The work in Corinth
Acts 18:1–17FocusSustained witness and protection
Connection to the wholePaul's ministry develops despite opposition, with encouragement to continue and a hearing before Gallio that does not stop the work.
interpretation Acts 18:21
KJVBut bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
Read it in context
Paul's Ministry in Corinth and Departure to Antioch
Start reading at Acts 18:1 (Acts 18:1 to Acts 18:23).
This unit covers Paul's arrival in Corinth, his extended ministry there, his departure, and his journey through Ephesus to Jerusalem and then Antioch, concluding his second missionary journey and setting the stage for the third.
- 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
- 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
- 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
- 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
- 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
- 18:6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
- 18:7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
- 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
- 18:9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
- 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
- 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
- 18:12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
- 18:13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
- 18:14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
- 18:15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
- 18:16 And he drave them from the judgment seat.
- 18:17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
- 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
- 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
- 18:20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
- 18:21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
- 18:22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
- 18:23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the traditional author of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3; Colossians 4:14. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Acts 18:1–18:28): Paul ministers in Corinth alongside Aquila and Priscilla and faces an accusation before Gallio. Later Aquila and Priscilla explain the way of God more fully to Apollos. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus, the same named recipient as Luke's Gospel, with the account also serving the wider Christian readership. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? Paul bids farewell to the believers in Ephesus, stating his intention to keep an upcoming feast in Jerusalem, and expresses his desire to return to them if it is God's will, before sailing from Ephesus.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His sovereignty over Paul's travel plans and ministry, as Paul explicitly states his return is conditional upon God's will. It also shows Paul's continued adherence to Jewish customs, such as observing feasts in Jerusalem, even as he ministers to Gentiles.
- What is the literary style? Narrative history.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 62 to 64. book background
- When does the event take place? This event takes place during Paul's second missionary journey, specifically towards its conclusion, after his extended stay of eighteen months in Corinth and a brief stop in Ephesus. This would be around A.D. 52-53. stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? The farewell and departure occurred in Ephesus. Paul's stated destination was Jerusalem for a feast, and he sailed from Ephesus. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? Rome (traditional). book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Ministry in Corinth and Departure to Antioch (Acts 18:1 to Acts 18:23). Start reading at Acts 18:1. This unit covers Paul's arrival in Corinth, his extended ministry there, his departure, and his journey through Ephesus to Jerusalem and then Antioch, concluding his second missionary journey and setting the stage for the third.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse marks the end of a significant leg of Paul's second missionary journey, concluding his ministry in Corinth and his brief stop in Ephesus. It highlights his commitment to both his Jewish heritage (observing the feast in Jerusalem) and his Gentile ministry (promising to return to Ephesus). It sets the stage for his journey to Jerusalem and Antioch, and foreshadows his eventual return to Ephesus for his third missionary journey. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Paul's humble submission to God's will ('if God will') for his future plans and ministry mirrors Christ's perfect obedience and submission to the Father's will, even in the face of difficult circumstances (e.g., Matthew 26:39). Paul's journey to Jerusalem to keep a feast, while not directly pointing to Christ's sacrifice, reflects the Jewish customs that Christ Himself observed and ultimately fulfilled through His life, death, and resurrection. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today should plan their lives and ministries with a humble and prayerful submission to God's sovereign will, acknowledging that all our intentions and future actions are conditional upon His allowance and guidance. We should seek to honor God in our commitments and trust Him with the outcomes, just as Paul did. interpretation
Cited: Acts 18:11, Acts 18:18, Acts 18:19, Acts 18:20, Acts 18:21, Acts 18:22, Acts 19:21, Acts 20:16, Matthew 26:39
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens by referring to the author's former treatise to Theophilus, tying it to Luke, and shifts into first-person plural in the travel accounts.
Acts 1:1Acts 16:10
Early traditionEarly testimony names Luke.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- bade Acts 15:29 Luke 9:61 2 Cor 13:11
- I must Acts 20:16 Deut 16:1
- if God Acts 19:21 Acts 21:14 Matt 26:39 Rom 1:10 Rom 15:32 1 Cor 4:19 Phil 2:19-24 Heb 6:3
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Time covered by Acts
About 30 years
- AD 30 or 33Approximate beginning · Acts 1
The risen Jesus instructs His apostles
Acts begins after Jesus’ resurrection and describes His ascension. - About AD 62Approximate ending · Acts 28
Paul teaches while confined in Rome
The account closes with Paul receiving visitors and teaching during two full years in his rented lodging.
The narrative moves from Jerusalem to Rome over roughly three decades. Chapters do not represent equal amounts of time.
View historical notes and sources
Using a beginning in AD 30 or 33 and an ending around AD 62 gives approximately 29–32 years. These are reconstructed dates for the events, not a date for the writing of Acts. The book does not explicitly total its elapsed years.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Acts 18
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
FocusThe journey continues
Connection to the wholePaul's departure and visits connect the Corinthian work with the wider network of churches and another period of strengthening disciples.
interpretation Apollos instructed
Acts 18:24–28FocusKnowledge made more complete
Connection to the wholePriscilla and Aquila explain the way of God more accurately to Apollos, who then helps believers and reasons from Scripture about Jesus.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Acts
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
The promised power and the Jerusalem church
Acts 1:1–2:47FocusWitness begins
Connection to the wholeJesus' promise, the coming of the Holy Ghost, Peter's preaching, and the hearers' response establish the beginning of the church's witness.
interpretation Witness and opposition in Jerusalem
Acts 3:1–7:60FocusBoldness, order, and rejection
Connection to the wholePublic testimony and growth are accompanied by internal needs and increasing opposition, culminating in Stephen's death.
interpretation The witness moves outward
Acts 8:1–12:25FocusSamaria, Saul, and Gentile hearers
Connection to the wholePersecution scatters believers; new fields open, Saul is called, and the reception of Gentiles becomes a matter publicly explained to the church.
interpretation Mission and the Gentile question
Acts 13:1–15:35FocusChurches established and the council
Connection to the wholeThe first missionary journey and the Jerusalem deliberation address the place of Gentile believers without making circumcision the entrance requirement.
interpretation FocusStrengthening and expanding witness
Connection to the wholePaul and his companions travel through new regions and revisit churches, moving toward the journey to Jerusalem despite coming danger.
interpretation Arrest, hearings, and Rome
Acts 21:17–28:31FocusTestimony through imprisonment
Connection to the wholePaul's custody becomes a setting for witness before authorities and brings him to Rome, where the account closes with continued proclamation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.