Acts 18:18-28

This portion of Scripture shows the importance to discipleship, instruction, learning, and evangelism. All these that I have mentioned is imperative to our spiritual growth as followers of Christ.

Acts 18:18 “And Paul, having remained many days longer, When the Jews took Paul before Gallio and falsely accused him, Gallio saw no crimes Paul had committed and Paul was free to leave. God had previously told in a vision “Don be afraid, but go on speaking and don’t be silent; for I have many people in this city.” Knowing that he had God’s protection Paul remain in Corinth many days long.

But at some point Paul discerned that it was time for him to move on and take the gospel to other areas. Luke writes that Paul, “took leave of the brothers and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila.” We read in v.2-3 that upon Paul’s arrival in Corinth that he had meet Aquila and Priscilla and since they shared the same trade of tent-makers and fellow believers in the faith he lived with them. I’m sure that the time Paul spent with them was a time of discipleship and their spiritual growth and faith clearly impressed Paul so when he begins his 3rd missionary journey heading to Ephesus he takes Priscilla and Aquila along with him to further the gospel through evangelism. Here you see the importance of discipling other believers to help them grow spiritually and to involve them in ministry further their development. Another point I would like to bring to your attention is that

Acts 18:18 “He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.” At some point Paul had taken the Nazarite vow by allowing his hair to grow, to show his thankfulness towards God for protecting him while he was in Corinth. The Nazarite vow is a pledge that one is willing to separate and devote themselves to God (Num 6:2-5, 13-21). Once the vow is ended the person would then shave their head and then later they would present their cut hair at the temple in Jerusalem within 30 days. Paul’s aim was to reach Jerusalem in the coming feast (.v21) and this would give him the opportunity to present his cut hair and present his animal sacrifice and offerings to the Lord.

The fact that Paul was willing to make a vow to God let’s you know the level of gratitude towards God and his commitment to separate and devote himself to God and continue to do the work of teaching the word and sharing the gospel. Our Christian life must be committed towards God, we must be willing to separate to God, while separating ourselves from sin and the worldly pleasures and devote ourselves to God and continue to share the gospel with others.

Acts 18:19 “And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.” Once Paul reached Ephesus he left Pricilla and Aquila there at Ephesus, and as was his custom he entered the synagogue and reasoned dialegomai/to debate or to discuss with reasonable discourse with the Jews. Paul’s teaching about Christ was so compelling that Luke states in v.20 “they asked him to stay a longer time with them.” But didn’t consent.

Acts 18:21 “but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem.” Paul wanting to go to Jerusalem for the coming feast, which many believe that it was the Passover, not for religious reasons, he went being a Jew he saw this would be a great opportunity to witness the gospel to his fellow Jews. 1 Corinthians 9:20 “and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;”

Luke says that Paul informs those at Ephesus, “but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.” Paul would leave but he wouldn’t leave those who were there without assistance in knowing more about Christ and the spread of the gospel, Priscilla and Aquila will remain in Ephesus, and he will return to them “God willing.” Paul understood that God is sovereign and wanted to do God’s will in all that he did not his own will. So Paul leaves Ephesus to embark on his 3rd missionary journey.

Acts 18:22–23 “And when he had landed at Caesarea, Paul had gone up, to go Jerusalem, you had to go up to get to Jerusalem which sat high on Mt. Zion, and greeted the church, this would the Jerusalem church that held council in chapter 15, while in Jerusalem he would fulfill his vow and go through the 30 day purification, afterwards he would present his cut hair to God in thanksgiving and offer sacrifices, Luke then says that Paul, went down to Antioch. This is where the Jerusalem council had sent him, Barsabbas, Silas, and Barnabas to deliver the letter of acceptance and instruction to church at Antioch . After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.”