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 18:8 mean?

Explanation

Acts 18:8 refers to the conversion of Crispus, who was the chief ruler of the synagogue in the city of Corinth.

His conversion is significant as it represents a person of prominent religious standing in the Jewish community recognizing Jesus as the Lord.

The passage notes that Crispus believed "with all his house," indicating that his entire household underwent a conversion experience and accepted Christian faith.

The verse goes on to describe a broader response from the Corinthians, suggesting that the message of the gospel was compelling to many, leading to a wave of belief and subsequent baptisms.

Baptism here is seen as the outward expression of inward faith and the public association with Christ and the Christian community.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 18:8 is set in the milieu of the early Christian missionary efforts, specifically those of the Apostle Paul, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles.

The historical context is the city of Corinth in Greece, a bustling cosmopolitan trade center of the Roman Empire, known for its wealth, diverse population, and religious pluralism.

It was a part of Paul's second missionary journey, which is believed to have taken place around AD 50-52.

Paul spent a significant amount of time in Corinth, teaching and converting both Jews and Gentiles to Christianity.

The position of Crispus as a synagogue leader indicates a substantial Jewish presence in the city.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological standpoint, this verse illustrates several key points.

Firstly, it highlights the universality of the gospel message, implying that even community leaders like Crispus are not beyond the reach of God's grace.

Secondly, the family's collective faith underscores the concept of household salvation, where the conversion of one family member often led to the conversion of the entire household.

Lastly, the mentions of belief and baptism are closely tied, with baptism being the sacramental act of initiation into the Christian faith, symbolizing death to sin and rebirth in Christ.

Practical Applications

The story of Crispus and the Corinthians can serve as an encouragement to modern believers to speak about their faith to others, as it shows that individuals from all walks of life, including leaders, can be receptive to the message of the gospel.

Additionally, it stresses the importance of family in faith experiences and community building within a religious context. It also accentuates the significance of baptism as both a personal commitment and public declaration of faith.

Cross-References

Acts 16:14-15 - "And a certain woman named Lydia...heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

And when she was baptized, and her household..."

1 Corinthians 1:14 - "I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;"
Acts 2:38 - "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term used for "believed" is "ἐπίστευσεν" (episteusen), which can denote a conviction or trust in the truthfulness of someone or something.

The phrase "with all his house" (σὺν ὅλῳ τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ) emphasizes the collective belief of Crispus' family, which is significant in showing how belief often permeated entire households.

"Baptized" is from the Greek "ἐβαπτίσθησαν" (ebaptisthēsan), referring to the act of immersion, here symbolizing the ritual of Christian initiation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

At the time of Paul's ministry, the religious climate was marked by a variety of beliefs and practices.

The conversion of a synagogue leader to Christianity would stand in stark contrast to the norm of strict adherence to Jewish tradition and the worship of various Greek and Roman gods.

In this multicultural setting, the spread of Christianity presented a new and transformative religious message that called for a distinct break from traditional polytheistic beliefs and Jewish religious customs.

Scientific Perspectives

Science, as a discipline, typically refrains from addressing supernatural beliefs or practices such as conversion experiences and religious rituals like baptism.

From a psychological perspective, however, the conversions might be explained as the result of persuasive communication, personal conviction, or group dynamics.

The social impact of religious conversion and the role of influential leaders in such cases can be a subject for sociological and psychological study.

Commentaries

Commentators from various backgrounds offer insights into this verse.

Some, like John Calvin, emphasize the important role of the Holy Spirit in converting the hearts of individuals, no matter their status.

Matthew Henry highlights the evidential power of God's word when it is truly received by individuals, as seen in the conversion of Crispus and his family.

Contemporary scholars often note the socio-religious impact of such conversions in the early church and how the book of Acts depicts the rapid spread of Christianity as a result.

Acts 18

Acts 18

What does Acts 18:8 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 18:8 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?