Acts 18: Building Up the Church in Corinth and Ephesus
Paul ministers in Corinth, is encouraged by God, and Apollos is mentored.
Summary
In Corinth Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers, and works alongside them while teaching in the synagogue. When opposition grows, God encourages Paul in a vision to keep speaking, and he stays for a year and a half. A legal challenge before the proconsul Gallio is dismissed, and Paul eventually travels on toward Ephesus and Antioch. Meanwhile, an eloquent teacher named Apollos is taught more accurately by Priscilla and Aquila and goes on to strengthen the believers.
Main Characters
- Paul — Establishes the church in Corinth and is encouraged by God to persevere.
- Aquila and Priscilla — A married couple who partner with Paul and mentor Apollos.
- Apollos — An eloquent teacher who is helped to understand the way of God more fully.
- Gallio — A Roman proconsul who refuses to hear the case against Paul.
Key Verse
Acts 18:9-10 (WEB)
The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
Lessons Learned
- God encourages his servants to persevere when they grow weary or afraid.
- Ordinary believers play a vital role in teaching and mentoring others.
- Partnership and friendship strengthen the work of ministry.
- Even gifted teachers can keep growing in their understanding.
- How does God encourage Paul, and why might he have needed it?
- What do you notice about the partnership of Priscilla and Aquila?
- How do they help Apollos, and what does that model for us?
- Why is it significant that even Apollos had more to learn?
- Who has mentored you, and whom might you encourage?