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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:
CORINTH, EPHESUS AND GALATIA

[“Intensely Occupied”]
Key word: Greeks

Acts 18:1-4 – A Tentmaker in Corinth [ca. 50 AD]

AC18:1 After this Paul departed from Athens and arrived in Corinth. 785

785

Corinth: About 50 miles across the gulf. The year is about 50 AD and Paul will spend some time here in contrast to other periods of his missionary life. In Corinth it is believed he wrote his first inspired epistles to the Thessalonians, including also another letter to them which we do not possess. It is also possible he writes his letter to the Galatians about this time. Corinth was one of the oldest [700 BC] and important in Greece, strategically located as the busy port on the Peloponnesus. Ships from all over the world visited this port. It was among the most important government and commercial centers. Its patron god was Neptune as well as Venus. On the latter the place was famous for its prostitution and sexual immorality in all its forms. So “to Corinthianize” became synonymous with the moral corruption of the city. For more details see items in the notes below.

AC18:2 And he discovered a Jew named Aquila 786 of the Pontian race, 787 recently arrived from Italy 788 with his wife Priscilla, 789 because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to depart from Rome. 790 So Paul approached them. 791

786

Aquila: His name means “Eagle” and there is a city on the coast of Spain so named. Though often mentioned second with his wife – of which much has been made – here he is mentioned first and described where his wife is not. For more details see Acts 18:18, 19, 26; Romans 16:4, 5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 4:19.

787	Pontian race: Or, RSV: a native of. A Roman province of the southwestern Black Sea.

788	Italy: [Meaning “calf”] The only other occurrences are Acts 27:1, 6 and Hebrews 13:24. It is mentioned as early as 500 BC and in the 1st Century roughly covered the area it does today.

789	Priscilla: Interestingly her name means “Little Old Lady” the same as Prisca by which she is also known. It would seem she was a Jewess.

790

Claudius had ordered all the Jews to depart from Rome: About early 50 AD. Later this couple returns to Rome and they are greeted at the conclusion of Paul’s letter. [Romans 16:4, 5] They are an example of “genuine disciples” who carried their “cross” together as husband and wife throughout an active Christian life.

791	So Paul approached them: Nothing is more joyous than when alone to come across fellow Christians in a missionary assignment. This core of three “genuine disciples” forms the original basis for a congregation in Corinth.

AC18:3 Now because he was of a similar trade 792 he remained, and they worked together for they also were tentmakers by trade. 793

792	Trade: All rabbis learned a self-supporting trade and Paul was a tent-maker. For interesting background on such rabbis read The Source by James Michner.

793

They worked together for they also were tentmakers by trade: Or, MOF: workers in leather; LAM: saddle makers; RIE: leather-workers. Though opinions vary on the precise nature of this work most agree on “tentmaker.” [The Expositor’s Greek Testament, edited by W. Nicoll, 1967, Vol. II, p. 385] This work could be done at home, though it is difficult and generally was made of goat’s hair. We can see Paul and the couple working together and imagine their godly conversation.

AC18:4 But every Sabbath Paul continued to reason in the synagogue 794 and persuade both Jews and Greeks. 795

794

Every Sabbath Paul continued to reason in the synagogue: Or, preached, addressed, had discussions, argued. Paul continues to use the Jewish synagogue system to seed-plant the Gospel. It is from this center he also reaches the non-Jews. As long as he was welcomed he continued to use the synagogue as his first place of action.

795	Persuade both Jews and Greeks: Or, convince, win over. Non-Jews often attended synagogue meetings, some seriously, and others just out of curiosity.

Acts 18:5-11 – Intense Activity in Corinth

AC18:5 However, when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, 796 Paul became completely absorbed with preaching, 797 thoroughly witnessing 798 to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 799

796	Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia: About 300 miles.

797

Paul became completely absorbed with preaching: Or, pressed in spirit, earnestly occupied, preaching fervently, devoted himself entirely. That is, he discontinued his part time work as a tentmaker that had limited him to preaching only once a week. It is very likely Silas and Timothy brought gifts from Philippi, perhaps the kindly Lydia. See notes on Philippians 4:15.

798	Thoroughly witnessing: Or, full witness, solemnly affirming, emphatically assuring, strongly urging.

799	Jesus was the Christ: Or, Messiah.

AC18:6 Then when the Jews kept opposing and blaspheming him, 800 he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be upon your heads! 801 I am free of responsibility! From now on I shall go to the non-Jews.” 802

800	Jews kept opposing and blaspheming him: Or, defaming, abusive, said evil words, reviled. When arguments fail the only thing left is adhominem attacks on the person.

801	Your blood be upon your heads: Or, RIE: responsibility for your fate. The Greek is simply, “I [am] clean.” [KATHAROS EGO] Compare Acts 20:26.

802	From now on I shall go to the non-Jews: Paul has said something similar at Acts 13:46. Now, though he will still take advantage of the synagogue and other Jewish festivals, he moves deeper into the non-Jewish world.

AC18:7 So Paul stepped over from there and went to the house of someone named Titius Justus 803 who reverenced 804 The God. His house was right up against the synagogue. 805

803	Titius Justus: Possibly the first fruitage in Corinth.

804	Reverenced: A term for either a righteous non-Jew or a Jewish proselyte. See Acts 17:4, 17.

805	His house was right up against the synagogue: Or, joined hard, next door.

AC18:8 Now the synagogue-ruler Crispus 806 believed in the Master, together with all his entire household. Also, many of the Corinthians 807 who listened to Paul believed and were baptized.

806	Synagogue-ruler Crispus: Or, president, leader, warden. The Greek is ARCHISYNAGOGOS. Among Jews the presiding officer of the synagogue was also called the “messenger” or “angel.” See notes on Revelation 2:1. Crispus was baptized by Paul. [1 Corinthians 1:14]

807	Many of the Corinthians: The foundation of the ecclesia in Corinth, later filled with great difficulties and disunity. [Compare the Nazarene Commentary 2000© on 1 Corinthians.]

AC18:9 Then one night in a vision the Master said to Paul: “Do continue to fear, but keep speaking and never be silent, 808

808	Never be silent: Or, never stop, do not give up.

AC18:10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you harmfully, because I have many people in this city.” 809

809	I have many people in this city: Almost an echo of the 7,000 unknown to Elijah. [1 Kings 19:18; Romans 11:4] Again Christ knows where the sheep are.

AC18:11 And he settled down for a year and six months among them, teaching [the Corinthians] the Word of The God.

Acts 18:12-17 – Jewish Opposition

AC18:12 Now when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, 810 the Jews 811 made a united attack against Paul and dragged him before the judgment-seat,

810	Gallio was proconsul of Achaia: A Spaniard whose original name was Lucius Novatus and the adopted son of Seneca. His name has been uncovered in an inscription and his reign has been confirmed to be about 51/52 AD.

811	Jews: Some manuscripts say Greeks and others leave it unnamed.

AC18:13 saying: “This person is illegally persuading people to revere The God.” 812

812	Illegally persuading people to revere The God: Or, worship God contrary to the law, unlawful manner.

AC18:14 So when Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews: “Certainly, O Jews, if this was a criminal matter of harming others, I would have a reason to side with you, AC18:15 but since it is a controversy about words and names and your own Law, you should look after it. I have no wish to judge these [religious] matters.” AC18:16 And so he drove them away from the judgment-seat. AC18:17 Then [all the Jews] grabbed the synagogue-ruler Sosthenes 813 and beat him before the judgment-seat. However, Gallio was completely unconcerned.

813	Sosthenes: Some believe him to be the successor of Crispus after the latter became a Christian. He possibly becomes a Christian himself. [1 Corinthians 1:1]

Acts 18:18-22 – Syria, Ephesus, Caesarea and Antioch

AC18:18 After this Paul remained sometime longer 814 and then said good-bye to the brothers and sailed off to Syria, 815 taking Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae 816 Paul cropped his hair because he had [fulfilled] a vow. 817

814	After this Paul remained sometime longer: The whole period was a year and a half as shown above.

815	Sailed off to Syria: Some of the most beautiful isle and coast in the world, visited to this day by millions of tourists. Syria covers a great area.

816	Cenchreae: About 7 miles away. Later a congregation is formed here [Romans 16:1, 2] where the sister Phoebe also lived.

817

Paul cropped his hair because he had [fulfilled] a vow: Or, shorn his head, shaved, cut off; had taken an oath. [Numbers 6:18; Acts 21:23] To Jews vows and oaths were of serious concern. Compare Numbers 6:18; 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:4, 22; Ecclesiastes 5:4-6. We have no details regarding this vow of Paul’s, though some think he may have made the vow before becoming a Christian and still felt duty-bound to fulfill it. Something similar happens later. [Acts 21:23] Jesus discouraged oaths and swearing, though a vow is something done without an oath.

AC18:19 So they all arrived at Ephesus 818 where he left [the couple] while he went straight to the synagogue 819 and reasoned with the Jews.

818

Ephesus: A boat trip of about 300 miles through some of the most beautiful isles in the world. A congregation will be formed here and Paul will revisit the area. It is believe the aged apostle John spent his last days here. It is one of the congregations the Master himself sent a letter. [Revelation 2:1] It was an extremely important commercial city.

819	He went straight to the synagogue: It is interesting that for some reason Paul does not take the couple with him. Though he has stated he turns to the non-Jews, Paul continues to center his work around the Jewish synagogue with great success.

AC18:20 When they asked Paul to spend some more time with them, he did not give them the nod. AC18:21 However, as he began to leave he said: “God-willing I will return to you.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. AC18:22 Upon going ashore at Caesarea, 820 he directly went up and greeted the congregation, and then left for Antioch. 821

820	Caesarea: See notes elsewhere. Paul sails almost 1,000 miles.

821	Antioch: Sailing north about 300 miles.

Acts 18:23 – Strengthening Galatia

AC18:23 After spending some time there he left and traveled from place to place throughout the provinces of Galatia and Phrygia, 822 confirming all the disciples. 823

822	Traveled from place to place throughout the provinces of Galatia and Phrygia: We do not know the details but the time and travel would be considerable. Likely he revisited all the congregations he had started as well as new locations.

823	Confirming all the disciples: Or, strengthening, reassuring. We can imagine the joy of old disciples as well as those who had only heard of Paul.

Acts 18:24-28 – Apollos in Ephesus

AC18:24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos 824 of the Alexandrian race arrived in Ephesus. He was an eloquent 825 man who was powerful in the Scriptures. 826

824	Apollos: See notes on 1 Corinthians 1:10-12; 16:12. A dynamic and charismatic disciple of John the Baptist. It is possible he was educated in Alexandria, the center of learning of the 1st Century with the largest library of the ancient world.

825	Eloquent: Or, learned, cultured, gift speaker.

826	Powerful in the Scriptures: Or, KJV: mighty in the scriptures; KNX: well grounded; BEC: mighty in the Bible; RIE: a great authority on; GDS: skilful in the use of. The Greek is DYNATOS [or, dynamic].

AC18:25 He had been orally instructed in the way of the Master 827 and enthusiastically spoke 828 and taught accurately the [truths] about Jesus, 829 though he was only acquainted with the baptism of John. 830

827	Orally instructed in the way of the Master: orally taught, trained in. Compare the Greek with Galatians 6:6. Modern readers some times forget the Bible had to be generally learned orally as very few had access to the written Word. The Greek is KATEKHMENO [or, taught by an echo].

828	Enthusiastically spoke: Or, fervent in the spirit; burning zeal, spiritual fervor, glowing with, fiery enthusiasm. The Greek is ZEON TO PNEUMATI [or, boiling regarding the pneuma; pneumatically aglow, on fire.]

829	Taught accurately the [truths] about Jesus: Or, diligently, painstakingly, carefully. It infers one could also be taught inaccurately.

830

Only acquainted with the baptism of John: There are a couple of possibilities: a] he was a baptized disciple of John who having been gone to Alexandria did not know about another baptism; and, b] had been incorrectly baptized in John’s baptism after Pentecost. This subject also occurs at Acts 19:3. John’s baptism of repentance regarding sins under the Law was no longer valid after Pentecost. John himself had foretold a new baptism to replace his. [Matthew 3:11]

AC18:26 He started to speak boldly in the synagogue. However, when Priscilla and Aquila 831 heard him, they took him aside and expounded the Way of The God more correctly 832 to him.

831	Priscilla and Aquila: Some draw certain conclusions because she is mentioned first, however, one can see that Barnabas is mentioned before Paul when in fact the latter was the one taking the lead in speaking and teaching.

832	They took him aside and expounded the Way of The God more correctly: Given the cultural background of the Jews, Aquila would take the lead in this. Paul later gives instructions regarding women teaching in the Church. [See notes on 1 Corinthians 14:35 and 1 Timothy 2:12]

AC18:27 Then when Apollos desired to travel to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. 833 When he arrived, he greatly helped 834 those who by unmerited favor had believed,

833	Wrote to the disciples to welcome him: Such letters from congregation elders introducing a visiting brother were common among both Jews and Christians.

834	He greatly helped: Or, useful, great assistance, reinforcement, great service. It is unlikely Apollos was yet an elder as he was a neophyte. It would seem he was a very hard working deacon, or servant. [See notes on 1 Timothy 3:1-11]

AC18:28 for he completely refuted the Jews in public, 835 showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

835	Completely refuted the Jews in public: Or, convinced, powerfully confuted, vigorously confuted, powerful debater. Apollos is a zealous evangelizer who spreads the Gospel among the Jews.

Review Questions on Chapter Eighteen