Acts 18 - Equipping for the Future

Introduction

In Acts 18, we witness the Apostle Paul continuing his missionary journey, establishing and strengthening the early church in Corinth and beyond. This chapter highlights Paul's encounters with opposition, divine encouragement, and the collaborative efforts of believers like Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos. The narrative underscores the theme of spiritual growth through faithful teaching and equipping, as Paul plants seeds of the Gospel amid everyday challenges and divine providence.

The big idea is clear: Growth in the church relies on the faithful teaching and equipping of leaders who, in turn, empower others to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

This passage points us to Christ as the ultimate Teacher and model for leaders. Just as Paul emulates Christ's humility and perseverance, we see the Holy Spirit at work, empowering ordinary people to spread the Gospel, reminding us of Christ's ongoing role in building His church (Ephesians 4:11-13).

This sermon encourages Christians feeling inadequate or unprepared to embrace their role in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). It teaches that effective leadership and sound doctrine are essential for maturity, and every believer can contribute through mentoring and faithful witness. Let us explore this through five key sections.

1. Equipping in Everyday Endeavors (Acts 18:1-6)

Exegesis

Paul arrives in Corinth after leaving Athens, a bustling commercial hub known for its immorality and idolatry. He meets Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers expelled from Rome under Claudius's edict (around AD 49-50). Paul works alongside them, supporting himself (1 Thessalonians 2:9 and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10) while reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath, persuading Jews and Greeks that Jesus is the Messiah. When Silas and Timothy arrive from Macedonia, Paul devotes himself fully to preaching. However, facing opposition and blasphemy from some Jews, he shakes out his garments—a symbolic act of rejection (echoing Nehemiah 5:13 and Acts 13:50-51)—and turns to the Gentiles, declaring their blood on their own heads (Ezekiel 33:4).

This section reveals how God equips believers in mundane settings. Paul's tentmaking wasn't a distraction but a platform for witness, building relationships and funding ministry without burdening others. It shows equipping happens in daily vocations, where ordinary work becomes a venue for Gospel sharing.

Cross-References

- 1 Thessalonians 2:9: Paul recalls laboring night and day to avoid being a burden while preaching.

- 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10: Emphasizes working quietly and earning one's bread as a model for others.

- Acts 13:50-51: Similar opposition in Iconium, where Paul and Barnabas shake dust from their feet and move on.

Quotes

As A.W. Tozer noted, "God works as long as His people live daringly; He ceases when they no longer need His aid." This reflects Paul's bold reliance on God amid everyday labors.

Charles Spurgeon emphasized, "I would rather speak five words out of this book than 50,000 words of the philosophers." Paul's simple, Scripture-based persuasion in the synagogue aligns with this call to faithful proclamation.

Application

Like Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila, view your job as a mission field. Whether in an office or workshop, build relationships to share Christ. If you feel inadequate, remember God equips through ordinary means—start where you are.

2. Empowered through Divine Reassurance (Acts 18:7-11)

Exegesis

Rejected by some in the synagogue, Paul shifts to the house of Titius Justus, a Gentile worshiper of God living next door. Crispus, the synagogue ruler, believes with his household, and many Corinthians are baptized. Amid potential fear from opposition, the Lord speaks to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep speaking...for I am with you, and no one will attack you...I have many people in this city." (Cross-References) Encouraged, Paul stays 18 months, teaching God's word.

This illustrates God's strategic redirection and reassurance. The move to Justus's house opens new doors, showing resistance doesn't thwart God's plan but refines it. Divine presence empowers perseverance in ministry.

Cross-References

- Matthew 28:20: Jesus promises, "I am with you always, to the end of the age."

- Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God."

- Acts 23:11: A similar vision to Paul in Jerusalem, assuring his testimony in Rome.

- Joshua 1:9: Command to be strong and courageous, for the Lord is with you.

Quotes

Tozer wrote, "The only fear I have is to fear to get out of the will of God. Outside of the will of God, there’s nothing I want, and in the will of God there’s nothing I fear." Paul's vision embodies this fearless obedience.

Spurgeon urged, "The man who cannot weep cannot preach. At least, if he never feels tears within, even if they do not show themselves without, he can scarcely be the man to handle such themes as those which God has committed to his people’s charge." Paul's extended teaching reflects a heart burdened for souls.

Application

When facing resistance in sharing faith, seek God's reassurance through prayer and Scripture. Persevere, knowing He has "many people" ready to respond. Start new "venues"—like home groups—for growth.

3. Enduring through God's Providence (Acts 18:12-17)

Exegesis

Under proconsul Gallio (AD 51-52), Jews unite against Paul, accusing him of persuading people to worship contrary to law. Before Paul speaks, Gallio dismisses the case as internal Jewish matters, not Roman crime. The crowd beats Sosthenes (likely Crispus's successor), but Gallio ignores it. This providential ruling protects Paul, allowing ministry to continue without legal hindrance.

God's sovereignty shines: He uses a indifferent Roman official to shield His servant, fulfilling the vision's promise. It contrasts human opposition with divine protection.

Cross-References

- Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God."

- Romans 8:31: "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

- Acts 25:11-12: Paul's later appeal to Caesar, showing God's use of Roman law.

- Proverbs 21:1: "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord."

Quotes

Tozer observed, "Someday the church can relax her guard, call her watchmen down from the wall and live in safety and peace; but not yet, not yet…" Paul's endurance amid threats echoes this vigilant trust.

Spurgeon declared in his extended reflection on church growth: "God will save by the gospel still: only let it be the gospel in its purity. This grand old sword will cleave a man’s chine [spine], and split a rock in halves." God's providence preserved Paul's Gospel proclamation.

Application

Trust God's sovereignty in trials—He can use unlikely means for protection. When opposed, respond with peace, knowing He sustains those on His mission.

4. Engaging in Continuous Strengthening (Acts 18:18-23)

Exegesis

Paul sails from Corinth with Priscilla and Aquila, shaving his head in Cenchreae to fulfill a vow (likely Nazirite, Numbers 6). In Ephesus, he reasons in the synagogue but declines to stay longer, promising return if God wills. He lands in Caesarea, greets the Jerusalem church, then returns to Antioch. After time there, he begins his third journey, strengthening disciples in Galatia and Phrygia.

This depicts ongoing discipleship: Paul's travels emphasize revisiting believers for encouragement, modeling relational investment in faith growth.

Cross-References

- Acts 14:21-22: Paul strengthens disciples, exhorting perseverance.

- Numbers 6:1-21: Details of the Nazirite vow, symbolizing dedication.

- Ephesians 4:11-16: Equipping saints for maturity in Christ.

- Hebrews 10:24-25: Stirring one another to love and good works.

Quotes

Tozer stated, "Only a disciple can make a disciple." Paul's strengthening mirrors this chain of discipleship.

Spurgeon advised, “Train up a child in the way he should go—but be sure you go that way yourself.” This applies to mentoring believers in ongoing growth.

Application

Commit to continual encouragement—revisit relationships to build faith. Join or start small groups for mutual strengthening.

5. Educating with Humility and Wisdom (Acts 18:24-28)

Exegesis

Apollos, an eloquent Alexandrian Jew versed in Scriptures, arrives in Ephesus teaching accurately about Jesus but knowing only John's baptism. Priscilla and Aquila privately explain the way of God more fully. Strengthened, Apollos goes to Achaia (Corinth), vigorously refuting Jews publicly, proving from Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.

This highlights humble learning and teaching: Apollos's openness to correction enables greater impact, showing the church's role in equipping through mentorship.

Cross-References

- 1 Corinthians 3:5-7: Apollos waters what Paul planted, but God gives growth.

- Acts 9:22: Saul (Paul) confounds Jews, proving Jesus is Christ.

- Proverbs 9:9: "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser."

- 2 Timothy 2:2: Entrust teachings to faithful people who will teach others.

Quotes

Tozer affirmed, "No one can know truth except the one who obeys truth... Truth is in the text, but it takes the text plus the Holy Spirit to bring truth to a human soul." Apollos's growth exemplifies this Spirit-led understanding.

Spurgeon noted, “Teach the little ones the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” Priscilla and Aquila's instruction to Apollos embodies complete, humble teaching.

Application

Be teachable like Apollos—seek mentors. As teachers, approach with humility, passing on wisdom to empower others.

Conclusion

Acts 18 calls us to embrace equipping through everyday life, divine reassurance, providence, continuous strengthening, and humble education. Christ, our ultimate Teacher, empowers us via the Holy Spirit for church growth. If you feel unprepared, step into your role—mentor, teach, persevere. Let us commit to fulfilling the Great Commission, building one another in faith for His glory.