We will be looking at Chapter 18: 1-17. Here is a brief summary of Acts 18:1-17, which details the Apostle Paul’s ministry in Corinth. This passage offers valuable lessons on perseverance, divine encouragement, and God’s protection. Paul in Corinth:
• Meeting Aquila and Priscilla (18:1-3): Paul arrived in Corinth, where he met a Jewish couple, Aquila and Priscilla, who had recently come from Italy due to Emperor Claudius’s decree expelling Jews from Rome. Paul stayed and worked with them, as they were tentmakers by trade.
• Preaching in the Synagogue (18:4-6): Every Sabbath, Paul reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks. When opposition arose, Paul declared that he would focus on the Gentiles, stating, "Your blood be on your own heads; I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.". Does this remind you of an Old Testament warning given to Ezekiel?
• Conversions and Encouragement (18:7-11): Paul moved to the house of Titius Justus, a God-fearing Gentile who lived next to the synagogue. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord, along with many Corinthians who were baptized. The Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, encouraging him to keep speaking and not be silent, assuring him of His presence and protection. Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching the word of God.
• Opposition and Divine Protection (18:12-17): The Jews united against Paul and brought him to Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, accusing him of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law. Gallio dismissed the case, stating it was a matter of Jewish law and not a concern for Roman authority. The crowd then turned on Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and beat him, but Gallio showed no concern.
