4 And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks . 5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia , Paul began devoting himself completely to the word , solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ . 6 But when they resisted and blasphemed , he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads ! I am clean . From now on I will go to the Gentiles ."
7 Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus , a worshiper of God , whose house was next to the synagogue . 8 Crispus , the leader of the synagogue , believed in the Lord with all his household , and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized . 9 And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision , "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent ; 10 for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city ." 11 And he settled there a year and six months , teaching the word of God among them.
12 But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia , the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat , 13 saying , "This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law ." 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth , Gallio said to the Jews , "If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious crime , O Jews , it would be reasonable for me to put up with you; 15 but if there are questions about words and names and your own law , look after it yourselves ; I am unwilling e to be a judge of these matters." 16 And he drove them away from the judgment seat . 17 And they all took hold of Sosthenes , the leader of the synagogue , and began beating him in front of the judgment seat . But Gallio was not concerned about any of these things .
18 Paul , having remained many days longer , took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria , and with him were Priscilla and Aquila . In Cenchrea he had his hair cut , for he was keeping a vow . 19 They came to Ephesus , and he left them there . Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 18:4-19
Commentary on Acts 18:1-6
(Read Acts 18:1-6)
Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked at his calling. An honest trade, by which a man may get his bread, is not to be looked upon with contempt by any. It was the custom of the Jews to bring up their children to some trade, though they gave them learning or estates. Paul was careful to prevent prejudices, even the most unreasonable. The love of Christ is the best bond of the saints; and the communings of the saints with each other, sweeten labour, contempt, and even persecution. Most of the Jews persisted in contradicting the gospel of Christ, and blasphemed. They would not believe themselves, and did all they could to keep others from believing. Paul hereupon left them. He did not give over his work; for though Israel be not gathered, Christ and his gospel shall be glorious. The Jews could not complain, for they had the first offer. When some oppose the gospel, we must turn to others. Grief that many persist in unbelief should not prevent gratitude for the conversion of some to Christ.
Commentary on Acts 18:7-11
(Read Acts 18:7-11)
The Lord knows those that are his, yea, and those that shall be his; for it is by his work upon them that they become his. Let us not despair concerning any place, when even in wicked Corinth Christ had much people. He will gather in his chosen flock from the places where they are scattered Thus encouraged, the apostle continued at Corinth, and a numerous and flourishing church grew up.
Commentary on Acts 18:12-17
(Read Acts 18:12-17)
Paul was about to show that he did not teach men to worship God contrary to law; but the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him of what was not within his office. It was right in Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in matters relating to their religion, but yet would not let them, under pretence of that, persecute another. But it was wrong to speak slightly of a law and religion which he might have known to be of God, and which he ought to have acquainted himself with. In what way God is to be worshipped, whether Jesus be the Messiah, and whether the gospel be a Divine revelation, are not questions of words and names, they are questions of vast importance. Gallio spoke as if he boasted of his ignorance of the Scriptures, as if the law of God was beneath his notice. Gallio cared for none of these things. If he cared not for the affronts of bad men, it was commendable; but if he concerned not himself for the abuses done to good men, his indifference was carried too far. And those who see and hear of the sufferings of God's people, and have no feeling with them, or care for them, who do not pity and pray for them, are of the same spirit as Gallio, who cared for none of these things.
Commentary on Acts 18:18-23
(Read Acts 18:18-23)
While Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued labouring. Our times are in God's hand; we purpose, but he disposes; therefore we must make all promises with submission to the will of God; not only if providence permits, but if God does not otherwise direct our motions. A very good refreshment it is to a faithful minister, to have for awhile the society of his brethren. Disciples are compassed about with infirmity; ministers must do what they can to strengthen them, by directing them to Christ, who is their Strength. Let us earnestly seek, in our several places, to promote the cause of Christ, forming plans that appear to us most proper, but relying on the Lord to bring them to pass if he sees good.