Acts 18

Acts 18 describes the Apostle Paul's missionary work primarily in Corinth, highlighting his interactions with the Jewish and Gentile communities, his partnership with Aquila and Priscilla, his preaching, opposition from Jews, and a divine encouragement to persist. He later travels to Ephesus and Antioch, continuing his ministry.

Key details include:

  • Paul arrives in Corinth after leaving Athens and meets Aquila and Priscilla, Jews who had recently left Rome due to Claudius' edict. Because Paul was a tentmaker, he stayed and worked with them.

  • Paul reasons every Sabbath in the synagogue, seeking to convince both Jews and Greeks that Jesus is the Messiah. When Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul devotes himself fully to preaching.

  • Opposition from many Jews leads Paul to declare he will now turn to Gentiles, symbolized by shaking the dust off his garments as a testimony against the unbelieving Jews.

  • Crispus, the synagogue leader, and many Corinthians believe and get baptized, strengthening the church there.

  • The Lord encourages Paul in a vision not to be afraid but to keep speaking boldly because He is with him.

  • Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, dismisses Jewish accusations against Paul as matters of Jewish law, not Roman law. During this, Sosthenes, the new synagogue ruler, is beaten by a mob while Gallio remains indifferent.

  • After Corinth, Paul travels to Ephesus, where he remains for some time teaching. He then returns to Antioch before embarking on further journeys through Galatia and Phrygia.

  • Paul has his hair cut at Cenchrea, following a Nazirite vow, indicating continuing religious dedication.

Acts 18 illustrates Paul's method of evangelism through reasoned discussion, his perseverance despite opposition, divine assurance, and the extension of the gospel from Jewish audiences to Gentile ones. It also sets a chronological marker around 51-52 AD during Gallio's proconsulship, helping date Paul's ministry.

This chapter contains valuable lessons about faithfulness in ministry, courage in adversity, and God’s guidance in spreading the gospel.

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