Acts Chapter 18: Paul in Corinth, Ephesus, and the Ministry of Apollos


Summary
Acts 18 narrates Paul’s missionary work in Corinth, his initial outreach in Ephesus, and the emergence of Apollos as a powerful preacher, illustrating the gospel’s expansion. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Paul’s Ministry in Corinth (18:1–17): Paul arrives in Corinth, meeting Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish tentmakers expelled from Rome by Claudius’ decree. He works with them, preaching in the synagogue every Sabbath. Silas and Timothy join him, and Paul intensifies his efforts, testifying that Jesus is the Messiah. Facing Jewish opposition, he turns to Gentiles, teaching next door at Titius Justus’ house. Crispus, the synagogue ruler, believes, along with many Corinthians. Jesus assures Paul in a vision, promising protection, leading to an 18-month ministry. Jews accuse Paul before Gallio, the proconsul, of illegal worship, but Gallio dismisses the case, allowing Paul to continue.
  • Paul’s Return and Visit to Ephesus (18:18–23): Paul sails from Corinth with Aquila and Priscilla, fulfilling a vow by shaving his head in Cenchreae. In Ephesus, he briefly preaches in the synagogue, promising to return. He lands in Caesarea, greets the church, and travels to Antioch, strengthening disciples in Galatia and Phrygia.
  • Apollos in Ephesus and Achaia (18:24–28): Apollos, an eloquent Jew from Alexandria, preaches about Jesus in Ephesus, knowing only John’s baptism. Aquila and Priscilla instruct him more accurately. Apollos travels to Achaia (Corinth), powerfully refuting Jews and proving Jesus is the Messiah, greatly helping believers.
Cross-References
  • Paul in Corinth:
    • 1 Corinthians 1:1–2: Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church.
    • Acts 17:15: Paul’s prior ministry in Athens.
    • Romans 16:3–4: Aquila and Priscilla’s service.
    • Isaiah 41:10: God’s promise of protection, echoed in 18:9–10.
  • Gallio’s Ruling:
    • Acts 24:5–6: Similar accusations against Paul.
    • John 19:4–6: Pilate’s dismissal of charges against Jesus.
    • Romans 13:3–4: Authorities as God’s servants.
  • Paul’s Vow and Ephesus:
    • Numbers 6:18: Nazirite vow involving hair-cutting.
    • Acts 19:8–10: Paul’s later Ephesus ministry.
    • Acts 15:36: Paul’s pattern of strengthening churches.
  • Apollos’ Ministry:
    • 1 Corinthians 3:4–6: Apollos’ role in Corinth.
    • Acts 19:1–3: John’s disciples in Ephesus.
    • Titus 1:9: Refuting opponents with sound doctrine.
  • General Theme:
    • Acts 1:8: Gospel to the ends of the earth.
    • 2 Timothy 2:2: Equipping others for ministry.
Theological Meaning
Acts 18 is rich with theological themes that highlight the gospel’s spread and God’s guidance:
  • God’s Protection: Jesus’ vision (18:9–10) assures Paul of safety in Corinth, enabling bold ministry despite opposition, showing divine care (Psalm 91:11; Acts 23:11).
  • Gospel’s Inclusivity: Paul’s shift to Gentiles (18:6–7) after Jewish rejection fulfills God’s plan for all nations, with Crispus’ conversion bridging Jew and Gentile (Romans 1:16; Acts 13:46).
  • Providential Partnerships: Aquila and Priscilla’s collaboration (18:2–3) and their teaching of Apollos (18:26) demonstrate God’s use of faithful teams to advance the gospel (Ecclesiastes 4:9; Romans 16:3).
  • Civil Authority: Gallio’s dismissal (18:14–16) reflects God’s use of secular rulers to protect His work, ensuring Paul’s ministry continues (Romans 13:1; 1 Timothy 2:2).
  • Equipping Believers: Apollos’ growth through instruction (18:26) underscores the importance of teaching sound doctrine, preparing others for effective ministry (Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:15).
  • Faithful Obedience: Paul’s vow (18:18) and travels (18:23) show his devotion to God’s call, prioritizing mission over comfort (Philippians 3:14; Acts 20:24).
  • Gospel’s Power: Conversions in Corinth (18:8) and Apollos’ refutations (18:28) illustrate the word’s transformative impact, overcoming cultural and religious barriers (Hebrews 4:12).
Questions and Answers
  1. Who were Aquila and Priscilla, and why were they in Corinth (18:2)?
    • Aquila, a Jew, and Priscilla, his wife, were tentmakers expelled from Rome by Claudius’ edict (circa AD 49; 18:2; Suetonius, Claudius 25.4). They partnered with Paul in work and ministry (18:3; Romans 16:3).
  2. Why did Paul turn to the Gentiles in Corinth (18:6)?
    • Jewish opposition and blasphemy in the synagogue (18:6) led Paul to focus on Gentiles, fulfilling his pattern of preaching to Jews first (Acts 13:46). He shook his garments, symbolizing rejection (Nehemiah 5:13).
  3. What was the significance of Jesus’ vision to Paul (18:9–10)?
    • Jesus encouraged Paul to speak boldly, promising protection and a significant harvest in Corinth (18:9–10). This sustained Paul’s 18-month ministry (18:11; Psalm 23:4; Acts 27:23–24).
  4. Who was Crispus, and why was his conversion notable (18:8)?
    • Crispus, the synagogue ruler, believed with his household (18:8), a prominent Jewish conversion that emboldened others in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:14). It bridged Jewish and Gentile believers (Acts 10:2).
  5. Why did Gallio dismiss the Jews’ case against Paul (18:14–16)?
    • Gallio, proconsul of Achaia (circa AD 51–52; 18:12), saw the dispute as a Jewish religious matter, not a Roman crime (18:15). His ruling protected Paul’s ministry (18:16; Romans 13:4).
  6. What was Paul’s vow, and why did he shave his head (18:18)?
    • Paul likely took a Nazirite vow, cutting his hair in Cenchreae to fulfill it (18:18; Numbers 6:18). It expressed gratitude or devotion, possibly for God’s protection in Corinth (Acts 18:10).
  7. Why did Paul leave Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus (18:19)?
    • Paul briefly preached in Ephesus’ synagogue, leaving Aquila and Priscilla to establish a base for future ministry (18:19; Acts 19:1). They later instructed Apollos (18:26; Ephesians 1:1).
  8. How did Apollos become a more effective preacher (18:24–26)?
    • Apollos knew John’s baptism but lacked full understanding of Jesus (18:25). Aquila and Priscilla privately taught him the gospel’s fullness, equipping him for powerful ministry (18:26; 2 Timothy 2:2).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: Corinth (circa AD 50–51) was a commercial hub, known for immorality (18:1; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11). Claudius’ edict (18:2) expelled Jews from Rome, affecting Aquila and Priscilla. Gallio’s tenure (18:12) is dated by an inscription (Delphi, AD 51–52). Ephesus (18:19) was a religious center, home to Artemis’ temple (Acts 19:27). Apollos’ Alexandrian origin (18:24) suggests exposure to Hellenistic Judaism (Hebrews 4:12).
  • Cultural Questions: Readers might wonder why Paul worked as a tentmaker (18:3). Manual labor was common for rabbis, ensuring independence (1 Thessalonians 2:9). Shaking garments (18:6) was a Jewish act of dissociation (Matthew 10:14). Synagogue rulers like Crispus (18:8) were lay leaders, influential in communities. Apollos’ eloquence (18:24) reflected rhetorical training, valued in Alexandria.
  • Application: Acts 18 calls believers to trust God’s protection, collaborate in ministry, and equip others for service. It encourages bold proclamation and adaptability, knowing the gospel transforms lives (Romans 10:14–15).
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