“Acts 18: Preaching in Corinth”

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Paul’s journey takes him next to Corinth, an ancient city of immorality and depravity. If the first century had a place that could be called “Sin City,” it would have been Corinth. It seems like an unlikely harvest field for the gospel and yet, the Lord makes it clear to Paul that “I am with you” and “I have many people in this city.”

One of the most encouraging things that happens in Corinth is Paul’s providential encounter with Aquila and Priscilla. They work together as tentmakers and will continue to be a constant source of encouragement throughout Paul’s life. Everyone should have such faithful companions in the gospel as Aquila and Priscilla. And everyone needs to be that kind of friend for others.

Paul preaches in Corinth for a year and six months. “And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.”

But once again, a group of Jews arrests Paul and take him this time to Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia. He refuses to hear the case and Paul eventually leaves Corinth. He travels to Syria, then to Ephesus and Caesarea, finally returning to Antioch, where this second journey had started.

Acts 18:23 marks the beginning of Paul’s third preaching journey. He begins by revisiting the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples everywhere.

A side note involves Aquila and Priscilla, whom Paul had left in Ephesus. An eloquent preacher named Apollos comes to Ephesus and begins preaching, although he is only familiar with the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla take him aside and teach him the full truth he does not know. When Apollos goes into Achaia, specifically Corinth, he powerfully preaches that Jesus is the Christ, using the Scriptures as proof.

We must always use the Bible when we teach others. The gospel is God’s power of salvation.

--Roger Hillis

Share