ACTS SERIES: INSTRUCTED TO SPEAK AND NOT BE SILENT – CHAPTER 18

As Acts 18 opens, we find Paul in the city of Corinth, where he meets a Jewish couple, Aquila and his wife, Priscilla. Sharing the same occupation of a tentmaker, Paul lived in their household and worked with them.

When Silas and Timotheus, bringing a financial gift from the Macedonia church, arrived in Corinth, they found Paul working and sharing the gospel in the synagogue every sabbath. Not having much success ministering to the Jews in the synagogue and exasperated with their opposition and blasphemed, Paul said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.” However, all was not lost for Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue and his household became converts.

Paul continued ministering to the residents of Corinth from Justus, a believer’s home which was located next to the synagogue. From this location many Corinthians believed and were baptized. Plus, in a vision one night, the Lord told him, “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.” So, without fear, Paul continued ministering in Corinth for eighteen months.

Afterward, during Gallio’s appointment as the governor of Achaia, the Jewish opposers joined together and brought Paul to court with the accusation he was seducing people to worship illegally. Knowing the allegations were not about criminal acts but rather a religious dispute, Gallio refused further discussion and dismissed them from his presence. The Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him, but Gallio also did not respond to this.

After spending more time in Corinth, Paul, who had cut off his hair, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila, sailed to Syria and Ephesus, where he left Priscilla and Aquila. Additionally, on the one sabbath he was in Ephesus, Paul went to the synagogue and ministered to the Jews. When they asked Paul to stay longer, he refused, saying, “I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will.”

Paul continues his travel to Caesarea, up to Jerusalem to see the church leaders, and then to Antioch. Furthermore, Paul continues to travel and minister throughout Galatia and Phrygia to encourage the brethren.

Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, born in Alexandria, eloquent and proficient in Word, arrived in Ephesus. Educated, inspirational, and zealous, Apollos ministered in the synagogue; however, his knowledge of the Word was limited, for he only knew up to the ministry of John the Baptist. Fortunately, Priscilla and Aquila heard him and were able to enlighten him about the life and ministry of Jesus. Because of his effective ministry, when Apollos decided to go to Achaia, the brethren gave him a letter of endorsement stating his qualifications to give to the disciples in Achaia. His ministry and knowledge of the Word were effective in Achaia, for he was able to prove to the Jews that Jesus was Christ publicly.

Here are the nuggets I gleaned from Acts 18:

People having the same trade can work together harmoniously.

To sustain oneself, employment may be necessary.

With the right kind of financial assistance, evangelizing the lost is possible.

It is often difficult for people to accept teachings that differ from their traditional one.

When one door closes, expect God to open another one.

God will give you a Word of encouragement when you need it the most.

People who oppose you will make false accusations to turn others against you.

Despite the opposition, God adds to the church.

Some governmental officials can discern the intent of men.

When you meet someone with half of the gospel truth, share your knowledge of the whole truth with them.