Acts 18:18-19:1-7 • Mission, Ministry, and the Move of the Spirit

Review & Overview

1. Last Time

Now Prior to our portion of scripture Paul spent some time in Corinth in his 2nd Missionary Journey...

He met Aquila & Priscilla

Paul Preached Jesus to the Jews & Gentiles

Paul received a vision from the Lord to not be afraid

Lastly, The Lord was doing a great work in Corinth...

2. This Week

That brings us to Verse 18 of ch. 18 and our study for today. Read…

The title of today’s sermon is: Mission, Minsitry, and the Move of the Spirit.

Because Life is a journey, and every journey has defining moments—times of decision, transition, and divine intervention.

The Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey was filled with such moments.

He didn’t just travel from city to city; he was led by the Spirit, shaped by divine appointments, and strengthened by the people God placed around him.

From faithful companions like Aquila and Priscilla to encounters with eager listeners in Ephesus, Paul’s journey reminds us that God orchestrates every step we take.

But this journey wasn’t just about geography—it was about transformation.

Paul lived with a deep conviction that every decision should align with God’s will.

He was willing to change course, to trust in the Spirit’s timing, and to disciple others along the way.

As we trace his final steps in this second journey and the beginning of his third, we’ll see lessons on obedience, boldness, and the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen believers.

So, the question is: Are we just moving through life, or are we being led by God in our journey?

Today, we’ll discover what it means to walk in faith, to trust God’s timing, and to be empowered by His Spirit for the mission ahead.

As we dive into Chp. 18 & begin Chp. 19 we want to look at 2 things:

The Final Leg of Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey Vs. 18-22

The First leg of Paul’s 3rd Missionary Journey Vs. 23-28 & Vs. 1-7 of Ch. 19

The Final Leg of Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey Vs. 18-22

1. Paul’s Departure Vs. 18

1.1 Companion for the Journey Vs. 18a

Paul takes Priscilla & Aquila, in verses 1-3 Paul stayed with them & they worked together making tents and according to Vs. 11 they were together in Corinth for a year and a half.

And we know a little bit about this couple Aquila & Priscilla...

Every time they are mentioned in the bible they are mentioned as a couple

Aquila & Pricilla ministered as a couple - so they set a good example to other couples.

Aquila & Priscilla discipled others - Acts 18:26

Aquila & Priscilla served & ministered to Paul -

Aquila & Priscilla were willing to risk their own lives - Romans 16:3-4 Paul said they risked their lives for me

Romans 16:3–4 NKJV

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

Aquila & Priscilla had a church that met in their home - 1 Corinthians 16:19

They are an encouraging couple and Paul brings them along on the journey.

1.2 A Vow to Stand Apart Vs. 18b

So when Paul got to Corinth’s eastern port Cenchrea, Paul cuts off his hair and makes a vow.

We don’t know for sure what vow he took but because Paul was so well versed in the OT Scriptures I believe, and many scholars, think maybe it was a Nazarite Vow.

Mainly because it is the only vow that requires you to shave your head. According to Numbers Chp. 6...

This was a vow of separation - to be set apart for the work of God

This vow was for however long you wanted

During the period of this vow you could not cut your hair - because it was an outward symbol of your vow to God

You couldn’t drink wine or eat anything with grapes

If you violated this vow in anyway you were to start the whole process over again

At the end of the vow you were to shave your head and offer a sin & peace offering to the Lord.

APPLICATION: And you know this is a good picture of our proclamation of being Christians.

Because us proclaiming to be Christians is in fact proclaiming to be set apart.

The word Christian in itself, the shun part, the i-a-n part is a suffix indicating you are like Christ not like the world.

God has called us to be set apart, you don’t have to cut your hair (even though some of you guys look like you need to cut your hair) But we’re not called to be like the world.

2 Corinthians 6:17 NKJV

17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”

APPLICATION: Because if we look and act just like the world, why would they want to hear about Jesus?

The world gambles, drinks, parties all they have is momentary pleasures.

If we are doing the same things, how are we any different from the world.

COMMENTARY: So that is Paul’s departure from Corinth and here in...

2. Paul’s Arrival at Ephesus Vs. 19-21

2.1 A City of Open Doors Vs. 19a

So they sailed some 200+ miles from Corinth to Ephesus in Asia Minor, Galatia, modern day turkey area.

Ephesus was the Capitol of the Province in Asia

It used to be a port city but today you wouldn’t know it because the cayster river is filled with silt.

It had the Celsus library which was the 3rd largest in the world

Another thing, this was the place where the Spirit had forbidden Paul to go in Chp. 16

And now several years later the Lord allowed Paul to preach there for a short time but on his 3rd missionary journey he would stay there for at least 3 years.

And this is where Paul left Aquila & Priscilla

2.2 Reasoning with the Jews Vs. 19b

So in typical fashion Paul went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews, no doubt reasoning from the OT Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

And apparently the Lord was doing a work because they wanted him to stay look at vs. 20

2.3 Paul’s Two Desires Vs. 20-21a

So here Paul expresses a couple desires…

1. Go to the Feast - Which feast? We’re not told. There are 7 feast in Judaism and 3 of them require mandatory attendance...

Deuteronomy 16:16= tells us it’s either the Passover, Pentecost or Tabernacles.

Deuteronomy 16:16 NKJV

16 “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed.

2. Come Back Again - Paul’s desire was to come back to Ephesus and he will in Chp. 19

But look at Paul’s Wisdom here at the end of...

2.4 The Power of God Willing Vs. 21b

All of Paul’s desires, all of Paul’s plans hinged on one thing, the WILL OF GOD.

James 4:13–15 NKJV

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

Now don’t misunderstand, it’s ok to have a plan, desires, goals & ambitions. We just have to be ok with...

Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

ILLUSTRATION: ?

3. Paul’s Arrival at Antioch Vs. 22

So from Ephesus to Caesarea is about 600 miles, Caesarea to Jerusalem is about 50 miles and from Jerusalem to Antioch in Syria, 325 miles.

So about 2 years & 1,500 miles later Paul arrives in Antioch, finishing up his 2 missionary Journey.

So let’s come to the second thing we wanted to look at today.

The First Leg of Paul’s 3rd Missionary Journey Vs. 23-28 & Ch. 19: 1-7

1. The Heart for the Journey Vs. 23

1.1 The Cities & Towns Vs. 23a

Galatia consists of:

Tarsus

Derbe

Lystra

Iconium

The other Antioch

It is the central region of Asia Minor

This is the 2nd time Paul goes back to visit the churches he planted on his 1st missionary journey in Galatia and it seems that there was again a need to come along side and encourage these churches.

MAYBE TALK ABOUT THE LETTER OF GALATIANS?

Then Paul goes to Phrygia which is on the West side of Asia Minor, this is where Ephesus is located.

1.2 Strengthen the Disciples Vs. 23b

So the purpose was to strengthen the disciples...

Strengthen Greek= The root word is sterizo, where we get our english word steroids. It means to make stronger or firm.

And in Chapter 19 we are going to see how they are made strong, so lets hold on to that thought.

Now here in Verses 24-28 is a parenthetical pause on Paul’s 3rd missionary journey because it deals with Apollos and ministry and we learn 9 things about this man.

2. The Parenthetical Pause (Apollos) Vs. 24-28

So with these verses we can piece them together and get a good idea of who Apollos was...

1. He was a Jew - It’s a good thing we’re told he was a Jew with a name like Apollos

2. He was from Alexandria - Which is by the mouth of the Nile in Egypt where there was a large population of Jews

3. He was Eloquent - The root word is logos, which means word, so he was a man of words, an educated learned man

4. He was Mighty in the Scriptures - Why? Because he was instructed in the way of the Lord.

5. He was Fervent - The word is Zeo, only used twice, it means to boil or to burn. He was on fire regarding spiritual things.

Romans 12:11 NKJV

11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

6. He was Accurate - At this point he didn’t fully understand the teachings about Jesus only John the Baptist but what he did know he taught accurately, he didn’t twist scriptures.

2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

7. He was Bold - He might not have known the whole story of Jesus, but what he did he boldly shared

APPLICATION: We might not know the Bible inside & out but are we boldly sharing what we do know?

8. He was Humble - Even though he had a cool name, was eloquent, mighty, taught accurately, yet he received instruction from a couple of tent makers

APPLICATION: That is humility, Pride says I know it already, I don’t need instruction or teaching.

APPLICATION: No matter how many times I study the Bible or teach I learn something new, the Lord shows me something new every time.

9. He was Helpful - Apollos travels 200+ miles from Ephesus to Corinth and greatly helps the believers

He must have learned a lot from Aquila & Priscilla as he was showing them that Jesus is the Christ from the scriptures.

So that is the parenthetical pause let’s return back to Paul’s 3rd missionary journey where we see...

3. Paul’s Return to Ephesus Vs. 1-7

3.1 One Waters & One Plants Vs. 1a

It’s interesting that Luke records information about Apollos & Paul

Apollos is now in Corinth: the Capitol of Achaia, where Paul planted & now Apollos will water...

Paul is in Ephesus: The capitol of Asia, where Apollos planted & now Paul will water...

APPLICATION:The body of Christ working together....

But this also becomes problematic in 1 Corinthians 1:12 the people create schisms and divisions saying I am of Paul & I am of Apollos.

1 Corinthians 1:12 NKJV

12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”

3.2 Question About the Holy Spirit Vs. 1b-2

The Holy Spirit has 3 major ministries and are seen by 3 Greek prepositions.

1. Para - It means to be along side, to be with someone or something...

John 14:17 NKJV

17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

And According to...

John 16:8 NKJV

8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Prior to salvation the HS comes along our side to convict us of our sin, righteousness & judgement.

Telling us the things of this world will never satisfy the hunger in our souls.

2. En - It means to be in or indwelling..

John 14:17 NKJV

17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

This happens at salvation, the moment we confess our sin Jesus forgives us of all our sin and He gives us His HS to dwell in us.

Romans 8:11 NKJV

11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

1 Corinthians 6:19 NKJV

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

3. Epi - It means to be upon something or someone

Acts 1:8 NKJV

8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

And this is the portion of the HS’s ministry Paul is emphasizing, drop down to Vs. 6...

COMMENTARY: ???

3.3 John’s & Jesus’ Baptism Vs. 3-5

So we see that there are two different baptisms being talked about here and these men only knew of John’s baptism.

1. John’s Baptism - John’s baptism is a baptism of repentance, this baptism was to remind men of their need to get cleaned up for God.

APPLICATION: And you know Paul is not nullifying the concept of John’s baptism, it applies to all of us today.

2 Peter 3:14 NKJV

14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;

Jesus preached on it all the time, Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!

APPLICATION: One thing that I want to mention on Repentance is that it’s not a feeling.

Just because we feel sorry or we cried about what we’ve done, doesn’t mean we have repented.

Don’t get me wrong that is good to have a conviction and a hurt against wickedness but at the end of the day Repentance is action, change.

2. Jesus’ Baptism - Is a spiritual baptism, speaking of the Holy Spirit coming upon you, which we have already learned is one of the ministries of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 3:11 NKJV

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Acts 1:5 NKJV

5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

This baptism that Jesus has to offer is fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, so that we can be empowered to live our lives for God.

APPLICATION: Some of us are living our Christian lives like these 12 men...

APPLICATION: Paul must have seen something lacking in their lives, no fervor, no zeal, no excitement, maybe even living compromised lives not being set apart all because the Holy Spirit had not come upon them.

APPLICATION: I wonder if Paul would ask this same question of us… Because when the HS falls upon us we are empowered, look at...

3.4 The Empowering of the Holy Spirit VS. 6b-7

Now, i’m not saying that when the HS falls upon us we are going to prophesy and speak in tongues though it does happen.

What I am saying is the when the Holy Spirit falls upon us we will be empowered to live out our lives for Jesus using the gifts that God has given us to point people to Jesus.

And I can’t help but think that God is telling someone here that it’s time to stop

living like the world

living compromised lives

being closet Christians

living in defeat

being a Christian by what I say instead of what I do

Stop living in Fear!

If there is anyone here that is asking how do I receive this power? How do I have the HS fall upon me?

You don’t have to run around the building x amount of times, you don’t have to knock on doors, you just have to ask.

Luke 11:13 NKJV

13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

ENDING….