Acts 18:01-22 Ministry of Paul at Corinth
18:01-04 Meeting and working with Aquilla and Pricilla
18:05-08 Ministry of Timothy, Silas and Paul
18:09-18. a Vision and Persecution
18: 18. b. - 22 Ministry at Ephesus and Caesarea
18:01-04 Meeting and working with Aquilla and Pricilla
Paul landed at Corinth and met the tentmakers family of Aquilla and Pricilla. They had moved recently from Italy due to the Roman decree. Paul found this family as suitable persons to stay with them and have spiritual fellowship with them. They were regular to attend Synagogue meetings. Paul joined them in the tent-making vocation. Paul was on the full-time mission of Jesus Christ. But at the same time, he utilised his talents in money-making for his survival. Tentmaking can be short term and on some occasions, it could be longer and even a lifetime. He accompanied them to the synagogue and explained the fulfilled messianic prophecies in Jesus Christ. Both were aware of the good Jews and believed in Christ. Paul had discourse with the Jews who attended the synagogue about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He established the faith among the Jews and Greeks of Corinth.
18:05-08 Ministry of Timothy, Silas and Paul
Silas and Timothy had joined Paul at Corinth. So, Paul had devoted exclusively time preaching and conversing with people he met on the streets and in the synagogue about Jesus Christ as Messiah. The Jews threatened him with abusive words. So, Paul spoke that he wants to leave the Jews and go to the Gentiles because of their attitude. Paul affirmed his call and mission by God. Paul had seen the conversion of Titius Justus, Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and many Corinthians believed in Christ and baptised. Teamwork is always helpful for the furtherance of the Gospel. Paul had more time to spend on devotion, preaching and testifying than spending more time on tent-making. It is important how we plan and work out the mission strategy as a team. God has grouped persons or brought the teams with a purpose. It is unwise to expect everyone in the team to do everything.
18:09-18. a Vision and Persecution
Paul had a vision in the night, and God spoke to him to be strong in the Lord and do the ministry in the same city. God told him that no one would attack him and harm him. Paul had brought many to Christ. He was so prosperous in the ministry and established a beautiful Congregation. However, quickly he has to face the hatred of Jews and persecution. Jews made a united attack on Paul. He was accused and brought to the court of law. Gallio, the proconsul, was not interested in listening to their complaints against Paul since it was about religious belief. So, Paul left with the people who accused him. So, Jews, with the help of Sosthenes, the synagogue ruler, took the law into their own hands and beaten him. Gallio was silent. Many times, it is vain to look for legal remedies for our spiritual struggles. Paul used to be successful in arguing his rights with people. But, Paul could not win the confidence of the government authorities and Jewish leaders.
18: 18. b. - 22 Ministry at Ephesus and Caesarea
Paul with his teammates left Corinth and sailed to Syria along with his new friends Aquilla and Pricilla. Luke records that Paul had a haircut vow at Cenchrea. So, he fulfilled it. Paul took part in the votive ceremony of Jews. Bible is silent about the kind of vow he made and why he cleanshaven his head. “They took ship at Cenchrea, the eastern port of Corinth, where Paul shaved his head, and thereby put a period to the duration of a vow which he had made, perhaps, on the occasion of the great deliverance he had obtained, when the Jews made insurrection against him.”(ref: Benson Commentary). After that, he reached Ephesus and reasoned with Jews at Synagogue. Paul left Ephesus despite their request for his stay at Ephesus. Then he sailed to Caesarea and finally landed at Antioch as an end of his second missionary journey. Paul used his time and energy meaningfully and judiciously. He was clear about what to do and when to do it. Paul did not sway and carried away by the emotional urges. Paul always listened and heard the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Discussion:
1. Discuss the tent-making ministry in our present context.
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of teamwork.
3. What is the lesson we could learn from the vision and persecution of Paul?
4. Discuss Vows and their importance in Christian life.
(for further studies on Acts refer to the series on this site)
