Change of Companions and the Beginning Of the Journey, 15:36-41.
[36] Paul and Barnabas had remained to teach in Antioch. Now it seemed time to go on another journey. There was a need to visit those churches which had been established on the first journey. Such a need is noted in Paul’s letter to the Christians in Galatia, where the churches were beginning to follow a different teaching (Galatians 1:6-10). A young church can easily be led into error. We need to reach out to establish new congregations. We also need to remember those new churches and return from time to time to give them spiritual strength.
[37-41] Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. Barnabas and Mark were related (Colossians 4:10). He wanted to give Mark another opportunity. Paul was not willing to do so. This caused a sharp disagreement between these two men. It is unpleasant to think that such men would behave this way, but we can learn a valuable lesson here. First, even Christians may have disagreements. Second, and more importantly, this resulted in two teams of missionaries being sent out. Barnabas and Mark went in one direction. Paul chose Silas, and they went a different way. Silas was one of the men mentioned earlier (verses 27, 32). He and Paul went by land through Syria and Cilicia. Paul had established churches in those regions, before embarking on the first missionary journey (see Galatians 1:21). Those churches were visited and strengthened. After passing through the regions, they reached the area where churches had been established on the first journey.
Acts 16:1-10
16 1 Paul went to the towns of Derbe and Lystra. A follower of Jesus named Timothy was there. Timothy’s mother was a Jewish believer. His father was not a Jew. 2 The brothers in the towns of Lystra and Iconium respected Timothy. They said good things about him. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to travel with him, but all of the Jewish people living in that area knew that Timothy’s father was not Jewish. Therefore, Paul took Timothy and circumcised him to please the Jews. 4 Then Paul and Timothy were traveling through other towns. They gave the believers the rules and decisions from the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. Paul and Timothy told the believers to obey these rules. 5 So, the congregations were becoming stronger in the faith and they were growing every day. 6 Paul and Timothy went through the countries of Phrygia and Galatia. The Holy Spirit did not allow them to preach the Good News in the country of Asia. 7 They went near the land of Mysia. They wanted to go into the country of Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus didn’t let them go in. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to the city of Troas. 9 That night Paul saw a vision. In this vision, a man from the country of Macedonia appeared to Paul. The man stood there begging him, “Come across to Macedonia. Help us!” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, immediately we prepared to leave for Macedonia. We understood that God had called us to tell the Good News to those people.
The Churches of the First Journey Are Visited, 16:1-5.
[1-2] Paul’s earlier experiences in this region may be seen in Acts 14:6-21. Timothy was one of the converts on the first journey. From the time of this visit recorded here, he became one of Paul’s most valued companions.
[3-5] It was evidently Timothy’s mixed parentage which caused Paul to have him circumcised. There is no indication that this was done as a religious rite. It was considered necessary simply so that Timothy would be identified as a Jew. Paul never objected to circumcision as a tribal rite. He objected to the making of a tribal rite into a religious requirement. Circumcision originated in the agreement between God and Abraham over 400 years before the giving of the law of Moses (Genesis 17; Galatians 3:16-17). We must always distinguish between the law of God and the customs of men.
Preaching in Phrygia and Galatia, 16:6-10
[6-9] Paul found his own plans overruled by the Holy Spirit. Paul went straight to the seacoast town of Troas. There he saw a vision which made clearer why the Spirit did not want him to stay in Asia or Bithynia.
[10] Paul saw clearly the guidance of God and left at once for Macedonia. We might notice here that Luke, the author of the Book of Acts, joined Paul’s company. This is indicated by the use of the pronoun “we.” It can be seen by this evidence that Luke remained with Paul’s group until they left Philippi, probably to help the young church there. On Paul’s third journey, Luke joined the party again (Acts 20:6) and went on to Jerusalem (Acts 21:17). Later he joined Paul again, this time on Paul’s voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1).
Acts 16:11-15
11 We left Troas by ship and sailed to the island of Samothrace. The next day, we sailed to the town of Neapolis. 12 Then we went to Philippi. Philippi is an important city in that part of Macedonia. It is a city for Romans. We stayed there for a few days. 13 On the Sabbath day, we went through the city gate to the river. At the river we thought we might find a special place for prayer. Some women had gathered there. So, we sat down and talked with them. 14 There was a woman named Lydia from the city of Thyatira. Her job was selling purple cloth. She worshiped the true God. Lydia listened to Paul. The Lord opened her heart and she believed the things which Paul said. 15 She and all of the people living in her house were immersed. Then Lydia invited us into her home. She said, “If you think I am truly a believer in the Lord Jesus, then come stay in my house.” She persuaded us.
Preaching in Philippi, 16:11-15
[11-12] To reach their destination, the best course was to cross the Aegean Sea. Neapolis was the seaport for Philippi. The city of Philippi was situated some 15 kilometres from Neapolis. As a Roman colony, the city was organized like the political and military mother city, Rome. It served as a military outpost and an example of Roman law. Paul had then reached the continent of Europe and was in a Roman community for the first time.
[13] Apparently, there were very few Jews in Philippi. There is no mention of a synagogue. Normally, a synagogue was built in every place where at least ten Jewish men resided. Paul went outside the city, searching for a group of people who were meeting for prayer. Paul found the prayer meeting and used the opportunity to teach the people.
[14] Lydia was a business woman who lived in Philippi. Her trade was in a very expensive type of cloth. She must have been a religious woman. There are a number of circumstances in the conversion of Lydia which remind us of that of Cornelius. Her character must have been much like his. Evidently, she was seeking the way of the Lord. Paul had seen a vision which took him to Lydia just as Peter’s vision was connected with his visit to Cornelius. After Paul’s arrival, we are told that the Lord opened Lydia’s heart. Just what this implies we are not told. We know that in the providence of God, seekers will find (Matthew 7:7-11). Perhaps Lydia was seeking more knowledge about God’s way. As in the case of Cornelius, it was the Word of the Lord which brought salvation (Acts 11:14). Even in the days of miracles, salvation came through hearing the Word of the Lord (Romans 10:12-17). The purpose of miracles was not to save people (see John 20:30-31). Lydia listened to the teaching of Paul.
[15] Lydia accepted the teachings of Paul as true and was immersed immediately. There was no delay. There was no requirement to attend catechism class or other church ordinance, as is often required today. In the New Testament, the baptism of believers was never delayed. It was clearly understood that baptism was the door into the church. It was understood that it was for the forgiveness of sins. It has been argued by some that the conversion of Lydia’s “household” implies that infants were baptized. There is no indication whatsoever that this was so. Any doctrine which has to rely on such a presumption is dangerous indeed. Nothing in the New Testament teaches the practice of infant baptism.
Acts 16:16-28
16 Once we were going to the place for prayer. A slave-girl met us. She had an evil spirit in her. This spirit gave her the power to tell what would happen in the future. By doing this, she earned a lot of money for the men who owned her. 17 This girl followed Paul and us everywhere. She said loudly, “These men are servants of the Highest God! They are telling you how you can be saved!” 18 She continued doing this for many days. This bothered Paul, so he turned and said to the spirit, “By the authority of Jesus Christ, I order you to come out of her!” At that moment, the spirit came out. 19 The men who owned the slave-girl saw this. These men knew that they could no longer use her to make money. So they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them into the meeting place of the city. The city officials were there. 20 The men brought Paul and Silas to the leaders and said, “These men are Jews who are making trouble in our city. 21 They are telling the people to do things which are not right for us. We are Roman citizens and cannot do these things.” 22 The crowd was against Paul and Silas. Then the leaders tore off the clothes of Paul and Silas and ordered some men to beat them with rods. 23 The men beat them many times. Then the leaders threw Paul and Silas in jail. The leaders commanded the jailor, “Guard them very carefully!” 24 The jailor heard this special order. So he put Paul and Silas into the inner prison far inside the jail. He locked their feet in wooden stocks. 25 About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly, there was a great earthquake. It was so strong that it shook the foundations of the jail. Then all the doors of the jail quickly opened. All prisoners were freed from their chains. 27 The jailor woke up. He saw that the jail doors were open. He thought that the prisoners had escaped. So the jailor took his sword and was ready to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t hurt yourself! We are all here!”
Paul and Silas Are Imprisoned, 16:16-24.
[16-18] Paul met a girl who was demon-possessed. She was owned by some men who used her to deceive the people. The Greeks believed in many gods. They believed that those gods spoke through certain people, and it was believed that this girl spoke for the gods. Such people often made sounds which were thought to be a language. But no person understood. Some were deceived and believed that the gods were speaking. Sometimes Satan used such people to deliver messages. On this occasion, this girl was speaking in a language understood by the people. She was telling the very truth Paul wished the people to know. But because Paul did not wish to associate the truth of God with demons or idolatrous religions, he cast out the demon.
[19-24] When the girl’s owners saw what had happened, they brought persecution against Paul and Silas. This was the first instance of persecution at the hands of Gentiles. It should be noticed that the charges brought against them had nothing to do with what had actually happened. Nothing was said about casting out the demon. What we see here is mob “justice,” much like what happened in the trial of the Lord. There is no indication that any sort of trial was held.
Conversion of the Jailor, 16:25-34.
[25-26] They were praising God in the middle of the night. Their backs were ripped and bleeding from the beating. Their feet were in stocks so they could not even rest. Their minds probably remembered the injustice of the whole situation. But they were praising God! God had greater things for these men to do than remaining in prison. As God controls all the world, He used an earthquake to serve His purpose here. The quake was so powerful that the very foundation of the jail was broken, and the prisoners’ chains were unfastened.
[27] The jailor was about to kill himself. Roman law said that he was responsible for his prisoners. Believing they had escaped, he decided to take his own life. There would be less shame and pain in doing this than in being executed (compare Acts 12:19).
Acts 16:29-34
29 The jailor told someone to bring a light. Then he ran inside. He was shaking. He fell down in front of Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside and asked, “Men, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They said to him, “Commit yourself to the Lord Jesus and you will be saved – you and all the people living in your house.” 32 So, Paul and Silas told the story of the Lord Jesus to the jailor and to all the people in his house. 33 It was late at night, but the jailor took Paul and Silas and washed their wounds. The jailor and all of his people were immersed right away. 34 After this, the jailor took Paul and Silas and gave them some food. All of the people were very happy because they now trusted in God.
[28-30] Paul cried out to stop the man from killing himself. The events the jailor had witnessed were evidence to him that Paul and Silas were not ordinary men. He immediately brought these two out of the prison. He asked them what he should do to be saved. Just how much he understood about salvation we do not know. Remember, this man was Roman. It is not likely that he knew anything about the law of Moses or of Jesus Christ. He may have heard something about the “way of salvation” from the demon-possessed girl (verse 17).
[31-34] Whatever the jailor’s understanding, Paul began with the first step toward the Lord. That is commitment (belief). Some have taken this case of conversion as proof that all one needs to do to be saved is to believe in the Lord. Certainly belief is important. But do not be deceived into thinking that faith is all there is to salvation.
Here was the situation: As this man did not even know about Jesus Christ, Paul said he must first believe. After this general statement, he told the story of the Lord to the jailor and his household (verse 32). In this way they could come to know about Christ. Belief comes from hearing the Word (Romans 10:12-17). After hearing about Christ, the jailor evidently did believe. This is shown by his tender care of the wounds of Paul and Silas. Here we see his repentance. His belief led him to be immersed. The urgency of this was such that he did not even wait until the dawning of a new day. What greater evidence do we need of the importance of this obedient act which brings us into Christ? (Galatians 3:27).
Some claim to have found evidence of infant baptism here because the jailor’s whole family was baptized. Nothing is mentioned here of infants. Those baptized were the ones Paul taught. They were old enough to listen to the teaching. They were old enough to rejoice after baptism (verse 34). There is no evidence for infant baptism here or elsewhere in the New Testament.
The house was not the location of the baptism. The practice of baptism was always immersion (note John 3:23; Acts 8:35-39). We can be sure the people baptized there were adults and that they were immersed.
There was great rejoicing following their immersion. This rejoicing was like that of the Ethiopian (Acts 8:39) after his baptism. It is no wonder that they rejoiced. Their sins had been washed away (see Acts 22:16). They had been buried with Christ and raised to live a new life (Romans 6:3-4). Such should be the rejoicing of all who have done the same thing today.
Acts 16:35-40
35 The next morning, the leaders sent some soldiers to tell the jailor this: “Let these men go free!” 36 The jailor said to Paul, “The leaders have sent these soldiers to set you free. You may leave now. Go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to the soldiers, “Your leaders did not prove that we did anything wrong, yet they beat us in public and put us in jail. We are Roman citizens. Now the leaders want to make us go away quietly. No! The leaders must come and bring us out!” 38 The soldiers told the leaders what Paul had said. When the leaders heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were afraid. 39 So, the leaders came and told Paul and Silas how sorry they were. The leaders led them out of jail and kept asking them to leave the city. 40 But when they came out of the jail, they went to Lydia’s house. They saw some of the brothers there and encouraged them. Then Paul and Silas left.
The Prisoners Released, 16:35-40.
[35-40] By the next day, the leaders were ready to free Paul and Silas. The jailor was pleased to take this news to them. But the matter was complicated when they did not seem willing to leave. The reason for this was that the magistrates had acted unlawfully. Under the Roman government, it was not lawful for a Roman citizen to be beaten. On the previous day, the soldiers took Paul and Silas and beat them to satisfy the mob. They did not realize then that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. Paul and Silas refused to go out until the officials came to make an apology.
Apparently, Luke had remained at Philippi to strengthen the brethren. He joined the group again on the third missionary journey when they passed through Philippi (Acts 20:6). The church at Philippi was one of Paul’s favourites. While in prison in Rome, he wrote them a letter which is in the New Testament
Acts 17:1-15
17 1 Paul and Silas traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia. Then they came to the city of Thessalonica. In that city there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 According to Paul’s custom, he went to them in this synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures. 3 Paul explained and clearly showed that the Messiah must die and then rise from death. Paul said, “This Jesus, whom I announce to you, is the Messiah!” 4 Some of the Jews believed Paul and Silas and joined them. In the synagogue there were many Greeks. They worshiped the true God. There were also many important women. They joined Paul and Silas, too. 5 But the Jews who didn’t believe became jealous. They hired some evil men from the city to gather many people and make trouble in the city. The people went to Jason’s house looking for Paul and Silas. The men wanted to bring them out to the people. 6 But the group didn’t find them. So, the people dragged Jason and some of the other brothers to the leaders of the city. The people all cried out, “These men have made trouble everywhere in the world. And now they have come here, too! 7 Jason is keeping them in his house. All of them do things against the laws of Caesar. They say that there is another king named Jesus.” 8 The leaders of the city and the crowd heard these things. They became very upset. 9 They made Jason and the other brothers post bond. Then they let them go free. 10 That same night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas to another town named Berea. In Berea, Paul and Silas went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 These Jews were better people than the ones in Thessalonica. These Jews were very happy to listen to the things which Paul and Silas said. They wanted to know whether these things were true or not. They studied the Old Testament Scriptures every day. 12 Many of these Jews believed. Many important Greek men and women also believed. 13 But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was telling God’s message in Berea, they came to Berea, too. The Jews from Thessalonica made the people in Berea upset and they caused trouble. 14 So the believers quickly sent Paul away to the sea, while Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea. 15 The believers who went with Paul took him to the city of Athens. These brothers carried a message from Paul back to Silas and Timothy. It said, “Come to me as soon as you can!”
The Journey to Thessalonica, 17:1-4.
[1-4] Paul made his way straight to Thessalonica. This was about 165 kilometres from Philippi. According to his practice, Paul went to the synagogue. Some of the Jews accepted the evidence that Christ was the Messiah. In addition to them, a large number of the Greeks also became followers of the Lord.
The Persecution in Thessalonica, 17:5-9.
[5] The response to this new religious movement caused the Jews to be jealous. Persecution was therefore brought against this Christian community.
[6-7] The Jews were unable to answer the reasoning of Paul and Silas. Jason was evidently one of the Jewish converts. Paul and Silas were probably staying with Jason. It was claimed that the Christians were opposing the Roman Emperor, Caesar. Such a charge was also placed against our Lord (see Luke 23:2).
[8-9] The authorities were frightened. This was an important charge. If these men were truly opposing Caesar and they were freed, it would bring trouble to the authorities. However, they did let them go. This indicated that they did not consider the evidence against them to be valid.
Going to Berea and Athens, 17:10-15.
[10-12] In Berea, Paul and Silas met with Jews who were interested in the truth. Their example is one which all people should follow today. They received the Word with eagerness. They examined the Scriptures daily. They wanted to know that what Paul taught was true (1 John 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). The result of such honest searching was that many believed.
[13-15] The persecutors followed Paul and Silas from city to city. In Berea, they tried to arouse mob violence again. Paul was sent away immediately, probably because he was marked as the leader of the Christian movement.
Acts 17:16-28
16 Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens. Paul felt deeply troubled, because he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 In the synagogue, Paul debated with the Jews and the Greeks who worshiped the true God. Every day he also debated with some people in the business district of the city, with people who just happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers argued with him. Some of them said, “This man doesn’t really know what he is talking about. What is he trying to say?” Paul was telling them the Good News about Jesus rising from death. So, they said, “He seems to be telling us about some other gods.” 19 They got Paul and took him to a meeting of the Areopagus Council. They said, “Please explain to us this new idea which you have been teaching. 20 The things that you are saying are so new to us. We have never heard these things before. We want to know what this teaching means.” 21 (All the people of Athens and the people from other countries who lived there always used their time to talk about any new idea.) 22 Then Paul stood before the meeting of the Areopagus Council. Paul said, “Men of Athens, I can see that you are very religious in all things. 23 I was going through your city and I saw the things you worship. I found an altar which had these words written on it: ‘TO THE GOD WHO IS NOT KNOWN.’ You worship a God you don’t know. This is the God I am telling you about! 24 He is the God who made the whole world and everything in it. He is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. He doesn’t live in temples which men build! 25 This God is the One who gives men life, breath, and everything else. He doesn’t need any help from men; God has everything He needs. 26 God started with one man. He made all the different people in the world to live everywhere. God decided exactly when and where they must live. 27 He wanted the people to look for Him. Perhaps they could search all around for Him and find Him – He is not far from any of us: 28 ‘In Him, we live, we walk, we are.’ Some of your own writers have said: ‘For we are God’s children.’
Paul Begins His Work in Athens, 17:16-21.
[16] Athens was one of the greatest ancient cities. Its teachers and philosophers were known throughout the world. It was also a city of idolatry.
[17-21] Paul wanted to teach the Jews in the synagogue. Daily he went into the marketplace where he might have had a chance to speak for Christ. When some of the philosophers heard his teaching, they tried to question him further. To accomplish this, they took him to a more private place where they gave him a chance to explain his teaching.
Acts 17:29-34
29 Therefore, we are God’s children. So you must not think that God is something like what man imagines or makes out of silver or stone. 30 In the past, although man didn’t understand God, God ignored this, but now, God commands every person in the world to change his heart. 31 God has set a day when He will judge the whole world. He will be fair, using a man to do this. He chose this man a long time ago. God proved it to everyone by raising that man from death!” 32 When the people heard about Jesus rising from death, some of them began to laugh at Paul. The people said, “We will hear more about this from you later.” 33 Paul left them. 34 However, some of the people did believe Paul and joined him. One of them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus Council. Another was a woman named Damaris. There were some others, too.
Paul’s Teaching to the Areopagus Council, 17:22-31.
[22-23] Since Paul’s teaching was about religious matters, he established a common ground between himself and his hearers. He noted the evidence of their religion. In his observations, he pointed out that, by their own admission, there was an “unknown god.” Paul knew that these Gentiles did not know about the true God. They did not know the Old Testament revelation. Therefore, he chose to connect their own understanding of the spirit world with what he had to say.
[24-29] The God who Paul preached about was the Creator of the world. Since He made all things, He does not need a temple in which to live.
People of all ages have recognized the existence of a supreme power. They have sought to worship this power. Many men have understood very little about God and have worshipped Him in many ways. Some have worshipped such things as rivers, the sun, the moon, and other natural expressions of power. Others have made images which they supposed represented God and have worshipped those idols. Many have thought that God was not interested in man and have tried to reach God through their ancestors. All such ideas came to people who did not have a revelation from God which explained who God was and is.
Paul spoke by special revelation. He told these people that the true God is really near at hand. They could find Him. To support his argument, Paul mentioned a statement made by a Greek poet. This poet recognized that God was alive. He recognized men as the children of God. Since this is so, Paul concluded that they should not think God (the Father of mankind) was like any image made of gold.
[30] Paul did not say that people were forgiven for their ignorance. In a similar statement, he said God had allowed all the nations to do what they wanted (Acts 14:16). In Romans, Paul said God handed them over (Romans 1:24) and passed over sins (Romans 3:25). He also said they were ‘Without excuse” (Romans 2:1). What Paul meant was that God had not made a worldwide effort to break up the ignorance of man until this time. Now He was calling for all people to repent.
[31] The basis of the judgement will be righteousness. In His revelation, God explained the righteous life and appealed to men to follow it. He has also appointed the judge, Jesus Christ. As assurance of God’s plan, Christ came back from the dead. This is proof of life after death.
The Effects of His Speech, 17:32-34.
[32-34] Paul was not permitted to continue his teaching. The idea of a body returning from the grave was displeasing to the Greeks. They could not accept such an idea. This brought some to mock Paul’s teaching. However, a few did believe.
Acts 18:1-11
18 1 Later Paul left Athens and went to the city of Corinth. 2 In Corinth, he met a Jewish man named Aquila. Aquila was born in the country of Pontus. Aquila and his wife, Priscilla, had recently moved to Corinth from Italy. They left Italy, because Claudius the Emperor had commanded all Jews to get out of Rome. Paul went to visit Aquila and Priscilla. 3 They were tentmakers, the same as Paul. Paul was staying there and working with them. 4 Every Sabbath day Paul debated with the Jews and Greeks in the synagogue. He tried to persuade them to believe. 5 Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia to Paul in Corinth. After this, Paul used all his time to tell people the Good News. He showed the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. 6 But the Jews would not accept Paul’s teaching. They said some terrible things. So, Paul shook off the dust from his clothes. He said to the Jews, “If you are not saved, it will be your own fault! I have done all that I can do! After this, I will go to non-Jewish people!” 7 Paul left the synagogue and moved into the home of Titius Justus. This man worshiped the true God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus was the leader of that synagogue. Crispus and all of the people who were living in his house trusted in the Lord Jesus. Many other people in Corinth also listened to Paul. They too believed and were immersed. 9 Paul had a vision during the night. The Lord said to him, “Don’t be afraid! Keep on talking to people; don’t be quiet! 10 I am with you. No one will be able to hurt you. I have many people in this city.” 11 Paul stayed there for a year and a half, teaching God’s message to the people.
Paul Begins His Work at Corinth, 18:1-4.
[1-4] Paul remained only a short time in Athens. Perhaps he was there no more than three or four weeks.
Corinth was located about 50 kilometres to the west. Paul apparently reached this city alone, discouraged and without money. A major concern under these circumstances was a job for support. This need was supplied quickly. He met a Jewish man and his wife, Aquila and Priscilla, who were tentmakers. This was Paul’s own trade, and so he joined them in the business. We do not know if Aquila and Priscilla became Christians before being expelled from Rome. It is likely that they did. They are spoken of later as firm Christians.
While Paul worked to support himself, he spent much time teaching the people. Soon a church grew in this city. Paul spent 18 months there and later wrote letters, which we have in the New Testament, to the Christians at Corinth.
The Arrival of Silas and Timothy, 18:5-11.
[5] Silas and Timothy had spent some time in Macedonia strengthening the new churches. They had both been in Berea for a time. We note in the Thessalonian letters that Timothy had joined Paul in Athens for a time but was sent back to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2). Now he joined Paul in Corinth. He brought good news about the condition of the church in Thessalonica. In response to this news, Paul wrote the letter we call First Thessalonians. This letter was probably the very first of the New Testament books written. The second letter to the Thessalonians followed the first letter a few months later. Paul’s stay in Corinth seems to be dated in the years A.D. 51-52. So this was the date of the Thessalonian letters.
[6] The hostility of the Jews toward Paul’s message caused him to leave. In a clear, symbolic way Paul shook his clothes so they would be free from even the dust of the synagogue (see Acts 13:51). He would have no further contact with these men. He turned to the Gentiles, as he had in the past, because they accepted the gospel more readily.
[7-8] He was invited into the house of Titius Justus, next door to the synagogue. Not all of the Jews rejected Paul’s message; Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed. Paul mentioned this man in his first letter to Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:14). Many others also turned to the Lord. While the details of their conversion are not given, the steps which they took are clear. They heard the words of Paul, believed, and were immersed. This is the process of conversion.
[9-11] Paul was very discouraged at this time. Something about his attitude is noted in his first letter to the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 2:3). Remember, this was a time of visions (Acts 2:17). To comfort Paul during this time, he received a message from the Lord (see Acts 23:11; 27:23f.).
Acts 18:12-21
12 Some of the Jews came together with only one thing in mind – to stop Paul. They took him to court. Gallio had become the governor of the country of Achaia. 13 The Jews said to Gallio, “This man is influencing people to worship God in a way that is against our law!” 14 Paul was ready to say something, but Gallio spoke to the Jews. Gallio said, “I would listen to you Jews if you were complaining about a terrible crime or some wrong. 15 But the things you are claiming are only questions about words and names – arguments about your own law. You must solve this problem yourselves. I don’t want to be a judge over these matters.” 16 Then Gallio made them leave the courtroom. 17 So, they all grabbed Sosthenes. (Sosthenes was now leader of the synagogue.) They were beating him in front of the court house, but this didn’t bother Gallio at all. 18 Paul stayed with the brothers for many days. Then he left and sailed for Syria. Priscilla and Aquila were also with him. At Cenchrea, Paul cut off his hair. This showed that he had made a vow to God. Then he left Priscilla and Aquila. 19 While Paul was in Ephesus, he went into the synagogue and debated with the Jews. 20 The Jews asked Paul to stay longer, but he said no. 21 As Paul was leaving them, he said, “I will come to you again, if God wants me to.” And so, Paul sailed away from Ephesus.
Paul Is Brought to Judgement Before Gallio, 18:12-17.
[12-17] We are able to date this period in Paul’s life from information we have regarding Gallio. Dates from Roman history indicate that Gallio came to office in the year A.D. 51 or 52. This dates Paul’s stay in Corinth during that same time. Gallio is spoken of as a just man. This seems a fair assessment in view of his treatment of the charges against Paul. He refused to be a part of a Jewish scheme against an innocent man.
The judgement seat on occasions such as this was outside. Therefore, a large crowd of people could gather to watch the proceedings. The crowd perceived the innocence of Paul. Apparently, Sosthenes was the leader of the accusers. The crowd was angered at the accusations of the Jews and brought their own judgement on Sosthenes. Gallio recognized that this was a fair course for justice and left the people alone. His judgement was significant because it gave official recognition to the Christian religion.
Paul’s Return to Antioch in Syria, 18:18-22.
[18] At Cenchrea, Paul cut his hair because of a vow. We do not know the details of this vow, and there is no need to speculate. Jews frequently made vows. Whatever this vow was, Paul did not see that it conflicted with Christianity. Every nation and tribe has its own customs and practices which the New Testament does not forbid. In our Christian lives, we need to make a clear distinction between what are biblical commands and what are acceptable cultural practices. Paul’s vow was a part of Jewish culture and did not violate any biblical command.
[19-21] They sailed by ship from Cenchrea to Ephesus. There Aquila and his wife settled and remained for some years. While they were getting settled, Paul made his way to the synagogue to teach the Jews. He was unable to remain in Ephesus, but promised to return if God permitted it.
Acts 18:22-28
22 Paul went down to the city of Caesarea. Then he went up and greeted the congregation in Jerusalem. After that, he went down to the city of Antioch in Syria. 23 Paul stayed in Antioch for a while. Then he left Antioch and went through the countries of Galatia and Phrygia. He traveled from town to town in these areas. He made all of the followers of Jesus stronger.24 A Jewish man named Apollos came to Ephesus. Apollos was born in the city of Alexandria. He was an educated man. His knowledge of the Scriptures was very powerful. 25 He had been taught the way of the Lord Jesus. Apollos was always very enthusiastic when he talked to people about Jesus. The things he taught about Jesus were correct, but the only immersion that he knew was the immersion which John taught. 26 Apollos began to speak very boldly in the synagogue. Priscilla and Aquila heard him speak. They took him home and helped him understand the way of God better. 27 Apollos wanted to go to the country of Achaia. So, the brothers in Ephesus helped pay his expenses. They wrote a letter to the followers of Jesus in Achaia. In the letter, they asked them to accept Apollos. The followers of Jesus in Achaia had believed in Jesus through God’s gracious love. When Apollos went there, he helped them very much. 28 He argued very convincingly in public against the Jews. Apollos clearly proved that they were wrong. He used the Scriptures to show that Jesus is the Messiah.
[22] Sailing on from Ephesus, Paul reached the port at Caesarea. He immediately went up to greet the church. Some believe that this was the church in Jerusalem. After meeting with the church, he went to Antioch. This marks the return from his second missionary journey. He probably spent some days there, telling about the work of the Lord, and then departed on his third trip.