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Acts 18

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‹ Chapter 17 Acts — All Chapters Chapter 19 ›

1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them, 3 and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike. 5 And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6 But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." 7 So Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titus Justus, a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his whole household believed in the Lord. And many of the Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized. 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. 10 For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city." 11 So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching the word of God among the Corinthians. 12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat. 13 “This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law,” they said. 14 But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint. 15 But since it is a dispute about words and names and your own law, settle it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of such things." 16 And he drove them away from the judgment seat. 17 At this, the crowd seized Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the judgment seat. But none of this was of concern to Gallio. 18 Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. 19 When they reached Ephesus, Paul parted ways with Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a while longer, he declined. 21 But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When Paul had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church at Jerusalem. Then he went down to Antioch. 23 After Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. 24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him in and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 When Apollos resolved to cross over to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On his arrival, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

‹ Chapter 17 Acts — All Chapters Chapter 19 ›

Study Notes — Acts 18

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Chapter Summary

Acts 18 begins with Paul's arrival in Corinth, where he met Aquila and Priscilla, who were also tentmakers. Paul preached in the synagogue, but when the Jews opposed him, he turned to the Gentiles. The Lord appeared to Paul in a vision, telling him not to be afraid but to continue preaching, for He had many people in Corinth who were His. Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching the word of God. When Gallio became proconsul, the Jews brought Paul before him, but Gallio refused to judge the matter, saying it was a dispute about words and names. The chapter also introduces Apollos, a learned man who was instructed in the way of the Lord by Aquila and Priscilla. Apollos traveled to Achaia, where he helped the believers and preached boldly about Jesus.

Context for the Chapter

Acts 18 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Acts, which describes the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel. The chapter follows Paul's second missionary journey, during which he traveled to Corinth and established a church there. The chapter also sets the stage for Paul's third missionary journey, which would take him to Ephesus and other parts of Asia Minor.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to be bold and persevering in their ministry, despite facing opposition or persecution. It also highlights the importance of discipleship and mentorship, as seen in the relationship between Apollos and Aquila and Priscilla. Believers can apply these principles to their own lives by sharing the gospel with others and seeking guidance from more experienced believers.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about Paul's ministry in Corinth, where he preached the gospel and faced opposition. The Lord encouraged Paul to continue preaching, and he stayed in Corinth for a year and a half. The chapter also introduces Apollos, a gifted preacher who was instructed in the way of the Lord. We can learn from Paul's example to be bold and persevering in our own ministry, and to seek guidance from more experienced believers.

Voices from the Church

“The gospel is not a matter of eloquence, but of simplicity. It is not a matter of human wisdom, but of divine power.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The ministry of the word is the highest and most excellent of all callings, for it is the means by which God saves His people and builds up His church.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Paul's Ministry in Corinth (Acts 18:1-11) — Paul arrived in Corinth and met Aquila and Priscilla, who were also tentmakers. He preached in the synagogue, but when the Jews opposed him, he turned to the Gentiles.
  2. The Lord's Encouragement to Paul (Acts 18:9-10) — The Lord appeared to Paul in a vision, telling him not to be afraid but to continue preaching, for He had many people in Corinth who were His.
  3. Paul's Ministry in Corinth Continued (Acts 18:11-17) — Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching the word of God. When Gallio became proconsul, the Jews brought Paul before him, but Gallio refused to judge the matter.
  4. Apollos and the Church in Corinth (Acts 18:24-28) — Apollos traveled to Achaia, where he helped the believers and preached boldly about Jesus. Aquila and Priscilla instructed Apollos in the way of the Lord, and he became a valuable minister in the church.
  5. Conclusion (Acts 18:18-23) — Paul traveled to Antioch, stopping in Ephesus and Caesarea along the way. He greeted the church in Antioch and spent some time there before traveling to Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty in the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church. The Lord appeared to Paul in a vision, telling him not to be afraid but to continue preaching, for He had many people in Corinth who were His.
The Importance of Perseverance
The chapter emphasizes the importance of perseverance in ministry, despite facing opposition or persecution. Paul faced opposition from the Jews, but he continued to preach and teach, and the Lord encouraged him to do so.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers for ministry. The Lord appeared to Paul in a vision, and the Holy Spirit was at work in the church in Corinth, guiding and directing the believers.
The Value of Discipleship
The chapter emphasizes the importance of discipleship and mentorship in ministry. Apollos was instructed in the way of the Lord by Aquila and Priscilla, and he became a valuable minister in the church.

Lessons from Acts 18

  1. The Importance of Boldness in Ministry — Paul's example in Acts 18:1-11 shows us the importance of being bold and persevering in our own ministry, despite facing opposition or persecution.
  2. The Value of Discipleship and Mentorship — Apollos' example in Acts 18:24-28 highlights the importance of discipleship and mentorship in our own spiritual growth and development.
  3. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Ministry — The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers for ministry, as seen in the Lord's encouragement to Paul in Acts 18:9-10.
  4. The Sovereignty of God in the Spread of the Gospel — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty in the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church, as seen in the Lord's appearance to Paul in a vision.
  5. The Importance of Humility in Ministry — Apollos' example in Acts 18:24-28 shows us the importance of humility and a willingness to learn in ministry, as he was instructed in the way of the Lord by Aquila and Priscilla.

Themes from Acts 18

  1. The Growth of the Church — The chapter highlights the growth of the church in Corinth, with many converts and a strong community of believers.
  2. The Importance of Perseverance in Ministry — The chapter emphasizes the importance of perseverance in ministry, despite facing opposition or persecution.
  3. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Ministry — The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers for ministry.
  4. The Sovereignty of God in the Spread of the Gospel — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty in the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church.
  5. The Value of Discipleship and Mentorship — The chapter highlights the importance of discipleship and mentorship in our own spiritual growth and development.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from Paul's example about being bold and persevering in our own ministry?
  2. How does the Lord's encouragement to Paul in Acts 18:9-10 relate to our own experiences of facing opposition or persecution?
  3. What role does discipleship and mentorship play in our own spiritual growth and development?
  4. How does the growth of the church in Corinth relate to the larger narrative of the book of Acts?
  5. What can we learn from Apollos' example about the importance of humility and a willingness to learn in ministry?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Paul's Ministry in Corinth (Acts 18:1-11)

Acts 18:1 Paul arrived in Corinth and met Aquila and Priscilla, who were also tentmakers.
Acts 18:2 Paul lived with them and worked as a tentmaker, and every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:3 Paul preached in the synagogue, but when the Jews opposed him, he turned to the Gentiles.
Acts 18:4 Paul continued to preach in the synagogue, and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
Acts 18:5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.
Acts 18:6 But when they opposed him, Paul took his clothes, shook them out, and said to them, 'Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.'
Acts 18:7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God.
Acts 18:8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.
Acts 18:9-10 The Lord appeared to Paul in a vision and said, 'Do not be afraid, but 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 who are my disciples.'
Acts 18:11 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

2. Paul's Ministry in Corinth Continued (Acts 18:12-17)

Acts 18:12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the judge's seat.
Acts 18:13 They charged him with persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.
Acts 18:14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, 'If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, I would be obliged to listen to you.'
Acts 18:15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.'
Acts 18:16 So he drove them off.
Acts 18:17 Then the crowd turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the judge's seat, but Gallio showed no concern whatever.

3. Apollos and the Church in Corinth (Acts 18:24-28)

Acts 18:24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.
Acts 18:25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.
Acts 18:26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained the way of God more accurately.
Acts 18:27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.
Acts 18:28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of Paul's ministry in Corinth?

Paul's ministry in Corinth was significant because it marked the beginning of the church in that city, and it showed how the gospel could be preached to both Jews and Gentiles. (Acts 18:1-11)

Who was Apollos, and what was his role in the church?

Apollos was a learned man from Alexandria who was instructed in the way of the Lord by Aquila and Priscilla. He became a valuable minister in the church, preaching boldly about Jesus and refuting his Jewish opponents in public debate. (Acts 18:24-28)

What can we learn from Paul's example about being bold and persevering in ministry?

We can learn from Paul's example that being bold and persevering in ministry requires a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a willingness to face opposition and persecution. (Acts 18:9-10)

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Acts 18:5 → 1 Corinthians 3:6 Paul's ministry in Corinth is also described in 1 Corinthians 3:6, where he says, 'I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.'
2 Acts 18:9-10 → 2 Timothy 4:17 The Lord's encouragement to Paul in Acts 18:9-10 is similar to the encouragement given to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:17, where Paul says, 'But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.'
3 Acts 18:12-17 → John 19:13 The scene in which Paul is brought before Gallio is similar to the scene in which Jesus is brought before Pilate, as described in John 19:13.
4 Acts 18:24-28 → 1 Corinthians 1:12 Apollos is also mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:12, where Paul says, 'What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ."
5 Acts 18:1-11 → Romans 1:1 Paul's ministry in Corinth is also described in Romans 1:1, where he says, 'Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.'
6 Acts 18:9-10 → Psalm 23:4 The Lord's encouragement to Paul in Acts 18:9-10 is similar to the encouragement given to David in Psalm 23:4, where he says, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.'
7 Acts 18:12-17 → Isaiah 55:1 The scene in which Paul is brought before Gallio is similar to the scene in which the prophet Isaiah describes the Lord's judgment on the nations, as described in Isaiah 55:1.
8 Acts 18:24-28 → Ephesians 4:11-12 Apollos is also mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-12, where Paul says, 'So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.'
9 Acts 18:1-11 → 2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul's ministry in Corinth is also described in 2 Corinthians 1:1, where he says, 'Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia:'
10 Acts 18:9-10 → Hebrews 13:5-6 The Lord's encouragement to Paul in Acts 18:9-10 is similar to the encouragement given to the Hebrews in Hebrews 13:5-6, where the author says, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'

Sermons on Acts 18

SermonDescription
Corrie Ten Boom Door of Repentance by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being in a prison and connecting with a man who was afraid of being whipped. Through love and sharing the word of God, t
Norman Grubb The Meaning of Life - 6. I Will Do It Through You by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of God in their lives and the lives of others. They emphasize the importance of understanding and knowin
Warren Wiersbe You Don't Have to Quit by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the speaker addresses the difficult times that people are facing both personally and nationally. He emphasizes the importance of Christian friends and the support a
Leonard Ravenhill Ye Are Yet Carnal by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of humility and surrendering to God. He emphasizes the need to let go of pride and worldly possessions in order to fully submi
Warren Wiersbe God Answers Man's Suffering: Companionship by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when we face difficulties in life, it is because God has a glorious purpose to fulfill. He compares our lack of understanding to Job, w
Jim Cymbala When the Spirit Comes by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the pastor shares his personal experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit at the age of 14. He emphasizes that this experience is not limited to strong Christi
Leonard Ravenhill Judgement Seat 1-31-91 - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the impact of one person's obedience to God. He uses examples of individuals who, despite their limitations, made a significant impact throug
David Platt Christ the Center by David Platt This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ intimately, trusting Him completely, proclaiming Him boldly, and obeying Him sacrificially. It highlights that the church is
Norman Grubb I Will Do It Through You by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of God in their lives and the lives of others. They emphasize the importance of understanding and knowin
Pat Necerato The Idolatry of Street Preaching by Pat Necerato This sermon emphasizes the importance of being called by God before engaging in street preaching, highlighting the need to be set afire by the Holy Spirit, eliminate idolatry, and

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 18

In this chapter, we see the Lord's providence and care for His servants, as Paul is encouraged to continue preaching in Corinth despite facing opposition. The Lord appears to Paul in a vision, telling him not to be afraid but to continue speaking, for He has many people in Corinth who are His. This chapter also introduces Apollos, a learned man who is instructed in the way of the Lord by Aquila and Priscilla. Apollos becomes a valuable minister in the church, preaching boldly about Jesus and refuting his Jewish opponents in public debate. The chapter highlights the growth of the church in Corinth, with many converts and a strong community of believers. We see the importance of perseverance in ministry, despite facing opposition or persecution, and the value of discipleship and mentorship in our own spiritual growth and development. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

Paul's Ministry

Paul's ministry in Corinth was marked by preaching, teaching, and persecution. He faced opposition from the Jews but was encouraged by the Lord to continue preaching.

The Role of Aquila and Priscilla

Aquila and Priscilla played a significant role in the early Christian church, providing hospitality to Paul and instructing Apollos in the way of the Lord.

The Growth of the Church

The chapter highlights the growth of the church in Corinth, with many converts and a strong community of believers.

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