What is the meaning of Acts 18:11? So Paul stayed • The little word “so” links back to the Lord’s night vision in Acts 18:9-10, where Jesus assured Paul, “Do not be afraid… for I am with you.” • Rather than moving on quickly, Paul chose settled obedience. This mirrors earlier guidance (Acts 16:9-10) and anticipates later steadfastness in Ephesus (Acts 20:31). • Obedience to Christ’s direct encouragement gave Paul confidence to remain despite Jewish opposition (Acts 18:6-7). The same faith-fueled perseverance surfaces in 1 Corinthians 2:3, where he recalls coming to Corinth “in weakness, fear, and much trembling,” yet he stayed. for a year and a half • Eighteen months made Corinth one of Paul’s lengthiest ministry posts, second only to his three years in Ephesus (Acts 19:10; 20:31). • Extended presence allowed: – Deep discipleship rather than quick evangelism (cf. Colossians 1:28). – Formation of church leadership, later addressed in 1 Corinthians 3:10-11. – Time to model bivocational ministry—working with Priscilla and Aquila in tentmaking (Acts 18:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:9). • Lengthy investment underscores God’s patience and commitment to transform a notoriously immoral city (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). teaching the word of God • Luke highlights teaching over signs; the gospel advances primarily through Scripture proclamation (Romans 10:17). • Paul “reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath” (Acts 18:4) and later devoted himself “exclusively to preaching” (v. 5). • His curriculum: – Christ as fulfillment of Scripture (Acts 18:28). – The cross as central (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). – Whole counsel of God—pattern repeated in Acts 20:27. • Teaching produced a letter-writing pastor; 1 & 2 Corinthians preserve what he had already taught face-to-face. among the Corinthians • Corinth was a bustling trade hub, famous for wealth and vice. Planting a church here placed light in cultural darkness (Matthew 5:14-16). • Ministry “among” them shows Paul lived in their midst, not aloof. He lodged with fellow tentmakers (Acts 18:3) and ministered next door to the synagogue in Titius Justus’s house (v. 7). • Fruit included converts like Crispus (v. 8) and a diverse congregation later addressed as “those sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:2). • The phrase reminds modern believers that effective witness requires presence within our communities (Philippians 2:15-16). summary Acts 18:11 spotlights steadfast obedience, patient investment, Scripture-centered ministry, and incarnational presence. Paul’s eighteen-month stay in Corinth—rooted in Christ’s assurance—birthed a vibrant, if imperfect, church and proves that God’s word, faithfully taught, transforms even the toughest cultures. |
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