Act 18:1-18 | RWP | e4.org | To Corinth ( εις Κορινθον ). Mummius had captured and destroyed Corinth B.C. 146. It was restored by Julius Caesar B.C. 46 as a boom town and made a colony. It was now the capital of the province of Achaia and the chief commercial city of Greece with a cosmopolitan population. It was only fifty miles from Athens. The summit of Acrocorinthus was 1,800 feet high and the ports of Cenchreae and Lechaeum and the Isthmus across which ships were hauled gave it command of the trade routes between Asia and Rome. The temple of Aphrodite on the Acrocorinthus had a thousand consecrated prostitutes and the very name to Corinthianize meant immorality. Not the Parthenon with Athene faced Paul in Corinth, but a worse situation. Naturally many Jews were in such a mart of trade. Philippi, Thessalonica, Beroea, Athens, all had brought anxiety to Paul. What could he expect in licentious Corinth?

‏ Acts 18:1-18

To Corinth ( εις Κορινθον ). Mummius had captured and destroyed Corinth B.C. 146. It was restored by Julius Caesar B.C. 46 as a boom town and made a colony. It was now the capital of the province of Achaia and the chief commercial city of Greece with a cosmopolitan population. It was only fifty miles from Athens. The summit of Acrocorinthus was 1,800 feet high and the ports of Cenchreae and Lechaeum and the Isthmus across which ships were hauled gave it command of the trade routes between Asia and Rome. The temple of Aphrodite on the Acrocorinthus had a thousand consecrated prostitutes and the very name to Corinthianize meant immorality. Not the Parthenon with Athene faced Paul in Corinth, but a worse situation. Naturally many Jews were in such a mart of trade. Philippi, Thessalonica, Beroea, Athens, all had brought anxiety to Paul. What could he expect in licentious Corinth?

Aquila ( Ακυλαν ). Luke calls him a Jew from Pontus, apparently not yet a disciple, though there were Jews from Pontus at the great Pentecost who were converted (2:9). Aquila who made the famous A.D. translation of the O.T. was also from Pontus. Paul "found" ( ευρων, second aorist active participle of ευρισκω ) though we do not know how. Edersheim says that a Jewish guild always kept together whether in street or synagogue so that by this bond they probably met.

Lately come from Italy ( προσφατως εληλυθοτα απο της Ιταλιας ). Second perfect participle of ερχομα. Koine adverb, here only in the N.T., from adjective προσφατος ( προ, σφαω or σφαζω, to kill), lately slaughtered and so fresh or recent (Heb 10:20).

With his wife Priscilla ( κα Πρισκιλλαν γυναικα αυτου ). Diminutive of Πρισκα (Ro 16:3; 1Co 16:19). Prisca is a name in the Acilian family and the Prisci was the name of another noble clan. Aquila may have been a freedman like many Jews in Rome. Her name comes before his in verses 18, 26; Ro 16:3; 2Ti 4:9.

Because Claudius had commanded ( δια το διατεταχενα Κλαυδιον ). Perfect active articular infinitive of διατασσω, old verb to dispose, arrange, here with accusative of general reference. Δια here is causal sense, "because of the having ordered as to Claudius." This was about A.D. 49, done, Suetonius says (Claudius C. 25), because "the Jews were in a state of constant tumult at the instigation of one Chrestus" (probably among the Jews about Christ so pronounced). At any rate Jews were unpopular in Rome for Tiberius had deported 4,000 to Sardinia. There were 20,000 Jews in Rome. Probably mainly those implicated in the riots actually left.

Because he was of the same trade ( δια το ομοτεχνον εινα ). Same construction with δια as above. Hομοτεχνον is an old word ( ομοσ, τεχνη ), though here alone in N.T. Rabbi Judah says: "He that teacheth not his son a trade, doth the same as if he taught him to be a thief." So it was easy for Paul to find a home with these "tentmakers by trade" ( σκηνοιποιο τη τεχνη ). Late word from σκηνη and ποιεω, here only in the N.T. They made portable tents of leather or of cloth of goat's hair. So Paul lived in this home with this noble man and his wife, all the more congenial if already Christians which they soon became at any rate. They worked as partners in the common trade. Paul worked for his support elsewhere, already in Thessalonica (1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8) and later at Ephesus with Aquila and Priscilla (Ac 18:18, 26; 20:34; 1Co 16:19). They moved again to Rome (Ro 16:3) and were evidently a couple of considerable wealth and generosity. It was a blessing to Paul to find himself with these people. So he "abode" ( εμενεν, imperfect active) with them and "they wrought" ( ηργαζοντο, imperfect middle), happy and busy during week days.

He reasoned ( διελεγετο ). Imperfect middle, same form as in 17:17 about Paul's work in Athens, here only on the Sabbaths.

Persuaded ( επειθεν ). Imperfect active, conative, he tried to persuade both Jews and Greeks (God-fearers who alone would come).

Was constrained by the word ( συνειχετο τω λογω ). This is undoubtedly the correct text and not τω πνευματ of the Textus Receptus, but συνειχετο is in my opinion the direct middle imperfect indicative, not the imperfect passive as the translations have it (Robertson, Grammar, p. 808). Paul held himself together or completely to the preaching instead of just on Sabbaths in the synagogue (verse 4). The coming of Silas and Timothy with the gifts from Macedonia (1Th 3:6; 2Co 11:9; Php 4:15) set Paul free from tent-making for a while so that he began to devote himself (inchoative imperfect) with fresh consecration to preaching. See the active in 2Co 5:14. He was now also assisted by Silas and Timothy (2Co 1:19).

Testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ ( διαμαρτυρομενος τοις Ιουδαιοις εινα τον Χριστον Ιησουν ). Paul's witness everywhere (9:22; 17:3). This verb διαμαρτυρομενος occurs in 2:40 (which see) for Peter's earnest witness. Perhaps daily now in the synagogue he spoke to the Jews who came. Εινα is the infinitive in indirect discourse (assertion) with the accusative of general reference. By τον Χριστον Paul means "the Messiah." His witness is to show to the Jews that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah.

When they opposed themselves ( αντιτασσομενων αυτων ). Genitive absolute with present middle (direct middle again) of αντιτασσω, old verb to range in battle array ( τασσω ) face to face with or against ( αντ ). In the N.T. only here and Ro 13:2; Jas 4:6; 1Pe 5:5. Paul's fresh activity roused the rabbis as at Antioch in Pisidia and at Thessalonica in concerted opposition and railing (blasphemy).

He shook out his raiment ( εκτιναξαμενος τα ιματια ). First aorist middle of εκτινασσω, old verb, in the N.T. only here as in 13:51 (middle) and Mr 6:11; Mt 10:15 where active voice occurs of shaking out dust also. Vivid and dramatic picture here like that in Ne 5:13, "undoubtedly a very exasperating gesture" (Ramsay), but Paul was deeply stirred.

Your blood be upon your own heads ( Το αιμα υμων επ την κεφαλην υμων ). As in Eze 3:18f., 33:4, 8f.; 2Sa 1:16. Not as a curse, but "a solemn disclaimer of responsibility" by Paul (Page) as in Ac 20:26. The Jews used this very phrase in assuming responsibility for the blood of Jesus (Mt 27:25). Cf. Mt 23:35.

I am clean ( καθαρος εγω ). Pure from your blood. Repeats the claim made in previous sentence. Paul had done his duty.

From henceforth ( απο του νυν ). Turning point reached in Corinth. He will devote himself to the Gentiles, though Jews will be converted there also. Elsewhere as in Ephesus (19:1-10) and in Rome (Ac 28:23-28) Paul will preach also to Jews.

Titus Justus ( Τιτου Ιουστου ). So Aleph E Vulgate, while B has Τιτιαυ Ιουστου, while most MSS. have only Ιουστου. Evidently a Roman citizen and not Titus, brother of Luke, of Ga 2:1. We had Barsabbas Justus (Ac 1:23) and Paul speaks of Jesus Justus (Co 4:11). The Titii were a famous family of potters in Corinth. This Roman was a God-fearer whose house "joined hard to the synagogue" ( ην συνομορουσα τη συναγωγη ). Periphrastic imperfect active of συνομορεω, a late (Byzantine) word, here only in the N.T., followed by the associative instrumental case, from συνομορος ( συν, ομορος from ομος, joint, and ορος, boundary) having joint boundaries, right next to. Whether Paul chose this location for his work because it was next to the synagogue, we do not know, but it caught the attendants at the synagogue worship. In Ephesus when Paul had to leave the synagogue he went to the school house of Tyrannus (19:9f.). The lines are being drawn between the Christians and the Jews, drawn by the Jews themselves.

Crispus ( Κρισπος ). Though a Jew and ruler of the synagogue (cf. 13:15), he had a Latin name. Paul baptized him (1Co 1:14) himself, perhaps because of his prominence, apparently letting Silas and Timothy baptize most of the converts (1Co 1:14-17). Probably he followed Paul to the house of Titus Justus. It looked like ruin for the synagogue.

With all his house ( συν ολω τω οικω αυτου ). Another household conversion, for Crispus "believed ( επιστευσεν ) in the Lord with all his house."

Hearing believed and were baptized ( ακουοντες επιστευον κα εβαπτιζοντο ). Present active participle and imperfect indicatives active and passive, expressing repetition for the "many" others who kept coming to the Lord in Corinth. It was a continual revival after Silas and Timothy came and a great church was gathered here during the nearly two years that Paul laboured in Corinth (possibly A.D. 51 and 52).

Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace ( Μη φοβου, αλλα λαλε κα μη σιωπησηις ). Literally, "stop being afraid ( μη with present middle imperative of φοβεω ), but go on speaking (present active imperative of λαλεω ) and do not become silent ( μη and first aorist active of σιωπαω, ingressive aorist)." Evidently there were signs of a gathering storm before this vision and message from the Lord Jesus came to Paul one night. Paul knew only too well what Jewish hatred could do as he had learned it at Damascus, Jerusalem, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Thessalonica, Beroea. He had clearly moments of doubt whether he had not better move on or become silent for a while in Corinth. Every pastor knows what it is to have such moods and moments. In 2Th 3:2 (written at this time) we catch Paul's dejection of spirits. He was like Elijah (1Ki 19:4) and Jeremiah (Jer 15:15ff.).

Because I am with thee ( διοτ εγω ειμ μετα σου ). Jesus had given this promise to all believers (Mt 28:20) and here he renews it to Paul. This promise changes Paul's whole outlook. Jesus had spoken to Paul before, on the way to Damascus (9:4), in Jerusalem (22:17f.), in Troas (16:9), in great crises of his life. He will hear him again (23:11; 27:23). Paul knows the voice of Jesus.

No man shall set on thee to harm thee ( ουδεις επιθησετα σο του κακωσα σε ). Future direct middle indicative of επιτιθημ, old and common verb, here in direct middle to lay or throw oneself upon, to attack. Jesus kept that promise in Corinth for Paul. Του κακωσα is genitive articular infinitive of purpose of κακοω, to do harm to. Paul would now face all the rabbis without fear.

I have much people ( λαος εστιν μο πολυς ). Dative of personal interest. "There is to me much people," not yet saved, but who will be if Paul holds on. There is the problem for every preacher and pastor, how to win the elect to Christ.

A year and six months ( ενιαυτον κα μηνας εξ ). Accusative of extent of time. How much time before this incident he had been there we do not know. He was in Corinth probably a couple of years in all. His work extended beyond the city (2Co 11:10) and there was a church in Cenchreae (Ro 16:1).

When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia ( Γαλλιωνος δε ανθυπατου οντος της Αχαιας ). Genitive absolute of present participle οντος. Brother of Seneca the Stoic (Nero's tutor) and uncle of Lucan the author of the Φαρσαλια. His original name was M. Annaeus Novatus till he was adopted by Gallio the rhetorician. The family was Spanish. Gallio was a man of culture and refinement and may have been chosen proconsul of Achaia for this reason. Statius calls him "dulcis Gallio." Seneca says of him: Nemo enim mortalium uni tam dulcis quam hic omnibus (No one of mortals is so pleasant to one person as he is to all). Luke alone among writers says that he was proconsul, but Seneca speaks of his being in Achaia where he caught fever, a corroboration of Luke. But now a whitish grey limestone inscription from the Hagios Elias quarries near Delphi (a letter of Claudius to Delphi) has been found which definitely names Gallio as proconsul of Achaia ( αυθυπατος της Αχαιας ). The province of Achaia after various shifts (first senatorial, then imperial) back and forth with Macedonia, in A.D. 44 Claudius gave back to the Senate with proconsul as the title of the governor. It is amazing how Luke is confirmed whenever a new discovery is made. The discovery of this inscription has thrown light also on the date of Paul's work in Corinth as it says that Gallio came in the 26th acclamation of Claudius as Emperor in A.D. 51, that would definitely fix the time of Paul in Corinth as A.D. 50 and 51 (or 51 and 52). Deissmann has a full and able discussion of the whole matter in Appendix I to his St. Paul.

Rose up ( κατεπεστησαν ). Second aorist active of κατ-εφ-ιστημ, intransitive, to take a stand against, a double compound verb found nowhere else. They took a stand ( εστησαν ) against ( κατα, down on, επ, upon), they made a dash or rush at Paul as if they would stand it no longer.

Before the judgment seat ( επ το βημα ). See on 12:21. The proconsul was sitting in the basilica in the forum or agora. The Jews had probably heard of his reputation for moderation and sought to make an impression as they had on the praetors of Philippi by their rush ( συνεπεστη, 16:22). The new proconsul was a good chance also (25:2). So for the second time Paul faces a Roman proconsul (Sergius Paulus, 13:7) though under very different circumstances.

Contrary to the law ( παρα τον νομον ). They did not accuse Paul of treason as in Thessalonica, perhaps Paul had been more careful in his language here. They bring the same charge here that the owners of the slave-girl brought in Philippi (16:21) Perhaps they fear to go too far with Gallio, for they are dealing with a Roman proconsul, not with the politarchs of Thessalonica. The Jewish religion was a religio licita and they were allowed to make proselytes, but not among Roman citizens. To prove that Paul was acting contrary to Roman law (for Jewish law had no standing with Gallio though the phrase has a double meaning) these Jews had to show that Paul was making converts in ways that violated the Roman regulations on that subject. The accusation as made did not show it nor did they produce any evidence to do it. The verb used αναπειθε means to stir up by persuasion (old verb here only in the N.T.), a thing that he had a right to do.

When Paul was about to open his mouth ( μελλοντος του Παυλου ανοιγειν το στομα ). Genitive absolute again. Before Paul could speak, Gallio cut in and ended the whole matter. According to their own statement Paul needed no defence.

Wrong ( αδικημα ). Injuria. Old word, a wrong done one. In N.T. only here, Ac 24:20; Re 18:5. Here it may mean a legal wrong to the state.

Wicked villainy ( ραιδιουργημα ). A crime, act of a criminal, from ραιδιουργος ( ραιδιος, easy, εργον, work), one who does a thing with ease, adroitly, a "slick citizen."

Reason would that I should bear with you ( κατα λογον αν ανεσχομην υμων ). Literally, "according to reason I should have put up with you (or held myself back from you)." This condition is the second class (determined as unfulfilled) and means that the Jews had no case against Paul in a Roman court. The verb in the conclusion ( ανεσχομην ) is second aorist middle indicative and means with the ablative υμων "I should have held myself back (direct middle) from you (ablative). The use of αν makes the form of the condition plain.

Questions ( ζητηματα ). Plural, contemptuous, "a parcel of questions" (Knowling).

About words ( περ λογου ). Word, singular, talk, not deed or fact ( εργον, φαχτυμ ).

And names ( κα ονοματων ). As to whether "Jesus" should also be called "Christ" or "Messiah." The Jews, Gallio knew, split hairs over words and names.

And your own law ( κα νομου του καθ' υμας ) Literally, "And law that according to you." Gallio had not been caught in the trap set for him. What they had said concerned Jewish law, not Roman law at all.

Look to it yourselves ( οψεσθε αυτο ). The volitive future middle indicative of οραω often used (cf. Mt 27:4) where an imperative could be employed (Robertson, Grammar, p. 874). The use of αυτο (yourselves) turns it all over to them.

I am not minded ( ου βουλομα ). I am not willing, I do not wish. An absolute refusal to allow a religious question to be brought before a Roman civil court. This decision of Gallio does not establish Christianity in preference to Judaism. It simply means that the case was plainly that Christianity was a form of Judaism and as such was not opposed to Roman law. This decision opened the door for Paul's preaching all over the Roman Empire. Later Paul himself argues (Ro 9-11) that in fact Christianity is the true, the spiritual Judaism.

He drave them ( απηλασεν αυτους ). First aorist active indicative of απελαυνω, old word, but here alone in the N.T. The Jews were stunned by this sudden blow from the mild proconsul and wanted to linger to argue the case further, but they had to go.

They all laid hold on Sosthenes ( επιλαβομενο παντες Σωσθενην ). See 16:19; 17:19 for the same form. Here is violent hostile reaction against their leader who had failed so miserably.

Beat him ( ετυπτον ). Inchoative imperfect active, began to beat him, even if they could not beat Paul. Sosthenes succeeded Crispus (verse 8) when he went over to Paul. The beating did Sosthenes good for he too finally is a Christian (1Co 1:1), a co-worker with Paul whom he had sought to persecute.

And Gallio cared for none of these things ( κα ουδεν τουτων τω Γαλλιων εμελεν ). Literally, "no one of these things was a care to Gallio." The usually impersonal verb ( μελει, εμελεν, imperfect active) here has the nominative as in Lu 10:40. These words have been often misunderstood as a description of Gallio's lack of interest in Christianity, a religious indifferentist. But that is quite beside the mark. Gallio looked the other way with a blind eye while Sosthenes got the beating which he richly deserved. That was a small detail for the police court, not for the proconsul's concern. Gallio shows up well in Luke's narrative as a clear headed judge who would not be led astray by Jewish subterfuges and with the courage to dismiss a mob.

Having tarried after this yet many days ( ετ προσμεινας ημερας ικανας ). First aorist (constative) active participle of προσμενω, old verb, to remain besides ( προς as in 1Ti 1:3) and that idea is expressed also in ετ (yet). The accusative is extent of time. On Luke's frequent use of ικανος see 8:11. It is not certain that this period of "considerable days" which followed the trial before Gallio is included in the year and six months of verse 11 or is in addition to it which is most likely. Vindicated as Paul was, there was no reason for haste in leaving, though he usually left after such a crisis was passed.

Took his leave ( αποταξαμενος ). First aorist middle (direct), old verb, to separate oneself, to bid farewell (Vulgate valefacio), as in verse 21; Mr 6:46.

Sailed thence ( εξεπλε ). Imperfect active of εκπλεω, old and common verb, inchoative imperfect, started to sail. Only Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned as his companions though others may have been in the party.

Having shorn his head ( κειραμενος την κεφαλην ). First aorist middle (causative) of κειρω, old verb to shear (sheep) and the hair as also in 1Co 11:6. The participle is masculine and so cannot refer to Priscilla. Aquila comes next to the participle, but since mention of Priscilla and Aquila is parenthetical and the two other participles ( προσμεινασ, αποταξαμενος ) refer to Paul it seems clear that this one does also.

For he had a vow ( ειχεν γαρ ευχην ). Imperfect active showing the continuance of the vow up till this time in Cenchreae, the port of Corinth when it expired. It was not a Nazarite vow which could be absolved only in Jerusalem. It is possible that the hair was only polled or trimmed, cut shorter, not "shaved" ( ξυραω as in 21:24) for there is a distinction as both verbs are contrasted in 1Co 11:6 ( κειρασθα η ξυρασθα ). It is not clear what sort of a vow Paul had taken nor why he took it. It may have been a thank offering for the outcome at Corinth (Hackett). Paul as a Jew kept up his observance of the ceremonial law, but refused to impose it on the Gentiles.