Introduction

Acts 18 records Paul's ministry in Corinth—one of the most challenging cities in the Roman Empire. Here we see sustained ministry, divine encouragement, and the birth of a church that would later need much pastoral attention.

Tentmaking and Teaching (verses 1-4)

Paul arrived in Corinth and met Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish Christians expelled from Rome. Because they shared his trade—tentmaking—Paul stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, seeking to persuade Jews and Greeks.

• Self-Supporting Ministry: Paul worked to support himself
• Divine Partnerships: God provided like-minded co-workers
• Persistent Witness: Weekly synagogue engagement

Turning to Gentiles Again (verses 5-8)

When Silas and Timothy arrived, Paul devoted himself fully to preaching that Jesus was the Messiah. When Jews opposed and abused him, he shook out his clothes and declared: "Your blood be on your own heads! From now on I will go to the Gentiles." He moved next door to the synagogue—to Titius Justus's house. Crispus, the synagogue leader, believed with his household, and many Corinthians were baptized.

Divine Encouragement (verses 9-11)

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." Paul stayed 18 months—his longest church plant—teaching God's word.

• Fear Addressed: Paul needed encouragement—he was human
• Promised Protection: God's assignment includes His provision
• Many People: God already had people in Corinth waiting to believe

Gallio's Ruling (verses 12-17)

Jews brought Paul before the proconsul Gallio, accusing him of illegal religion. Gallio refused to judge "questions about words and names and your own law," driving them from court. This ruling effectively established Christianity as legal—a subset of Judaism in Roman eyes.

Return to Antioch (verses 18-23)

After much time, Paul sailed for Syria, stopping briefly at Ephesus where Jews asked him to stay longer. He promised to return "if it is God's will." He reported to Antioch, then began his third journey, strengthening disciples throughout Galatia and Phrygia.

Apollos in Ephesus (verses 24-28)

Apollos—a learned Jew, eloquent and fervent—came to Ephesus preaching accurately about Jesus, though knowing only John's baptism. Priscilla and Aquila "explained to him the way of God more adequately." He then went to Corinth where he greatly helped believers and refuted Jews publicly.

Key Takeaways

• Perseverance Matters: 18 months of sustained ministry bore fruit
• God Knows His People: He had "many people" in that city before Paul arrived
• Continual Learning: Even eloquent Apollos needed further instruction

Reflection Questions

• Do you need to hear God's words to Paul: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking"?
• Are you open, like Apollos, to having your understanding corrected and expanded?
• How do you balance work and ministry, as Paul did with tentmaking?