Acts 18:18-28
Q.1. When did Paul leave Corinth? Who accompanied him? What are we to make of his vow? Why did he go where he went? – (Acts 18:18-23)
In line with God’s promise that he would not be harmed at Corinth, Paul did not leave there until he had laid the foundation of the church (Acts 19:9-11, 18). He took Priscilla and Aquila with him but left them at Ephesus to minister there while he returned to Antioch, via Caesarea (Acts 18:18-22). Paul had cut his hair and had made a Nazarite vow – to dedicate himself to the Lord (c.f. Num.6:2 c.f. Acts 18:18). We are not told why Paul took this special pledge of devotion. The context suggests that it related to his ministry in Jerusalem, where his presence created animosity from the Jews. This is supported by (i) His leaving Priscilla and Aquila in safety at Ephesus (Acts 18:19). (ii) His doubts about if he may be able to return – “I will return to you again if God wills,” (Acts 18:21). (iii) From Caesarea – he went up (i.e. to Jerusalem) and greeted the church and went down to (stay at) Antioch (Acts 18:22). (iv) After his third Missionary Journey Paul reported to the leadership of the Jerusalem church (Acts 21:17-19). His third Mission Trip started once more from his ‘home church’ at Antioch, after he had reported to the church leaders at Jerusalem – And having spent some time there, he left and passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples (Acts 18:23 c.f. Acts 13:1-3).
Q.2. What special ministry did Priscilla and Aquila have with Apollos? What impact did their contributions have on the church? – Acts 18:24-28)
It appears that Priscilla was more capable of presenting the truth of the Gospel, since she was usually mentioned first (Acts 18:18, 26). They ministered to Apollos, who – … had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John … they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:25-26). Apollos was mightily used by God to spread the Gospel – 27 And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 18:27-28). However, it was the behind-the-scenes ministry of Priscilla and Aquila, that ensured that the doctrine proclaimed by Apollos was true.