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Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth: A Testament of Faith

Discover the story of Aquila and Priscilla, faithful Christians in Corinth, and their encounter with Paul amidst the challenges faced by the early church in Acts 18. Explore their unwavering dedication to the gospel and their pivotal role in spreading the message of Jesus Christ despite opposition and societal turmoil. Uncover the historical context of Claudius Caesar's expulsion of Jews from Rome and its impact on the lives of believers like Aquila and Priscilla.

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Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth: A Testament of Faith

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  1. Welcome to Chapter 18

  2. Acts 18:1… After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. Finally we are coming to one of the most important churches in Bible history… They are arriving at Corinth, which is the capital of Achaia. Brothers, Corinth was a very sinful city and they gave Paul, as a church, a very hard time because they wanted to bring sin into the church.

  3. PROBLEMS REPORTED BY THE HOUSE OF CHLOE (1:10-6:20) FACTIONS IN THE CHURCH (1:1-4:21) SEXUAL IMMORALITY (5:1-13) LAWSUITS AMONG BRETHREN (6:1-11) MORAL DEFILEMENTS (6:12-20) PROBLEMS MENTIONED IN THE LETTER FROM CORINTH (7:1-16:9) MARRIAGE & CELIBACY (7:1-40) EATING MEATS SACRIFICED TO IDOLS (8:1-11:1) WOMEN PRAYING AND PROPHESYING WITH HEADS UNCOVERED (11:2-16) THE LORD'S SUPPER (11:17-34) SPIRITUAL GIFTS (12:1-14:40) RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD (15:1-58) G. COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS (16:1-4)

  4. Acts 18:2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. Aquila, a really faithful Christian who for God’s providence Paul met in Corinth. He was from the city of Pontus. Where is Pontus? He comes from the country of Italy, they were living in Italy, but they were commanded to depart from Rome by the emperor Claudius. Who is this Claudius man?

  5. Acts 18:2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. HistoryTiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus was the fourth Roman Emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Born in Gaul (modern-day Lyon, France), to Drusus and Antonia Minor, he was the first Roman Emperor to be born outside Italy.Acts 11:28… Which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Roman Historian Suetonis Confirms Acts 18"He banished from Rome all the Jews, who were continually making disturbances at the instigation of one Chrestus. -Christ."

  6. Acts 18:2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. Paul came to live with this couple; he moved in with them, (and as the next verse shows) began working for them. Again, this is a Christian couple and for the Apostles, it was very easy to get along with and share the things that they had done with the gospel. We don't know why Claudius commanded all of the Jews to move out of Rome.

  7. Acts 18:3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. “TRADE” = “occupation”. Aquila and Priscilla have a small, Private business, and Paul is taken in, to live with them and to share in the work. It was a regular custom among the Jews to teach their sons some useful trade, so that they would always have a way to earn an honest living. He wanted to keep himself from any suspicions of self-interests in his work as a teacher. 1 Cor 9:15-19; 2 Cor 11:7-13; Acts 20:34; 2 Thess 3:9, 10…

  8. Acts 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. In Which Synagogue did he reason every Saturday? Remember, this reason always included the teaching of the gospel of Jesus. Remember, the reason why he went to the synagogues Saturday after Saturday was because there, the biggest concentration of religious Jews were found. He is trying to persuade them to believe his message and to become Christians. Luke says that there were Greeks among them in the Synagogues, and with this we can understand that they were Proselytes...

  9. Acts 18:5... When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. They came to Paul, because he had sent back to Macedonia, with the brethren who had accompanied him to Athens. He sent a request for them to come (Acts 17:15; 1 Thess 3:1, 2). He was worried about the Thessalonians and now that Timothy is back, he is happy to hear good news about the brethren 1 Thess 3:6. NASB Acts 18:5...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.

  10. Acts 18:5... When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. How can we testify that Jesus is the Christ? We must open the Bible! Are we commanded also to testify to people that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Saviour? Yes, we have the same task. We, like Paul, have the same hope and we must tell people who Jesus is and the things that he can do for them if they allow Him to come into their lives!

  11. Acts 18:6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." NASB Acts 18:6 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.“ Opposition will come when the enemies of Christ notice that the gospel is having success among sinners. These people showed great opposition to the gospel. They were close minded concerning Jesus and they were not willing to listen...

  12. Acts 18:6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." It was at the close of one of the Sabbath services that Paul took of his garment and began shaking the dust off of it. This was symbolism among them. From now on they are responsible for whatever happens to them in the future... Matthew 10:14... The Christian disciple is to turn from those who continue to reject the gospel; but when rejected, he is to continue on, not quitting or slacking up. Note: Paul did exactly what Christ said for us to do. He shook off the dust of those who had rejected him.

  13. Acts 18:6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." See? It was the same Jewish people; they were the ones who rejected the gospel of Christ... They were the main and the original recipients for the word of God, but they did not want it! John 1:11; Acts 3:26; Acts 13:46. Paul was called by Christ as the apostle of the Gentiles and, it is for this reason that Paul confessed... “I will go to the Gentiles” Acts 9:15… But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

  14. Acts 18:7... he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. The Christian disciple identified with those to whom he ministered. Rejected by the Jews, Paul could no longer preach in the synagogue. Note what he did: he began to preach in the home of a convert named Justus. We do not know much about Justus only that he was one who worshipped God. The rejection by the ones in the synagogue did not stop Paul from preaching the gospel. Justus had his house next door to the synagogue so basically he could see, and hear who was coming to the synagogue...

  15. Acts 18:8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. Another man comes to the record, this time, Crispus... Who was Crispus? He was the ruler of the synagogue... The Christian disciple witnessed to all- high and low. This is clearly seen in that the chief ruler of the synagogue and his family were reached for Christ. But, so were many of the other citizens of Corinth. Remember, many of these would be coming from the most sinful backgrounds imaginable, for Corinth was one of the cesspools of immorality and night club life in the ancient world.

  16. Acts 18:8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. Ok, get ready to discuss this point. Let’s hear what the Bible says: Hearing Believe Baptized These steps, do they Sound familiar to you? They are part of the simple plan of salvation. By inference we believe that they repented of their sins and confessed Jesus as the son of God. Remember Acts 2:38; Acts 8:37. Simply “believing” will never, ever be enough for God

  17. Acts 18:8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. We were talking last Sunday morning that many people want to make baptism an option, but that's not what the Bible says. We find that in every passage in the Bible baptism is a commandment... Baptism is an act of faith and we must see it like that, as an act of obedience unto God. There are few options in the Bible and certainly baptism IS NOT ONE OF THEM... We must continue to tell people that if they want to go to heaven they must obey God’s requirements...Baptism is ONE OF THEM. Acts 22:16 An option or a commandment?

  18. Acts 18:8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. Men can deny many things, but will never erase, from the Bible, the fact that if a person wants to be a Christian, baptism is “essential.” Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-41; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:35-38; Romans 10:14-17; 1 Corinthians 1:13-17. There is no need to argue with God. The Corinthians understood the call of the gospel and they obeyed it! What is the problem with men today? Why is it that they love to contradict the will of God?

  19. Acts 18:9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; This is what we need from time to time. The Christian disciple faced terrible discouragement. This is a striking picture of just how human Paul was, and how dependent he was on the Lord's presence and encouragement. What happened to this Christian servant is a glorious lesson for every Christian servant when facing terrible discouragement.

  20. Acts 18:9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; Keep in mind how severely he had been persecuted, suffering so much for his precious Lord... •  His life had been threatened in Damascus (Acts 9:23). •  his life had been threatened again in Jerusalem (Acts 9:29). •  He had been persecuted and run out of Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:50). •  He had faced possible stoning in Iconium (Acts 14:5). •  He had been stoned and left for dead in Lystra (Acts 14:19). •  He had been opposed and made the center of controversy by the church itself (Acts 15:1f).

  21. Acts 18:9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; Keep in mind how severely he had been persecuted, suffering so much for his precious Lord... •  He had experienced the loss of his closest friend and companion, Barnabas (Acts 15:39). •  He had been beaten with rods and imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16:23f). •  He had been cast out of Philippi (Acts 16:39). •  His life had been threatened in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-7, 10). •  He had been forced out of Berea (Acts 17:13-14). •  He had been mocked in Athens (Acts 17:18).

  22. Acts 18:9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; Was Paul afraid of being in Corinth? Lord Jesus says: “Don't be afraid”... so he was! The dear servant of God was shrinking from having to face the uproar of persecution again. He was apparently thinking about moving on or else keeping silent for awhile, hoping that the storm would pass. This is seen in the very first words which the Lord spoke to Paul... •  Be not afraid •  Speak •  Hold not thy peace Let’s hear from Paul himself...1 Cor 2:3; 2 Cor 7:5

  23. Acts 18:9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; Are we alone? Is God with us when we are going through those hard moments in our lives? It is the very same promise He gives to us (Matthew 28:20). Paul needed nothing else, just the perfect assurance and sense of the Lord's presence, the presence of the One who had done so much for him and whom he loved so much. Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 43:1-3; 2 Tim. 1:7-8. God is with us and he will always keep and protect us from any danger that we must face. We are NOT alone and Paul was not alone. God was taking care of him and is taking care of us.

  24. Acts 18:10 "for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." “For I am with you”... Do we trust Him? Jesus spoke to Paul on different occasions. 9:4; 22:17; 16:9; 23:11; 27:23… “And no one will attack you”. Do we trust? Matthew 10:30,31. Matthew 10:26-28; 1 Cor 4:9-13; 2 Cor 11:23-28; Phil 3:10; Col 1:24, 25. “For I have many people in this city.“ Remember Elijah? 1 King 19:18; Remember Jonah? Jonah 4:11.

  25. Acts 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. He stayed 18 months in a city where he was very afraid, with the help of God. What was the purpose? He stayed 18 months, and the purpose for this was so that he could teach the gospel in a city where the church absorbed almost every sin found there. It was important to stay that long in order to prepare the people of God from their sins…

  26. Where are we geographically Speaking… We are in chapter 18, but how does Everything start

  27. 45-48 A.D Acts 13 and 14.

  28. Acts 18:12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, See? These Jews are willing to kill Paul, they don't give up... Every evil person will always go the extra mile in order to execute their plan. They are bringing Paul to the proconsul, Gallio, in order to find support to condemn Paul for something that he has not done… This is not the first or last time we will see Paul suffer in the hands of his own people…

  29. Acts 18:13 saying, "This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law." Paul, here, has become the object of a great lie. This was the exact same lie that these men used against Stephen...Acts 6:12, 13... In 17:7, He was accused. Here, it has occurred again in order to put Paul in trouble... Was Paul teaching men to worship God contrary to the law? Never! The accusation is false! Lord Jesus was accused many times, for they did not understand the way that he spoke to them... Matthew 5:17; Acts 17:6; Matthew 15:9

  30. Acts 18:14 And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. See? Paul was ready to open his mouth... Don't give him a chance though, because he had the power to keep everyone silent and attentive. The attitude of these Jewish men explains why Cesar sent all of the Jews out of Rome. Ver. 2. They were annoying. Gallio explained the situation well: “If this accusation is a crime, then I will listen to you”… He does not want to become involved in other problems…

  31. Acts 18:15 "But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters." All of these leaders knew the Jews. They were blind followers and the governors knew that they were willing, even to lie, for the law. Gallio is talking like Pilate when he says “look to it yourself” Matthew 27:4; 27:24. He was very open when he said that he was not in the position to Judge their complaints…John 18:31. Many of the Christians in the first century and even today, suffered, due to the lies from their own country men…

  32. Acts 18:16 And he drove them from the judgment seat. They loved to be treated like that. When the governors were tired of them they just threw them out of the political places... He refused to hear and decide the controversy. He commanded them to depart from the court. The word used here does not denote that there was any violence used by Gallio, but merely that he dismissed them in an authoritative manner. Will they give up? No, later they will try again with Paul and his partners... Evil men do not cease to fight against God.

  33. Acts 18:17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things. Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue... Sosthenes later became a convert to Christ. He also became a minister of the gospel with Paul (1 Cor. 1:1). How marvelously the Lord fulfilled His promise to Paul, not only in protecting him from harm, but the Lord converted the very leader of those who would harm His dear servant.

  34. Acts 18:17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things. Apparently these gatherings were held in the open public. They were outside because Luke says that they beat Sosthenes the ruler of the synagogue and who later became a Christian in the open air. Right before the judgment seat… Gallio who was was proconsul of Achaia took no notice...That is he did not care what was happening because it was based on their beliefs and traditions...

  35. Acts 18:18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. Self-Denial— Zeal: After the court trial and a favorable ruling by the proconsul Gallio, Paul was able to settle down in a permanent ministry, coming and going and bearing witness and ministering freely. Scripture says he remained in Corinth for a good while, for many days. Ministering freely without the pressure and strain of open abuse and opposition was a real treat for Paul. No man could blame Paul for settling down and carrying on a dynamic ministry in Corinth.

  36. Acts 18:18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. Self-Denial— Zeal: ⇒  He was protected by Gallio's ruling. ⇒  He was having phenomenal results. ⇒  He was loved by many of the believers. ⇒  He was in a strategic city of commerce and trade which would assure the spread of the gospel far and wide.

  37. Acts 18:18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. But note a critical fact. God had not called Paul to be the preacher of a local church. Paul was called to carry the gospel forth as an evangelist and a missionary. To remain in Corinth as a local church preacher would be against God's will. Paul would miss God's great call for his life. The point is this: being the heroic believer that he was, Paul... • struck out because it was the only way to fulfill God's purpose for his life. •  struck out despite being comfortably settled. •  struck out to carry the message of the glorious gospel forth. •  struck out to reach men and women, boys and girls for Jesus Christ.

  38. Acts 18:18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. Thought 1. How many turn away from God's call because of... •  family and friends •  success and acceptance •  position and prestige •  possessions and materialism •  security and safety The heroic believer refuses to miss God's will and call for his life. He denies himself and takes up his cross daily and follows Christ, no matter where it takes him. Luke 9:23-24; John 9:4; 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Tim. 1:6...

  39. Acts 18:18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. Vows: Paul put himself under vows when needed. When Paul left Corinth he took some vow before the Lord, refusing to cut his hair until the vow was fulfilled. It was completed when he reached Cenchrea and he cut his hair. What was the vow? Was it a vow... • of thanksgiving and praise for such a fruitful ministry in Corinth? • of commitment to break away from such a comfortable and peaceful ministry in Corinth? • of prayer for safety as he travelled back home to Antioch? The answer is unknown. However, there is a great lesson for believers in the fact that Paul took a vow before the Lord. Vows are too often ignored and dismissed by believers...

  40. Acts 18:18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. Vows: the heroic disciple put himself under vows when needed. When Paul left Corinth he took some vow before the Lord, refusing to cut his hair until the vow was fulfilled. It was completed when he reached Cenchrea and he cut his hair. What was the vow? Was it a vow... • of thanksgiving and praise for such a fruitful ministry in Corinth? • of commitment to break away from such a comfortable and peaceful ministry in Corinth? • of prayer for safety as he travelled back home to Antioch?

  41. Acts 18:18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. Priscilla and Aquila are with Paul. From chapter 18:1,2 we know that this couple are just arriving from Italy. We also know that they make tents as a living and Paul was working with them... You can never say that you don’t need your brothers in Christ at all. Here we can see that Paul the great apostle of Jesus is in need of Christian company... Christian encouragement is all what we need, it is a fundamental help for our Christian life... Galatians 6:1-2; John 13:34; John 15:12; 1 Thes 5:14.

  42. Acts 18:18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. Vows: The answer is unknown. However, there is a great lesson for believers in the fact that Paul took a vow before the Lord. Vows are too often ignored and dismissed by believers... Numbers 30:2; Deut. 23:21-23; Job 22:27; Psalm 22:25; Psalm 50:14 15; Psalm 56:12; Psalm 65:1; Psalm 76:11; Psalm 116:14-15, 17-18; Eccles. 5:4-5; Jonah 2:9; Nahum 1:15).

  43. Acts 18:18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. Vows: All of these passages are talking about people making vows or promises to God... The seriousness of this is... Were they willing to keep their vows? Numbers 30:2; Deut. 23:21-23; Job 22:27; Psalm 22:25; Psalm 50:14 15; Psalm 56:12; Psalm 65:1; Psalm 76:11; Psalm 116:14-15, 17-18; Eccles. 5:4-5; Jonah 2:9; Nahum 1:15).

  44. Is it Biblical to make vows! Let’s all understand first what is a vow? Definition: a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment: marriage vows; a vow of secrecy. Can I as a Christian do that today? Can I promise to my God in heaven this and that?

  45. Let me say something before You make a “vow” to God Ecclesiastes 5:4-5... When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed 5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

  46. What Solomon is telling us There is: Do not promise anything to God in your life if you are not in the position to keep what you have promise!  Lord I (vow) promise to be more faithful to you in this coming 2010...  Lord I (vow) promise to you to love my wife more from now on...  Lord I (vow) promise to study your word more from now on...

  47. What Solomon is telling us There is: Do not promise anything to God in your life if you are not in the position to keep what you have promise!  Lord I (vow) promise to be more involve in the work that this church is carrying on...  Lord I (vow) promise to you to be more active in the services from now on...  Lord I (vow) promise not to forsake the assemblies as I have been doing in the past...

  48. What Solomon is telling us There is: Do not promise anything to God in your life if you are not in the position to keep what you have promise! When we say all that... Are we in the position to keep that (vow) promise? Remember what Solomon said: Ecclesiastes 5:4-5... When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed 5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

  49. Are we less guilty if we do not Make any vows? No the punishment is the same for everyone. Vow or no vow you made a big one the day that you were baptized and that vow will be there for ever. Let me refresh your memory a little bit... Hear The pure gospel of Jesus and be willing to obey it! Believe That Jesus is the son of God and that he die for you... Repent You recognized your sins and you were willing to repent... Confess Did you confess Jesus in front of people? What do you think that was? A vow, a promise, a pledge, a commitment? Baptism The outer testimony that I belong to Christ.

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