King James Version
Acts 18
28 verses with commentary
Paul in Corinth
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Paul 'departed from Athens, and came to Corinth' - moving from philosophy's capital to commerce's hub. Corinth was strategically located on the isthmus connecting mainland Greece. The shift from Athens' intellectualism to Corinth's cosmopolitanism required adjusted ministry approach.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**XVIII.**
(1) **And came to Corinth.**—The journey may have been either by land along the Isthmus of Corinth, or by sea from the Piræus to Cenchreæ. The position of Corinth on the Isthmus, with a harbour on either shore, Cenchreæ on the east, Lechæum on the west, had naturally made it a place of commercial importance at a very early stage of Greek history. With commerce had come luxury and vice, ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. being brought on their way by the church--**a kind of official escort.
**they passed through Phenice--**(See on Ac 11:19).
**and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy to the brethren--**As the converts in those parts were Jewish (Ac 11:19), their spirit contrasts favorably with that of others of their nation.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
Paul at Corinth, with Aquila and Priscilla.(1-6)
He continues to preach at Corinth.(7-11)
Paul before Gallio.(12-17)
He visits Jerusalem.(18-23)
Apollos teaches at Ephesus and in Achaia.(24-28)
**Verses 1-6**
Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked at his callin...
Read full commentary →And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
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KJV Study Commentary
Paul 'found a certain Jew named Aquila' and 'Priscilla his wife.' Their recent expulsion from Rome under Claudius shows the precariousness of Jewish life under Roman rule. These tentmakers became Paul's hosts and ministry partners.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **And found a certain Jew named** **Aquila, born in Pontus.**—The name presents some interesting associations. Strictly speaking, the Greek form is *Ahylas, *but this is undoubtedly the transliterated form of the Latin *Aquila* (= Eagle). The name appears in a yet more altered form in *Onkelos, *the traditional writer of one of the Targums, or Paraphrases of the Law, then current among the Jew...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. being brought on their way by the church--**a kind of official escort.
**they passed through Phenice--**(See on Ac 11:19).
**and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy to the brethren--**As the converts in those parts were Jewish (Ac 11:19), their spirit contrasts favorably with that of others of their nation.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
Paul at Corinth, with Aquila and Priscilla.(1-6)
He continues to preach at Corinth.(7-11)
Paul before Gallio.(12-17)
He visits Jerusalem.(18-23)
Apollos teaches at Ephesus and in Achaia.(24-28)
**Verses 1-6**
Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked at his callin...
Read full commentary →And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
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KJV Study Commentary
Paul 'wrought' with them because 'he was of the same craft' - tentmaking. Manual labor dignified Paul's ministry and avoided financial burden on new converts. 'By their occupation they were tentmakers' may include leather work generally.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Because he was of the same craft.**—The calling was one which St. Paul had probably learnt and practised in his native city, which was noted then, as now, for the rough goat’s-hair fabrics known to the Romans, from the name of the province, as Cilicium ( = sack-cloth). The material was one used for the sails of ships and for tents, and on the whole, though some have supposed that leather was...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. Peter, &c.--**This is the last mention of him in the Acts, and one worthy of his standing, as formally pronouncing, from the divine decision of the matter already in his own case, in favor of the views which all of Paul's labors were devoted to establishing.
**a good while ago--**probably about fifteen years before this.
**made choice ... that the Gentiles by my mouth--**(See on Ac 11...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
Paul at Corinth, with Aquila and Priscilla.(1-6)
He continues to preach at Corinth.(7-11)
Paul before Gallio.(12-17)
He visits Jerusalem.(18-23)
Apollos teaches at Ephesus and in Achaia.(24-28)
**Verses 1-6**
Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked at his callin...
Read full commentary →And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
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KJV Study Commentary
'He reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath' - systematic Scripture exposition for both Jews and Greeks. The Greek <em>dialegomai</em> indicates dialogue and persuasion, not merely proclamation. Paul engaged minds with gospel truth.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **He persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.**—It is necessary to remind the reader that the latter word does not mean Greek-speaking Jews, or proselytes in the full sense of the word, but, as elsewhere (see Note on Acts 11:22), is used for those who were Gentiles by birth, and who, though worshipping in the synagogue, had not accepted circumcision.
(4) So far we have found reasons for the vow. But...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. God, which knoweth the hearts--**implying that the real question for admission to full standing in the visible Church is the state of the heart. Hence, though that cannot be known by men, no principle of admission to church privileges which reverses this can be sound.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
Paul at Corinth, with Aquila and Priscilla.(1-6)
He continues to preach at Corinth.(7-11)
Paul before Gallio.(12-17)
He visits Jerusalem.(18-23)
Apollos teaches at Ephesus and in Achaia.(24-28)
**Verses 1-6**
Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked at his callin...
Read full commentary →And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. was Christ: or, is the Christ
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KJV Study Commentary
Silas and Timothy's arrival from Macedonia allowed Paul to be 'pressed in the spirit' and 'testify to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.' Their arrival likely included financial support (2 Corinthians 11:9, Philippians 4:15) freeing Paul for full-time ministry.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia.**—We learn from 1Thessalonians 2:18, that the latter had come to St. Paul at Athens, but had been almost immediately sent back to Thessalonica to bring further news about the converts, for whose trials the Apostle felt so much sympathy and anxiety. They brought a good report of their faith and love (1Thessalonians 3:6), possibly also fre...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. put no difference between us and them: purifying their hearts by faith--**"Purification" here refers to "sprinkling (of the conscience by the blood of Jesus) from dead works to serve the living God." (See on 1Co 6:11). How rich is this brief description of the inward revolution wrought upon the genuine disciples of the Lord Jesus!
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
Paul at Corinth, with Aquila and Priscilla.(1-6)
He continues to preach at Corinth.(7-11)
Paul before Gallio.(12-17)
He visits Jerusalem.(18-23)
Apollos teaches at Ephesus and in Achaia.(24-28)
**Verses 1-6**
Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked at his callin...
Read full commentary →And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
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KJV Study Commentary
'When they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment' - a symbolic act of disassociation (Nehemiah 5:13). 'Your blood be upon your own heads' placed responsibility on rejectors. 'I will go unto the Gentiles' didn't end Jewish ministry but shifted focus.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed.**—The latter word includes the reviling of which the Apostle himself was the object, as well as blaspheming against God. Assuming what has been suggested in the Note on Acts 18:2, we may think of these disturbances as reproducing what had already taken place at Rome. We may, perhaps, trace an echo of such blasphemies in the words “Anathema be...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. why tempt--**"try," "provoke"
**ye God--**by standing in the way of His declared purpose.
**to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, &c.--**He that was circumcised became thereby bound to keep the whole law. (See Ga 5:1-6). It was not then the mere yoke of burdensome ceremonies, but of an obligation which the more earnest and spiritual men became, the more impossible they felt i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
Paul at Corinth, with Aquila and Priscilla.(1-6)
He continues to preach at Corinth.(7-11)
Paul before Gallio.(12-17)
He visits Jerusalem.(18-23)
Apollos teaches at Ephesus and in Achaia.(24-28)
**Verses 1-6**
Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked at his callin...
Read full commentary →And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
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KJV Study Commentary
Paul moved to 'the house of one named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.' The strategic location - adjacent to the synagogue - enabled continued outreach. Justus as a God-fearer provided Gentile base for ministry.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **And entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus.**—On the name, see Note on Acts 1:23. It may be added here that it occurs also in early Christian inscriptions in the Vatican Museum, in one case at the bottom of a glass cup, in the *Museo Christiano, *in conjunction with the name of Timotheus. In some of the better MSS. the name Titus is prefixed to Justus, and it will be noted that bot...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. through the grace of the Lord Jesus--**that is, by that only.
**we shall be saved, even as they--**circumcision in our case being no advantage, and in their case uncircumcision no loss; but grace doing all for both, and the same for each.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-11**
The Lord knows those that are his, yea, and those that shall be his; for it is by his work upon them that they become his. Let us not despair concerning any place, when even in wicked Corinth Christ had much people. He will gather in his chosen flock from the places where they are scattered Thus encouraged, the apostle continued at Corinth, and a numerous and flourishing church...
Read full commentary →And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house.' This synagogue leader's conversion was a major breakthrough. Household conversion patterns show the social dimension of early Christianity. 'Many of the Corinthians hearing believed' indicates broader response.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord.**—The article does not necessarily show that there was only one ruler—commonly, as at the Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:15), there were more—but that this Crispus was thus distinguished from others of the same name. The office was one which gave its holder an honourable position, and, as in inscriptions from the Jewish catacomb...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. Then all ... gave audience to Barnabas and Paul--**On this order of the names here, see on Ac 15:25.
**declaring what miracles and signs God wrought among the Gentiles by them--**This detail of facts, immediately following up those which Peter had recalled to mind, would lead all who waited only for divine teaching to see that God had Himself pronounced the Gentile converts to be disciples...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-11**
The Lord knows those that are his, yea, and those that shall be his; for it is by his work upon them that they become his. Let us not despair concerning any place, when even in wicked Corinth Christ had much people. He will gather in his chosen flock from the places where they are scattered Thus encouraged, the apostle continued at Corinth, and a numerous and flourishing church...
Read full commentary →Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
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KJV Study Commentary
The Lord's night vision to Paul—'Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace'—reveals that even apostles battled fear requiring divine encouragement. God's promise 'I am with thee' echoes the great commission and Old Testament assurances, providing courage for continued witness. The command against silence emphasizes proclamation's centrality.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Then spake the Lord to Paul.**—We note the recurrence of these visions at each great crisis of the Apostle’s life. He had seen the Lord at his conversion (Acts 9:4-6), he had heard the same voice and seen the same form in his trance in the Temple at Jerusalem (Acts 22:17). Now he saw and heard them once more. “In visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men,” he passed from the str...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. James answered, saying, &c.--**Whoever this James was (see on Ga 1:19), he was the acknowledged head of the church at Jerusalem, and here, as president of the assembly, speaks last, winding up the debate. His decision, though given as his own judgment only, could not be of great weight with the opposing party, from his conservative reverence for all Jewish usages within the circle of Isr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-11**
The Lord knows those that are his, yea, and those that shall be his; for it is by his work upon them that they become his. Let us not despair concerning any place, when even in wicked Corinth Christ had much people. He will gather in his chosen flock from the places where they are scattered Thus encouraged, the apostle continued at Corinth, and a numerous and flourishing church...
Read full commentary →For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's promise 'I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee' provided assurance of protection. 'I have much people in this city' revealed divine foreknowledge of future conversions. God's knowledge of His elect encouraged continued ministry.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **For I am with thee.**—The command was followed by a promise which met the special trial of the time. Men might be against him, but Christ was with him. The general promise given to the Church at large, “Lo! I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20), received a personal application, “I am with *thee;*” and though called to a life of suffering, there was for the time an assurance that the wrath o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-17. Simeon--**a Hebrew variation of Simon, as in 2Pe 1:1; (Greek), the Jewish and family name of Peter.
**hath declared how God at the first--**answering to Peter's own expression "a good while ago" (Ac 15:7).
**did visit the Gentiles to take out of them--**in the exercise of His adorable sovereignty.
**a people for his name--**the honor of his name, or for His glory.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-11**
The Lord knows those that are his, yea, and those that shall be his; for it is by his work upon them that they become his. Let us not despair concerning any place, when even in wicked Corinth Christ had much people. He will gather in his chosen flock from the places where they are scattered Thus encouraged, the apostle continued at Corinth, and a numerous and flourishing church...
Read full commentary →And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. continued there: Gr. sat there
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KJV Study Commentary
'He continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.' Extended teaching established the church deeply. The Corinthian correspondence shows how foundational this teaching period was despite later problems.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **And he continued there a year and six** **months.**—This obviously gave time not only for founding and organising a Church at Corinth itself, but for work in the neighbouring districts, such as the port of Cenchreæ, where we find in Romans 16:1 a church duly furnished not only with presbyters and deacons, but with a sisterhood of deaconesses. The superscription of 2Corinthians 1:1, “to the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-17. Simeon--**a Hebrew variation of Simon, as in 2Pe 1:1; (Greek), the Jewish and family name of Peter.
**hath declared how God at the first--**answering to Peter's own expression "a good while ago" (Ac 15:7).
**did visit the Gentiles to take out of them--**in the exercise of His adorable sovereignty.
**a people for his name--**the honor of his name, or for His glory.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-11**
The Lord knows those that are his, yea, and those that shall be his; for it is by his work upon them that they become his. Let us not despair concerning any place, when even in wicked Corinth Christ had much people. He will gather in his chosen flock from the places where they are scattered Thus encouraged, the apostle continued at Corinth, and a numerous and flourishing church...
Read full commentary →And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
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KJV Study Commentary
'When Gallio was the deputy of Achaia' - this Roman official's administration can be dated (AD 51-52), providing a crucial chronological anchor. 'The Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul' - unified religious opposition sought Roman intervention.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia.**—“Deputy” stands, as before (see Note on Acts 13:7), for “proconsul.” Here, also, St. Luke shows his characteristic accuracy in the use of official titles. Achaia, which included the whole of Greece south of the province of Macedonia, had been an imperial province under Tiberius (Tacitus, *Ann.* i. 76), and had been governed by a prætor, but had be...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-17. Simeon--**a Hebrew variation of Simon, as in 2Pe 1:1; (Greek), the Jewish and family name of Peter.
**hath declared how God at the first--**answering to Peter's own expression "a good while ago" (Ac 15:7).
**did visit the Gentiles to take out of them--**in the exercise of His adorable sovereignty.
**a people for his name--**the honor of his name, or for His glory.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
Paul was about to show that he did not teach men to worship God contrary to law; but the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him of what was not within his office. It was right in Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in matters relating to their religion, but yet would not let them, under pretence of that, persecute another. But it was wrong to speak slightly o...
Read full commentary →Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
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KJV Study Commentary
The accusation - 'This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law' - sought Roman condemnation of Christianity as illegal religion. The charge attempted to distinguish Christianity from Judaism, which enjoyed legal protection.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.**—It is obvious that in this appeal to the proconsul the Jews must have meant, not the law of Moses, but that of Rome. Their contention was that though Jews had been banished from Rome as a measure of policy, Judaism as such was still a *relligio licita, *tolerated and recognised by the State. Their charge against the Apostle wa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-17. Simeon--**a Hebrew variation of Simon, as in 2Pe 1:1; (Greek), the Jewish and family name of Peter.
**hath declared how God at the first--**answering to Peter's own expression "a good while ago" (Ac 15:7).
**did visit the Gentiles to take out of them--**in the exercise of His adorable sovereignty.
**a people for his name--**the honor of his name, or for His glory.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
Paul was about to show that he did not teach men to worship God contrary to law; but the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him of what was not within his office. It was right in Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in matters relating to their religion, but yet would not let them, under pretence of that, persecute another. But it was wrong to speak slightly o...
Read full commentary →And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
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KJV Study Commentary
Gallio's refusal - 'If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, I would reason with you' - distinguished criminal from religious matters. His judicial restraint protected Paul while establishing precedent for Roman treatment of Christianity.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **When Paul was now about to open his mouth.**—The phrase always implies, as has been noticed (see Note on Acts 8:35), the beginning of a set discourse. St. Paul was about to begin a formal *apologia.* This, however, proved to be unnecessary.
**Gallio said unto the Jews.**—The proconsul could hardly have resided in Achaia for eighteen months without hearing of the new movement. He knew the Je...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-19. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning--**He who announced these things so long before, and He who had now brought them to pass, were one and the same; so that they were no novelty.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
Paul was about to show that he did not teach men to worship God contrary to law; but the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him of what was not within his office. It was right in Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in matters relating to their religion, but yet would not let them, under pretence of that, persecute another. But it was wrong to speak slightly o...
Read full commentary →But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
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KJV Study Commentary
'But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it.' Gallio recognized the dispute as theological, not criminal. 'I will be no judge of such matters' established that Roman courts wouldn't adjudicate Jewish religious controversies.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law.**—The second noun is in the singular number in the Greek. St. Paul was known as a speaker, one who preached the *word* of God, and with that, as distinct from acts, Gallio had nothing to do. The “names” were those which he had probably heard of at Rome, even before he came to Corinth. (See Note on Acts 18:2.) Was a teacher whom bo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-19. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning--**He who announced these things so long before, and He who had now brought them to pass, were one and the same; so that they were no novelty.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
Paul was about to show that he did not teach men to worship God contrary to law; but the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him of what was not within his office. It was right in Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in matters relating to their religion, but yet would not let them, under pretence of that, persecute another. But it was wrong to speak slightly o...
Read full commentary →And he drave them from the judgment seat.
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KJV Study Commentary
'He drave them from the judgment seat' - forcible dismissal emphasized Gallio's rejection of the case. This public rebuff humiliated the accusers and vindicated Paul before the Roman authorities.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **He drove them from the judgment seat.**—The words imply a magisterial act. The order was given to the lictors to clear the court, and the Jews, who did not immediately retreat were exposed to the ignominy of blows from their rods.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. But ... that they abstain from pollutions of idols--**that is, things polluted by having been offered in sacrifice to idols. The heathen were accustomed to give away or sell portions of such animals. From such food James would enjoin the Gentile converts to abstain, lest it should seem to the Jews that they were not entirely weaned from idolatry.
**and from fornication--**The characteristi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
Paul was about to show that he did not teach men to worship God contrary to law; but the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him of what was not within his office. It was right in Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in matters relating to their religion, but yet would not let them, under pretence of that, persecute another. But it was wrong to speak slightly o...
Read full commentary →Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat.' Mob violence turned on the accusers. Sosthenes may later have converted (1 Corinthians 1:1). 'Gallio cared for none of those things' - Roman indifference to Jewish internal affairs.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue.**—The better MSS. omit the word “Greeks,” which was probably inserted as an explanatory interpolation by some one who thought it more likely that a ruler of the synagogue should have been assaulted by the Greek bystanders than by those of his own race. Taking the better reading, and assuming the natural construction of th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him ... every sabbath day--**thus keeping alive in every Jew those feelings which such practices would shock, and which, therefore, the Gentile converts must carefully respect if the oneness of both classes in Christ was to be practically preserved. The wisdom of these suggestions commended itself to all present.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
Paul was about to show that he did not teach men to worship God contrary to law; but the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him of what was not within his office. It was right in Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in matters relating to their religion, but yet would not let them, under pretence of that, persecute another. But it was wrong to speak slightly o...
Read full commentary →Paul Returns to Antioch
And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Paul after this tarried there yet a good while' - Gallio's ruling enabled extended ministry. 'Having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow' - likely a Nazirite vow, showing Paul's continued Jewish practice. Liberty from law didn't mean rejection of Jewish identity.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while.**—Literally, *tarried yet many days, *the phrase probably covering a period of some months. The fact is noted as following on Gallio’s repression of the enmity of the Jews. The Apostle could stay and work on without molestation. The time of his voyage was probably, as in the second journey from Corinth to Jerusalem, after the Passover, and...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22-23. Judas surnamed Barsabas--**therefore not the apostle "Judas the brother of James" (Ac 1:13), surnamed "Thaddeus" (Mt 10:3); nor can it be shown that he was a brother of "Joseph called Barsabas" (Ac 1:23). But nothing is known of him beyond what is here said.
**and Silas--**the same as "Silvanus" in the Epistles. He became Paul's companion on his second missionary journey (Ac 15:40).
*...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-23**
While Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued labouring. Our times are in God's hand; we purpose, but he disposes; therefore we must make all promises with submission to the will of God; not only if providence permits, but if God does not otherwise direct our motions. A very good refreshment it is to a faithful minister, to have for awhile the society of his brethren....
Read full commentary →And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
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KJV Study Commentary
'He came to Ephesus' - beginning what would become Paul's longest ministry in any city. 'He himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews' - his initial Ephesian contact followed the 'to the Jew first' pattern.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **He came to Ephesus, and left them there.**—The better MSS. give, “They came to Ephesus.” What follows seems to imply that he no longer continued to work with them, as at Corinth, but leaving them to establish themselves in their craft, began, under the pressure of his eagerness to reach Jerusalem, an independent course of teaching in the synagogues.
The first mention of Ephesus calls for a ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22-23. Judas surnamed Barsabas--**therefore not the apostle "Judas the brother of James" (Ac 1:13), surnamed "Thaddeus" (Mt 10:3); nor can it be shown that he was a brother of "Joseph called Barsabas" (Ac 1:23). But nothing is known of him beyond what is here said.
**and Silas--**the same as "Silvanus" in the Epistles. He became Paul's companion on his second missionary journey (Ac 15:40).
*...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-23**
While Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued labouring. Our times are in God's hand; we purpose, but he disposes; therefore we must make all promises with submission to the will of God; not only if providence permits, but if God does not otherwise direct our motions. A very good refreshment it is to a faithful minister, to have for awhile the society of his brethren....
Read full commentary →When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
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KJV Study Commentary
'When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not' - responsiveness didn't guarantee immediate action. Paul discerned timing for extended ministry. The positive reception indicated future fruitfulness.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **When they desired him to tarry longer** time with them.—This was, obviously, a hopeful sign, the earnest of the fruitful labours that followed. Nowhere, among the churches that he founded, does St. Paul seem to have found so great a receptivity for spiritual truth. While he looked on the Corinthians as being children requiring to be fed with milk (1Corinthians 3:2), he saw in the Ephesians ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-27. Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words--**without authority or even knowledge of the church at Jerusalem, though they belonged to it, and probably pretended to represent its views.
**subverting your souls--**Such strong language is evidently designed to express indignation at this attempt, by an unauthorized party, to bring the whole ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-23**
While Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued labouring. Our times are in God's hand; we purpose, but he disposes; therefore we must make all promises with submission to the will of God; not only if providence permits, but if God does not otherwise direct our motions. A very good refreshment it is to a faithful minister, to have for awhile the society of his brethren....
Read full commentary →But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
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KJV Study Commentary
'I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem' - Paul's Jerusalem orientation showed continued Jewish identity. 'I will return again unto you, if God will' expressed submission to providence. Plans were made contingent on divine permission.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **I must by all means keep this feast that Cometh.**—Literally, *the coming, *or, *the next feast.* This was, probably, as has been said, the Feast of Pentecost. (See Note on Acts 18:18.) If he missed that, there would be no other feast till that of Tabernacles; and then, in October, travelling, whether by sea or land, became dangerous and difficult. (See Note on Acts 27:9.)
**If God will.**—...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-27. Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words--**without authority or even knowledge of the church at Jerusalem, though they belonged to it, and probably pretended to represent its views.
**subverting your souls--**Such strong language is evidently designed to express indignation at this attempt, by an unauthorized party, to bring the whole ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-23**
While Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued labouring. Our times are in God's hand; we purpose, but he disposes; therefore we must make all promises with submission to the will of God; not only if providence permits, but if God does not otherwise direct our motions. A very good refreshment it is to a faithful minister, to have for awhile the society of his brethren....
Read full commentary →And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
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KJV Study Commentary
'He went up, and saluted the church' in Jerusalem before going to Antioch. This visit maintained apostolic fellowship and accountability. 'He went down to Antioch' - his sending church base for reporting and refreshment.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **And when he had landed at Cæsarea.**—It is obvious that a great deal is covered by the short record of this verse. In the absence of any *data* in the Acts for settling the question, we may possibly refer to some casualty in this voyage, one of the three shipwrecks of 2Corinthians 11:25. At Cæsarea, we may believe, he would probably renew his intercourse with Philip the Evangelist. At Jerus...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-27. Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words--**without authority or even knowledge of the church at Jerusalem, though they belonged to it, and probably pretended to represent its views.
**subverting your souls--**Such strong language is evidently designed to express indignation at this attempt, by an unauthorized party, to bring the whole ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-23**
While Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued labouring. Our times are in God's hand; we purpose, but he disposes; therefore we must make all promises with submission to the will of God; not only if providence permits, but if God does not otherwise direct our motions. A very good refreshment it is to a faithful minister, to have for awhile the society of his brethren....
Read full commentary →And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
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KJV Study Commentary
'He departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.' The third missionary journey began with revisiting established churches. 'Strengthening' indicates continued pastoral care, not just initial evangelism.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order.**—It is clear from the Epistle to the Galatians that on this visit he found few traces, or none at all, of the work of the Judaisers. The change came afterwards. Some falling away from their first love, some relapse into old national vices, he may have noticed already which called for earnest warning (Galatians 5:21). As he passed t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-27. Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words--**without authority or even knowledge of the church at Jerusalem, though they belonged to it, and probably pretended to represent its views.
**subverting your souls--**Such strong language is evidently designed to express indignation at this attempt, by an unauthorized party, to bring the whole ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-23**
While Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued labouring. Our times are in God's hand; we purpose, but he disposes; therefore we must make all promises with submission to the will of God; not only if providence permits, but if God does not otherwise direct our motions. A very good refreshment it is to a faithful minister, to have for awhile the society of his brethren....
Read full commentary →Apollos Speaks Boldly in Ephesus
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Apollos: Eloquence and Scripture Knowledge</strong><br><br>This verse introduces one of the early church's most influential figures: Apollos. Luke identifies him with four key descriptors. First, he was "a certain Jew" (<em>Ioudaios tis</em>)—establishing his Jewish heritage and covenant background. Second, he was "born at Alexandria"—the great center of learning in Egypt, home to the famo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria.**—The name was probably a contraction of Apollonius or Apollodorus. The facts in the New Testament connected with him show that he occupied a prominent position in the history of the Apostolic Church. Conjectures, more or less probable, indicate a yet more representative character and a wider range of influence. Luther, looking to the obv...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28-29. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, &c.--**The One, inwardly guiding to and setting His seal on the decision come to: the other, the external ecclesiastical authority devoutly embracing, expressing, and conveying to the churches that decision:--a great principle this for the Church in all time.
**to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things ... from whic...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-28**
Apollos taught in the gospel of Christ, as far as John's ministry would carry him, and no further. We cannot but think he had heard of Christ's death and resurrection, but he was not informed as to the mystery of them. Though he had not the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, as the apostles, he made use of the gifts he had. The dispensation of the Spirit, whatever the measure of ...
Read full commentary →This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
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KJV Study Commentary
Apollos was 'instructed in the way of the Lord' and taught 'accurately the things of the Lord,' yet knew 'only the baptism of John.' This shows how sincere believers can have partial understanding requiring further instruction. Aquila and Priscilla's gentle correction - taking him aside to 'expound unto him the way of God more perfectly' - models humble teaching that builds on existing knowledge.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **This man was instructed in the way of the Lord.**—Better, *had been instructed.* The verb is the same as that used in Luke 1:1 (where see Note), and was afterwards used technically in the form of *Catechumen* to describe the status of a convert preparing for baptism. The “way of the Lord” is used in a half-technical sense, as in the phrase “those of the way” (see Note on Acts 9:2), as equiv...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28-29. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, &c.--**The One, inwardly guiding to and setting His seal on the decision come to: the other, the external ecclesiastical authority devoutly embracing, expressing, and conveying to the churches that decision:--a great principle this for the Church in all time.
**to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things ... from whic...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-28**
Apollos taught in the gospel of Christ, as far as John's ministry would carry him, and no further. We cannot but think he had heard of Christ's death and resurrection, but he was not informed as to the mystery of them. Though he had not the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, as the apostles, he made use of the gifts he had. The dispensation of the Spirit, whatever the measure of ...
Read full commentary →And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
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KJV Study Commentary
Apollos 'began to speak boldly in the synagogue' but Aquila and Priscilla 'took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.' Private correction preserved Apollos's reputation while improving his understanding. Humble teaching and humble receiving characterized this encounter.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard . . .**—Many of the best MSS. put Priscilla’s name first, as in Acts 18:18. The fact mentioned is interesting as showing (1) that Aquila and his wife continued to attend the services of the synagogue, and (2) that Apollos appeared there, as St. Paul had done, in the character of a Rabbi who had a message to deliver, and was therefore allowed, or, it ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-28**
Apollos taught in the gospel of Christ, as far as John's ministry would carry him, and no further. We cannot but think he had heard of Christ's death and resurrection, but he was not informed as to the mystery of them. Though he had not the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, as the apostles, he made use of the gifts he had. The dispensation of the Spirit, whatever the measure of ...
Read full commentary →And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
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KJV Study Commentary
'When he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him.' Church letters of commendation facilitated itinerant ministry. 'He helped them much which had believed through grace' - Apollos's ministry complemented Paul's foundation-laying.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia.**—In the absence of the name of any city in the province, Corinth naturally suggests itself as the place to which he went. Acts 19:1, and the mention of Apollos in 1Corinthians 1:12, turns this into a certainty. He felt, we may believe, that his training in the philosophical thought of Alexandria qualified him to carry on there the work which St...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-33. they rejoiced for the consolation--**As the same word is in Ac 15:31 properly rendered "exhorted," the meaning probably is "rejoiced for the exhortation" (Margin), or advice; so wise in itself and so contrary to the imposition attempted to be practiced upon them by the Judaizers.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-28**
Apollos taught in the gospel of Christ, as far as John's ministry would carry him, and no further. We cannot but think he had heard of Christ's death and resurrection, but he was not informed as to the mystery of them. Though he had not the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, as the apostles, he made use of the gifts he had. The dispensation of the Spirit, whatever the measure of ...
Read full commentary →For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. Christ: or, is the Christ
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KJV Study Commentary
'He mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.' Apollos's apologetic skill served Christ-centered proclamation. Public demonstration of Jesus as Messiah from Scripture exemplified apostolic preaching.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **He mightily convinced the Jews.**—The conclusion to which he led the Jews was the same as that which St. Paul urged on them. The process was, perhaps, somewhat different, as the line of argument in the Epistle to the Hebrews differs from that in the Epistle to the Galatians. To lead men on, after the manner of Philo, into the deeper meanings that lay beneath the letter of Scripture, to deal...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-33. they rejoiced for the consolation--**As the same word is in Ac 15:31 properly rendered "exhorted," the meaning probably is "rejoiced for the exhortation" (Margin), or advice; so wise in itself and so contrary to the imposition attempted to be practiced upon them by the Judaizers.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-28**
Apollos taught in the gospel of Christ, as far as John's ministry would carry him, and no further. We cannot but think he had heard of Christ's death and resurrection, but he was not informed as to the mystery of them. Though he had not the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, as the apostles, he made use of the gifts he had. The dispensation of the Spirit, whatever the measure of ...
Read full commentary →