The steep rock of Acrocorinth rising above the roofs of ancient Corinth at dawn, with hazy water on either side of the isthmus.

The Book of

Acts 18

A tired traveler arrives in a crowded port city, finds work sewing tents, and hears the Lord say, ‘Keep on speaking.’

28 verses≈ 5 min4 peopleBSB

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In this chapter

Paul Ministers in Corinth

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.

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Stylised map · locations approximate

Where it happened

Who met in Corinth

Paul came the short way, from Athens. Aquila came the long way: born in Pontus on the Black Sea, he had “recently come from Italy” after Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome. The two journeys met in one workshop in Corinth.

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,

Three people at work in an open tentmaker’s workshop on a Corinth street, stitching heavy cloth and leather stretched on frames.

and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.

Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike. 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.

A man seen from behind in a stone doorway, shaking out the folds of his outer cloak, dust drifting in the slanting light.

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.”

So Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titus Justus, a worshiper of God.

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.

The roofs of ancient Corinth at night below the dark mass of Acrocorinth, countless small lamplit windows scattered across the city.

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 will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching the word of God among the Corinthians.

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Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Reflect

Keep on speaking

Paul had been beaten in Philippi, chased from Thessalonica and Berea, and mocked in Athens. In Corinth the Lord met him at night: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent.” Where have you gone quiet about Jesus because you are tired or afraid? What would it look like to believe “I am with you” this week?

Paul before Gallio

While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.

Paul’s accusers in Corinth

“This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law,” they said.

Gallio

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. 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.”

I refuse to be a judge of such things.

Acts 18:15

Paul Returns to Antioch

A small harbor town with a stone quay at morning, a merchant ship being loaded, and a small heap of cut hair on the quay steps.

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.

When they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay for a while longer, he declined.

Paul

But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.”

And he set sail from Ephesus.

When Paul had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church at Jerusalem. Then he went down to Antioch.

Pray

If God is willing

Paul made plans and promised to return, but he held it all open: “I will come back to you if God is willing.” Bring your own plans for this month to God. Ask Him to guide them, to change them where He must, and to give you peace either way.

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey Begins

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.

Stylised map · locations approximate

Where it happened

One journey ends, another begins

From Corinth’s harbor Paul sailed to Ephesus, landed at Caesarea, went up to Jerusalem and down to Antioch, where his journeys began. Then he set out again, overland through “the region of Galatia and Phrygia,” to the churches he had planted.

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.

For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts 18:28

Apollos

Whiteboard

Apollos already had gifts, learning and zeal. What he needed was a quiet talk with two tentmakers who knew the way of God more fully. Their kindness in private sent a stronger preacher out in public.

Question

Quick question

Apollos was eloquent and spoke boldly in the synagogue at Ephesus, but something in his teaching was missing.

What did Priscilla and Aquila do when they heard Apollos?

You’ve experienced

Acts 18

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A verse to carry with you

Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.

Acts 18:9–10

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