Acts 18: Summary, Key Verses and Study Questions

Paul leaves Athens and goes to Corinth, where he finds Aquila, a Jew from Pontus, and his wife Priscilla, who had left Rome because Claudius ordered all the Jews to leave. Because they share his trade, Paul lives and works with them making tents, and every Sabbath he reasons in the synagogue with Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy come, he devotes himself entirely to the word, testifying that Jesus is the Christ. The Jews oppose and blaspheme, and he says that from now on he will go to the Gentiles. He moves to the house of Titius Justus, next to the synagogue; Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believes with all his household, and many Corinthians believe and are baptized.

One night the Lord says to him in a vision not to be afraid, to keep speaking, for he is with him and has many people in that city. Paul stays a year and six months teaching the word of God. When Gallio is proconsul of Achaia, the Jews bring Paul to the tribunal and accuse him of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law. Gallio says these are questions about words and their own law, and he drives them away. Then they beat Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, in front of the tribunal.

Paul takes leave and sails for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he cuts his hair because of a vow. He leaves Priscilla and Aquila at Ephesus, argues in the synagogue and promises to return. He goes down to Antioch and then through Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples.

Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures, comes to Ephesus. He teaches accurately the things about Jesus, though he knows only the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila take him aside and explain the way of God more accurately. Apollos goes to Achaia with a letter from the brothers, helps the believers and refutes the Jews, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

Aquila and Priscilla show that ministry does not depend on an office. They opened their home, worked with Paul and taught Apollos. In your group, ask how you can use your home, your trade and your friendship for service, without waiting for a title.

The Lord encouraged Paul in his fear and did not ask for courage without giving assurance. If something in God's work frightens you, remember the promise: God is with you and has many people in the place where he has put you.