After leaving Athens, Paul arrived in Corinth, a bustling city known for its immorality and influence. There, he met a Jewish couple named Aquila and Priscilla, who had recently been forced out of Rome by Emperor Claudius’s decree expelling all Jews. Aquila was from Pontus in northern Asia Minor, and his wife, Priscilla, was likely a Roman citizen. They were both tentmakers, just like Paul. Whether they met through their shared trade or mutual reputation, Scripture doesn’t say—only that their friendship and faith created a bond that would last Paul’s lifetime.
Priscilla and Aquila were already believers when Paul met them, likely converted in Rome. Their hospitality and spiritual maturity made them key figures in Paul’s ministry. Interestingly, of the six times the Bible mentions this couple, Priscilla’s name comes first in four of them, highlighting her significance in their ministry partnership. Far from being passive supporters, they were faithful co-workers whose service to God extended through multiple cities and years.
Paul supported himself by making tents, a skill he likely picked up as part of his rabbinic training. He often emphasized the value of working with one’s hands to support gospel ministry. In this case, he worked during the week and reasoned in the synagogue on the Sabbath, persuading Jews and God-fearing Gentiles.
Once Silas and Timothy rejoined him in Corinth, bringing encouraging news and financial support from Philippi, Paul devoted himself full-time to preaching. But his message met resistance from some Jews, and they opposed and insulted him. In response, Paul shook the dust from his clothes—a Jewish gesture symbolizing rejection—and declared that he would now focus on preaching to the Gentiles.
God soon provided a new ministry home—right next door to the synagogue—in the house of Titius Justus, a Gentile worshiper of God. There, Paul continued preaching, and many Corinthians believed and were baptized, including Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household. God’s work in Corinth was evident and powerful. Even Erastus, the city’s director of public works, came to faith—his name confirmed by archaeological evidence in the area.
Despite the progress, Paul was not without fear. In a vision, the Lord Jesus encouraged him: “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” (Acts 18:9–10, NLT). Strengthened by this promise, Paul stayed in Corinth for eighteen months, teaching the Word and planting a thriving church.
During Paul’s stay, the Jews attempted to take him to court under the Roman proconsul Gallio, accusing him of violating the law. But Gallio dismissed the case, refusing to interfere in what he saw as internal religious disputes. This response from a Roman official gave implicit permission for Christian preaching in Corinth. In the aftermath, Sosthenes, the new synagogue leader, was beaten—though it’s unclear whether by Jews frustrated at their failure or by Gentiles expressing anti-Semitic sentiment. Interestingly, a “Sosthenes” is later mentioned as Paul’s companion in 1 Corinthians 1:1.
Eventually, Paul left Corinth with Priscilla and Aquila and traveled to Ephesus, where he briefly reasoned in the synagogue. Though the Jews there wanted him to stay longer, Paul declined, promising to return if it was God’s will. Leaving Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus, Paul sailed to Caesarea, went up to visit the church in Jerusalem, and then returned to his home base in Antioch—completing his second missionary journey.
After spending some time in Antioch, Paul began his third missionary journey, traveling through Galatia and Phrygia to strengthen the churches he had planted earlier.
Meanwhile, back in Ephesus, a man named Apollos arrived. He was an eloquent and knowledgeable Jew from Alexandria who taught about Jesus accurately, though his understanding was incomplete—he only knew of John’s baptism. Priscilla and Aquila, recognizing his potential and sincerity, invited him into their home and explained the full truth of the gospel. With their help, Apollos grew into a powerful teacher and apologist. He went on to Corinth, where he greatly encouraged the believers and effectively refuted Jewish objections, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.
Truths and Lessons for Today
1. God Uses Ordinary Workplaces for Extraordinary Ministry
Paul’s tentmaking job led to one of the most influential partnerships in the New Testament. Priscilla and Aquila were faithful believers who used their profession to open doors for ministry and disciple others like Apollos.
🡲 Application: Don’t underestimate what God can do through your daily job. Your workplace can become your mission field, your coworkers can become ministry partners, and your labor can serve as worship.
📖 “There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila… They all worked together, for they were tentmakers just as he was.” (Acts 18:2–3, NLT)
2. God Encourages His Servants in Moments of Fear
Even the Apostle Paul needed encouragement. In Corinth, Jesus met him in a vision and promised protection and success. That divine reassurance fueled Paul’s boldness and long-term ministry in a difficult city.
🡲 Application: When fear, criticism, or uncertainty creep in, remember that Jesus sees your situation and promises His presence. Don’t give up—He may be working behind the scenes in ways you can’t yet see.
📖 “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” (Acts 18:9–10, NLT)
3. We All Need People Who Help Us Grow in the Faith
Apollos was passionate and gifted, but his knowledge was incomplete. Priscilla and Aquila didn’t embarrass or criticize him—they lovingly discipled him. As a result, Apollos became a powerful voice for the gospel.
🡲 Application: Be humble enough to learn and gracious enough to teach. Find mentors who can help you grow, and be willing to disciple others who are eager to learn.
📖 “When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly… they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.” (Acts 18:26, NLT)
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