility, his willingness to work with his hands, and his dedication to sharing the gospel with both Jews and Gentiles.

v. 1: Paul left Athens and traveled to Corinth. He left behind the few believers in Athens, including Dionysius, and went to a new city where he hoped to have more success in preaching the gospel. Corinth was a rich and famous city, the main city of the region called Achaia.

v. 2–3: In Corinth, Paul met Aquila and his wife Priscilla, who had recently come from Italy because the emperor Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Aquila was a Jew from Pontus. Paul stayed with them because they had the same trade—tent-making. Even though Paul was a well-educated man and an apostle, he worked with his hands to support himself. This was common among Jews, who believed every child should learn a trade. Paul did not want to be a burden to the people he preached to, so he worked to earn his living (In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, Genesis 3:19 ^a). He also chose to work with Aquila and Priscilla because they were strong believers and could help him in his ministry (Romans 16:3 ^b).

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v. 4: Every Sabbath, Paul went to the synagogue and reasoned with both Jews and Greeks who were interested in the Jewish faith. He did not use force or demand blind faith, but explained and discussed the gospel, giving people a chance to ask questions and think for themselves. God invites us to reason with him (Come now, and let us reason together, Isaiah 1:18 ^c).

v. 5: When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul became even more focused and passionate in his preaching. Their arrival encouraged him, and he felt pressed in his spirit to testify to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:5 ^d). The love of Christ motivated him to work even harder (2 Corinthians 5:14 ^e).

v. 6: Most of the Jews in Corinth rejected Paul’s message. They argued against him and even spoke badly about Jesus. Paul responded by shaking out his clothes as a sign that he was finished with them and said, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6 ^f). Paul had done his duty by warning them, so he was not responsible for their unbelief. This act was similar to shaking the dust off his feet as a testimony against those who refused the gospel (Acts 13:51 ^g). Paul’s decision to turn to the Gentiles was also meant to make the Jews jealous and hopefully lead some of them to faith (Romans 11:14 ^h).

Paul Visits Corinth

This passage continues the story of Paul’s ministry in Corinth. After facing strong opposition from the Jews in the synagogue, Paul changed where he preached but did not stop sharing the gospel. God encouraged Paul to keep going, promising him protection and success. Many people, both Jews and Gentiles, responded to the message, and Paul stayed in Corinth for a long time to help the new believers grow in their faith.

v. 7: Paul left the synagogue because the Jews strongly opposed him. He went next door to the house of a man named Justus, who worshipped the God of Israel. Even though Paul had to leave the synagogue, he did not go far—Justus’s house was right next to it. Paul began preaching there, showing that he still wanted to be close to the Jews and was willing to return if they changed their minds. Justus’s home became a new place for preaching, just like when God’s presence was once kept in private homes.

v. 8: Paul’s work in Corinth quickly brought results. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in Jesus, along with his whole household. This was important because it showed that even respected Jewish leaders could come to faith in Christ. Many other Corinthians, who were mostly Gentiles and some with bad reputations (such were some of you, 1 Corinthians 6:11 ⁱ), also believed and were baptized. They first heard the message, then believed it, and finally were baptized, making a public commitment to Jesus.

v. 9: One night, the Lord Jesus appeared to Paul in a vision to encourage him. Jesus told Paul, Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you (Acts 18:9-10 ^j). Paul was reminded that Jesus would protect him in Corinth and that there were many people in the city who would believe the gospel. This vision gave Paul new courage to continue his work.

v. 10: Jesus assured Paul that no one would harm him in Corinth because God had many people there who were chosen to believe. Even though Corinth was known for its sin and idol worship, God saw many hearts ready to respond to the gospel. Paul learned not to give up on any place, because even the most unlikely city could have people who would become followers of Christ.

v. 11: Encouraged by Jesus’ promise, Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching the word of God. He helped new believers grow stronger in their faith and continued to share the gospel with others. Although trouble would come from false teachers later, Paul’s time in Corinth laid a strong foundation for the church. During this period, Paul also wrote the first and second letters to the Thessalonians, showing that ministry can happen through writing as well as preaching.

Paul Visits Corinth

This section describes a time when Paul faced trouble from the Jews in Corinth, but God protected him and the work of the gospel continued. Paul was brought before the Roman governor, Gallio, because of the anger of the Jews, but Gallio refused to punish Paul or get involved in religious arguments. Even when violence broke out in the court, God kept Paul safe. This passage reminds us that opposition cannot stop God's plans, and that sometimes those in authority may not care about spiritual matters.

v. 12–13: The Jews in Corinth united against Paul and brought him before Gallio, the Roman governor of Achaia. Gallio was known for being kind and fair. The Jews accused Paul, saying, This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law (Acts 18:13 ^k). They could not accuse him of promoting false gods, only of teaching people to worship God in a way different from their tradition. But Paul was actually pointing people to the promised Messiah, which fulfilled rather than broke the law.

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v. 14–15: Before Paul even gave his defense, Gallio stopped the case. He told the Jews that if Paul had done something truly wrong, like a crime or immorality, he would listen. But since their complaint was only about religious words and laws, Gallio said, I will be no judge of such matters (Acts 18:15 ^l). He dismissed the case and told them to settle their religious disagreements themselves. Gallio was right not to judge things he did not understand, but he was wrong to treat questions about God as unimportant.

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v. 16: Gallio ordered the Jews to leave the court and called for the next case. He did not want to be used by the Jews to attack Paul, but he also did not show interest in learning about the gospel himself.

v. 17: In the chaos that followed, Sosthenes, who was probably a leader in the synagogue and a friend of Paul, was beaten by the crowd right in front of the judgment seat. Gallio did nothing to stop it or to protect Sosthenes. This showed that Gallio was indifferent to the suffering of good people. The Bible warns that some people are at ease in Zion and do not care about the troubles of others (Amos 6:6 ^m). We should not be like Gallio, but instead care for those who suffer for what is right.

Paul's Visit to Ephesus and Jerusalem

This passage describes Paul’s travels after his long stay in Corinth. Paul was always busy serving Christ, whether he was staying in one place or moving to another. He left Corinth, visited Ephesus, and then went to Jerusalem and Antioch. Along the way, he encouraged believers, kept old friendships strong, and continued to strengthen the churches he had started. Paul’s example shows us the importance of both starting new work for God and caring for those already in the faith.

v. 18: Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after the trouble with the Jews, because the opposition did not last long. When he finally left, he said goodbye to the believers with love and advice. He took Priscilla and Aquila with him, showing their close friendship and partnership in ministry. At Cenchrea, the port near Corinth, either Paul or Aquila shaved his head because of a vow, likely a Nazarite vow. This act showed respect for Jewish customs and was a way to connect with the Jews, even though Paul knew these ceremonies were not required for salvation (1 Corinthians 9:20 ⁿ).

v. 19–21: Paul stopped at Ephesus, the main city in Asia Minor. He left Priscilla and Aquila there to help prepare the way for his future ministry. Paul went to the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews, showing he still cared about reaching them, even after facing rejection in other cities. The Jews in Ephesus wanted Paul to stay longer, but he could not. He said goodbye and promised to return if it was God’s will (If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that, James 4:15 ^o). Paul wanted to keep a feast in Jerusalem, probably the Passover, so he continued his journey.

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v. 22: Paul sailed from Ephesus to Caesarea, the port nearest Jerusalem. He went up to Jerusalem to greet the church there, showing respect and keeping good relationships with the original Christian community. His visit was short, but it was important for unity and friendship among believers.

v. 23: After visiting Jerusalem, Paul went to Antioch, where he had first been sent out as a missionary. He spent some time with the believers there, enjoying fellowship and encouragement. Then he traveled through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting the churches he had started. Paul strengthened all the disciples, helping them grow in faith and commitment to Jesus. This shows that new believers need ongoing teaching and support, and that Christian leaders should help others become strong in the Lord.

Apollos Taught by Priscilla and Aquila

This section introduces Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, who became a powerful preacher of the gospel. He was well educated and enthusiastic, but he only knew part of the Christian message. Through the help of faithful believers, he grew in understanding and became a blessing to the church.

v. 24: A Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was born in Alexandria, a city known for its learning. Apollos was an eloquent speaker and well-versed in the Scriptures. He had a great ability to explain and teach God's word clearly and persuasively.

v. 25: Apollos had been taught about the way of the Lord, and he was passionate in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, but he only knew about the baptism of John. This means he understood that people needed to repent, but he did not yet know the full message of salvation through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

v. 26: Apollos began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila, two faithful Christians, heard him, they saw that his knowledge was incomplete. They took him aside and explained to him the way of God more fully. They did this kindly and privately, helping him understand the gospel better.

v. 27: When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote a letter to the disciples there, welcoming him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. Apollos used his knowledge and new understanding to serve and strengthen the church.

v. 28: Apollos powerfully refuted the Jews in public debates. He showed from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah. Through his clear teaching and strong arguments, many people were convinced of the truth about Jesus.