Acts 18

Summary

 

Acts 18 portrays Paul's ministry in Corinth, his appearance before Gallio, and his return to Antioch. It also introduces Apollos and sets the stage for the subsequent events in Ephesus. The chapter illustrates the challenges and successes of Paul's missionary efforts as the Gospel continues to spread.

 

1. Corinth (Acts 18:1-17): Paul arrives in Corinth and meets a Jewish couple, Aquila and Priscilla, who become important collaborators in his ministry. He reasons in the synagogue each Sabbath, but when the Jews oppose him, he declares that he will go to the Gentiles. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his household believe, and many Corinthians also embrace the message. Paul receives a vision encouraging him to continue preaching in Corinth without fear, and he stays there for a year and a half.
2. Before Gallio (Acts 18:12-17): Some Jews in Corinth bring Paul before Gallio, the proconsul, accusing him of teaching unlawful things. However, Gallio dismisses the case, refusing to get involved in what he sees as an internal religious matter.
3. Return to Antioch (Acts 18:18-23): Paul, along with Aquila and Priscilla, sails to Syria. They stop briefly in Ephesus, and Paul, upon reaching Ephesus, leaves Aquila and Priscilla there and continues to Antioch. After a short stay in Antioch, Paul embarks on his third missionary journey.
4. Apollos in Ephesus (Acts 18:24-28): Meanwhile, in Ephesus, Apollos, an eloquent Jew with a fervent spirit, preaches accurately about Jesus, although he is only familiar with the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla explain the way of God more accurately to him, and he goes on to be a powerful advocate for Christianity, especially in Achaia.

 

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