ACTS 18

PAUL VISITS THE CITIES OF CORINTH, GALATIA, + EPHESUS

Paul continues traveling and goes to the city of Corinth, located in south-central Greece. When he arrives, he meets a couple named Aquila and Priscilla, who fled Rome after the Roman Emperor commanded all of the Jewish people to leave Rome. Because they are both tentmakers by trade, Paul works closely with Aquila and Priscilla. Each week, Paul would speak at the synagogue and tell people about the death and resurrection of Jesus.

When Silas and Timothy arrive in Corinth, Paul is being rejected by the Jewish people. Although the majority of people oppose Paul’s message, one of the synagogue leaders believes in Jesus and is baptized. After this, Paul receives a vision from God, saying “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent.” God assures Paul that He is with him and will protect him from harm because God knows many people in Corinth will become believers. Paul follows God’s instructions and remains in Corinth for eighteen months.

Once Paul leaves Corinth, he sets sail towards Syria with Priscilla and Aquila. When Paul reaches the city of Ephesus, he speaks at the synagogue and the people want him to stay with them longer. Paul declines and continues traveling towards Caesarea. After spending some time there, he departs and goes throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples and followers of Jesus.

Many of these cities are the recipients of Paul’s letters, including Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians to the cities of Corinth, Galatia, and Ephesus.

While they were in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila heard a man named Apollos preaching about Jesus as the Savior. Although he only knew of John the Baptist, the predecessor who prepared the way for Jesus, he spoke boldly with knowledge of the Scriptures. Priscilla and Aquila inform him on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and Apollos becomes a great advocate of the gospel of Jesus.