Acts 18

Acts 18 is the eighteenth chapter of the Book of Acts in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It recounts the Apostle Paul's ministry in Corinth, his subsequent voyage to Ephesus and Caesarea, and his return to Antioch. It is a key passage for understanding the spread of early Christianity and the challenges faced by Paul in establishing new churches.

The chapter details Paul's arrival in Corinth, a major trading hub and notoriously immoral city. There, he meets Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish tentmakers who had recently been expelled from Rome by Claudius's edict. Paul joins them in their trade, providing him with financial support and a platform for his ministry. He debates regularly in the synagogue, attempting to persuade both Jews and Gentiles that Jesus is the Messiah.

Opposition from the Jewish community intensifies, leading Paul to declare that he will focus his efforts on the Gentiles. He moves his teaching to the house of Titius Justus, located next to the synagogue, resulting in many Gentiles, including Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believing in Christ and being baptized.

The Lord encourages Paul in a vision, assuring him of protection and success in Corinth. Paul remains in Corinth for a year and a half, establishing a thriving church.

The chapter also describes an attempt by the Jews to bring Paul before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia. They accuse Paul of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law. However, Gallio refuses to intervene in what he considers an internal Jewish matter. He dismisses the case, leading to an outburst against Sosthenes, the new ruler of the synagogue, by some of the crowd.

Following his time in Corinth, Paul departs for Syria, accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla. They stop at Ephesus, where Paul briefly preaches in the synagogue before leaving Aquila and Priscilla behind to continue the work. He promises to return if God wills.

Paul then sails to Caesarea, goes up to Jerusalem (referred to here as "the church"), and returns to Antioch. Finally, the chapter concludes with a brief note about Paul's subsequent travels through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Acts 18 highlights several important themes, including the universality of the Gospel message (reaching both Jews and Gentiles), the challenges of religious opposition, the importance of community and fellowship in the early church, and the unwavering faith and perseverance of Paul in spreading the Christian message.