Acts 18

After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.

And he drave them from the judgment seat.

Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

What does Acts 18:11 mean?

Explanation

Acts 18:11 discusses the Apostle Paul's time in the city of Corinth where he remained for "a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them." The verse highlights his commitment to teaching about Jesus Christ and nurturing the fledgling Christian community there.

This period is significant as it represents one of Paul's longer ministry stays in a single city during his missionary journeys, signifying that Corinth was an important and fruitful ground for the gospel.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The city of Corinth was a significant trade center located on the isthmus connecting the Peloponnesian peninsula with mainland Greece.

It was known for its wealth, diverse population, and reputation for hedonism.

During Paul's time, the Roman Empire ruled over Corinth, and it was a cosmopolitan city with a wide array of religious practices and beliefs.

Paul's extended stay in Corinth, as mentioned in Acts 18:11, likely occurred during his second missionary journey around 50-52 AD.

His ministry in Corinth was against the backdrop of a society steeped in pagan worship and philosophy.

Theological Insights

The length of Paul's stay indicates the importance of discipling and establishing a strong foundation for the new believers.

Theologically, this verse reflects the principle of perseverance in ministry and the commitment to spreading the gospel despite opposition and cultural differences. It also shows Paul's dedication to teaching and grounding believers in their faith, a core aspect of Christian discipleship.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire believers to be persistent in their faith-related endeavors.

It suggests that they should remain steadfast in their mission, whether it involves teaching, mentoring, or other forms of service.

The verse also underscores the value of long-term commitment to spiritual growth and community development within a local church or mission field.

Cross-References

Acts 18:9-10: "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city."
1 Corinthians 2:1-5: Paul's reflections on his approach to teaching in Corinth, demonstrating his reliance not on persuasive words but on the demonstration of the Spirit's power.
Acts 17:16-34: Describing Paul's time in Athens just before going to Corinth, giving insight into the challenges he faced in preaching to Greek cities.

Language Study

The phrase "teaching the word of God among them" can be examined through the lens of the Greek terms used:

"Teaching" (διδάσκων/didaskon): often implies systematic instruction, showing Paul was not just preaching but providing a structured teaching.
"Word" (λόγος/logos): can mean a saying, speech, principle, or doctrine, referring here to the Christian gospel.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Paul's teaching in a city like Corinth is in sharp contrast to other religious practices of the time.

Unlike the esoteric mysteries or temple cults prevalent in ancient Greece, Paul presented a universal message accessible to all, regardless of cultural or social background.

This approach differed markedly from the secretive and exclusive nature of certain ancient religious rites.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly engage with scientific topics, the Pauline approach to evangelism can be considered through the lens of sociological study of religion.

Understanding how a new religious movement takes hold in a diverse and established cultural center like ancient Corinth might encompass the study of anthropology, psychology, and cultural dynamics.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical scholars have commented on Acts 18:11:

John Calvin noted the significance of Paul's lengthy stay, seeing it as a time when the church was "gathered and edified."
William Barclay highlights the strategic importance of Corinth for the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
F.F.

Bruce focuses on the success of Paul's ministry in Corinth despite cultural and religious challenges.

The Pulpit Commentary points to God's providence in allowing Paul to have such an extended and fruitful ministry in Corinth.

Acts 18

Acts 18

What does Acts 18:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 18:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?