Together • Acts 18:1-11, 18-21
By Becky Brown
Even though he was there alone waiting for Silas and Timothy to return, Paul’s work in Athens was exciting and effective. Acts 17 closes with these three responses to the good news of the resurrection: some sneered, some were intrigued and expressed interest in hearing more, and some joined with Paul by believing in Jesus. These three responses continue to be common today.
Next, Paul made a solo trip to Corinth to continue ministry there. This was known to be a very difficult, wicked city. Athens had been filled with philosophers that worshipped many different false gods. Corinth was filled with worshippers of many false gods as well. There was a worship center dedicated to Aphrodite (af-ro-die-tee) filled with temple prostitutes. Those last two words should never occur in the same sentence. Corinth was the capital city of Achaia in southern Greece. These were provinces of Rome. A center of trade and travel, Corinth contained 200,000 citizens.
Paul arrived ready to witness for Jesus. Proof that God is always a step ahead of the needs of His dedicated servants, Paul immediately became acquainted with Aquila and his wife Priscilla. God knew that these connections would be an encouragement to Paul. They were Jews who had been expelled from Rome by decree in 49 B.C. They were tent makers who were interchangeably known as leather workers. Apparently this was a trade familiar to Paul as a former craftsman. He joined with their work to help support his own ministry. They would develop a long-time friendship and ministry together.
As was his custom, Paul went first to the Jewish synagogue to reason with them about the Old Testament references to the coming Messiah. Paul wanted them to know Jesus had indeed come in fulfillment of those prophetic passages. Silas and Timothy arrived so Paul could then devote himself fully to teaching and ministry.
The Jews there rejected the truth. Paul told them that he had done all he could to transfer truth to them. Their blood would now be on their own heads. They were left to be responsible for their decisions. He would now move on to share the truth with local Gentiles. Paul stepped next door to the synagogue to the home of a man who was a worshipper of God. His name was Titus Justus. Very soon, Crispus, the leader of that same synagogue, came to faith along with his whole household. Sometimes, your answer is right next door!!! As soon as Crispus made his own stand for Jesus, many other Corinthians came to faith and were baptized.
God always knows the needs of His own. He had already provided friendship for Paul in this strange, new, evil city through Aquila and Priscilla. God also knew that now and again, Paul needed a direct word from Him. Once again, God appeared to Paul in a night vision. The Lord spoke to encourage Paul to press in to Him and press on in the work. “Do not be afraid any longer but go on speaking and do not be silent for I am with you and no man will attack you in order to harm you for I have many people in this city.” WOW. What a word from God to Paul. As a result of this affirmation, Paul would remain in Corinth for a year and a half.
Paul left Corinth taking Priscilla and Aquila with him. They sailed to Ephesus from Cenchrea, the port city near Corinth. Paul would stay at Ephesus only a short time. He left them in the hands of Priscilla and Aquila. The peopled wanted Paul to remain a longer time. However, he left that opportunity for later. He wanted to make sure that the Lord was ready for him to work there. “I will return to you again if God wills that I come.” Paul boarded a ship that would take him back home to Antioch, his commissioning church family.
There are times that we will minister alone. There are times that God provides helpers in the work. Paul learned that truth through his ministry so that we could follow his example as we go forth. He knew when to push boundaries and he knew when to return home and rest and recuperate and rebuild and be restored so that he could return to the work ready and refreshed. Mostly, Paul taught us how to depend on the Lord for guidance.
Brown leads LittleBrownLight Ministries.
