Introduction: Acts 18 shows a detailed account of Paul’s missionary to Corinth, where he met with Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos, and his trial before Gallio. The trip for Paul resulted in the founding of the Corinthian church, two of the epistles he wrote were to this church. This chapter is a reminder to believers of God’s guidance and protection over his servants and reveals the power of the Gospel to transform lives through faith in Jesus Christ.
I. Acts 18:1-4 – Paul Arrives in Corinth
In these verses, we see Paul arriving in Corinth and meeting Aquila and Priscilla, tent makers like himself. He worked with them and preached in the synagogue every Sabbath to get the Corinthian church founded. This brings to mind a verse in 1 Corinthians 9:20 where Paul becomes all things to all people to win some to Christ. It also relates to the verse, 2 Thessalonians 3:8 where Paul sets an example by working for his living while spreading the Gospel.
II. Acts 18:5-8 – Paul’s Message to Jews and Gentiles
Paul devoted himself to preaching the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. This brings to mind the verse in 1 Corinthians 1:23 where Paul proclaims Christ crucified, which was a stumbling block to Jews but to those who are called, the power and wisdom of God. The conversion of Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and many other Corinthians reinforces Romans 1:16, where the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, Paul worked off and on during his missionary trips, but later said those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14), some people interpret this today, making a living preaching the gospel ?????
III. Acts 18:9-11 – The Lord Appears to Paul in a Vision
During a night vision, the Lord encourages Paul not to be afraid to speak out, promising him protection and asserting his presence, in some other words Paul, be bold. This vision and God’s reassurance can be compared to Joshua 1:9 and Psalms 46:1, where God promises his people His constant presence and protection in all that they do for Him.
IV. Acts 18:12-17 – Paul before Gallio
Paul was brought before the proconsul Gallio, accused by the Jews of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law. Gallio’s dismissal of the case against Paul gives credibility to Romans 8:31, a verse that asserts, that if God is for us, who can be against us? This event also echoes Matthew 10:18-20, where Jesus tells his followers that they will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and the Gentiles.
V. Acts 18:18-28 – Paul’s Journey and the Teaching of Apollos
Paul’s continues his journey, his farewell to the Ephesians, and the teaching of Apollos point to the importance of teaching the truth about Jesus Christ, as said in Matthew 28:19-20 and 2 Timothy 2:15. Apollos’ fervor and dedication to spreading and defending the Gospel reminds us of 1 Peter 3:15, which calls for believers to always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope in them.
Conclusion: Acts 18 is a powerful testament to Paul’s missionary works, depicting his courage, dedication, and reliance on God’s guidance. It also highlights the transformative power of the Gospel as seen in the lives of Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith and to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
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