November 11, 2025
The War of the Words
Acts 18-20
John Sivils
Big Book Idea
The Holy Spirit comes, and the Church is born; thus, the gospel shall go from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth!
Key Verse | Acts 19:20
So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
Acts 18-20
Chapter 18
Paul in Corinth
1 After this Paul 1 18:1 Greek he left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews 2 18:12 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 14 (twice), 28 made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is persuading people 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 wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” 16 And he drove them from the tribunal. 17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.
Paul Returns to Antioch
18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers 3 18:18 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 27 and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.
22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Apollos Speaks Boldly in Ephesus
24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, 4 18:25 Or in the Spirit he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
Chapter 19
Paul in Ephesus
1 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland 5 19:1 Greek upper (that is, highland) country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in 6 19:5 Or into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 7 19:9 Some manuscripts add from the fifth hour to the tenth (that is, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
The Sons of Sceva
11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all 8 19:16 Or both of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. 18 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. 19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
A Riot at Ephesus
21 Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.”
28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. 31 And even some of the Asiarchs, 9 19:31 That is, high-ranking officers of the province of Asia who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35 And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? 10 19:35 The meaning of the Greek is uncertain 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything further, 11 19:39 Some manuscripts seek about other matters it shall be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
Chapter 20
Paul in Macedonia and Greece
1 After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews 12 20:3 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verse 19 as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.
Eutychus Raised from the Dead
7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.
13 But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15 And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and 13 20:15 Some manuscripts add after remaining at Trogyllium the day after that we went to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.
Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders
17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them:
“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 14 20:21 Some manuscripts omit Christ 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by 15 20:22 Or bound in the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, 16 20:28 Some manuscripts of the Lord which he obtained with his own blood. 17 20:28 Or with the blood of his Own 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.
Footnotes
[1] 18:1 Greek he[2] 18:12 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 14 (twice), 28
[3] 18:18 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 27
[4] 18:25 Or in the Spirit
[5] 19:1 Greek upper (that is, highland)
[6] 19:5 Or into
[7] 19:9 Some manuscripts add from the fifth hour to the tenth (that is, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
[8] 19:16 Or both
[9] 19:31 That is, high-ranking officers of the province of Asia
[10] 19:35 The meaning of the Greek is uncertain
[11] 19:39 Some manuscripts seek about other matters
[12] 20:3 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verse 19
[13] 20:15 Some manuscripts add after remaining at Trogyllium
[14] 20:21 Some manuscripts omit Christ
[15] 20:22 Or bound in
[16] 20:28 Some manuscripts of the Lord
[17] 20:28 Or with the blood of his Own
Table of Contents
Introduction to Acts
Timeline
Author and Date
Acts is a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Both were written by Luke, a physician who traveled with the apostle Paul. Acts ends with Paul under house arrest, awaiting trial before Caesar, c. A.D. 62. Many scholars assume Acts was written then because it does not record Paul’s defense, release, and further gospel preaching.
Theme
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to declare the gospel among both Jews and Gentiles. In doing so they establish the church. The church is the fulfillment of God’s promises from the beginning of time.
Purpose
Luke’s purpose for writing his Gospel (see Luke 1:3–4) applies to Acts as well: to give an “orderly” account of the early church after Christ’s resurrection. Dedicating the two-volume work to Theophilus, Luke wanted him to have “certainty” about what he had been taught.
Key Themes
Acts tells of the witness of the early church to the truth of the gospel—a theme first introduced in 1:8:
- The witness is worldwide—Judea, Samaria, the “end of the earth” (1:8).
- The witness includes all kinds of people (chs. 2–5; 10:1–11:18; 14:8–18; 16:11–15, 25–34; 17:22–31).
- God guides the church’s witness (4:5–22; 23:12–22; 24:1–23; 27:21–26).
- Faithful witnesses must be prepared to suffer and even die because of their testimony to Christ (5:41–42; 7:54–60).
- The Holy Spirit empowers the witness (1:8; 2:1–13; 8:17; 13:2–12; 19:6).
- Effective witness demands unity in the church (2:42–47; 4:32–37; 5:12–14).
- Jesus’ resurrection is a key part of the witness (1:22; 2:22–36; 17:30–31).
- Acceptance of the message depends both on human response and on God’s sovereign will (2:47; 11:18; 13:48).
- The witness to the gospel calls for a response (26:27–29). It requires repenting of one’s sins in the name of Christ. This brings forgiveness of sins (e.g., 2:38).
- Witnesses must always maintain integrity before the world (18:12–15; 23:29; 25:18; 26:31–32).
- Christian witnesses continue the ministry that Christ “began” (1:1).
- Faithful witness can bring great results (4:4; 13:48–49; 17:4; 28:30–31).
Outline
- Preparation for Witness (1:1–2:13)
- The Witness in Jerusalem (2:14–5:42)
- The Witness beyond Jerusalem (6:1–12:25)
- The Witness in Cyprus and Southern Galatia (13:1–14:28)
- The Jerusalem Council (15:1–35)
- The Witness in Greece (15:36–18:22)
- The Witness in Ephesus (18:23–21:16)
- The Arrest in Jerusalem (21:17–23:35)
- The Witness in Caesarea (24:1–26:32)
- The Witness in Rome (27:1–28:31)
The Setting of Acts
Fact: Who wrote Luke?
Who wrote Luke? Luke wrote both this Gospel account and Acts. He probably traveled with Paul and participated in his ministry (see Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24). Luke was also a physician (Col. 4:14).
Fact: The speeches in Acts
The speeches in Acts are an important part of Luke’s historical account. They make up nearly a third of the book. Ten of these are extended speeches: three by Peter, one by Stephen, and six by Paul.
Fact: Ananias
Ananias. There are three different men named Ananias in the book of Acts (see 5:1; 9:10; 24:1). The Ananias who was apparently the first believer to welcome Paul after his conversion is a positive example of obedience to the Lord (9:10–19).
Fact: What is “the Way?”
What is “the Way?” In Acts, “the Way” appears six times (9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). People who belonged to the Way were followers of Christ. It means the way of salvation (16:17) and/or the true way of life in relation to God (see 18:25–26).
Fact: What happens next?
What happens next? Acts ends with Paul serving Christ from within a Roman prison. During this time, he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. According to the church historian Eusebius, Paul was released, then arrested a second time, and eventually martyred in Rome.
Fact: Gallio
Gallio was proconsul of Achaia from A.D. 51–52, when Paul was in Corinth, the major city of that province. He was the brother of Seneca, the famous Roman philosopher. The dates of his time in office, known from extrabiblical sources, have given Bible scholars a valuable tool for determining the dates of Paul’s missionary journeys.
Fact: Magic
In the Greco-Roman world, many used magic to heal, to curse, or to control evil spirits. Paul encountered such magicians on his missionary journeys (8:9–24; 13:6–12). He showed how Jesus’ power greatly surpasses any magical spells, and many former magicians became believers (19:17–20).
Fact: Elders and overseers
Elders and overseers (20:17, 28) are probably two different terms for the same kind of church leader. In first-century Israel, an elder would have been an older, more mature person to whom people looked for leadership. An overseer would have been someone who was responsible for people or property. Both words describe a person who takes good care of someone or something.
Fact: Apollos
Apollos (1:12) was a Jew from the city of Alexandria. He was “an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). At Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla helped Apollos to better understand the gospel. From Ephesus he traveled on to Corinth, where the church benefited greatly from his teaching (1 Cor. 3:6).
Fact: Preaching for free
Preaching for free. Some traveling teachers in Paul’s day accepted money from their listeners, but Paul worked as a tentmaker to support himself (Acts 18:3; see 1 Cor. 9:4–18). Churches also supported his missions financially (2 Cor. 11:9).
The Setting of 1 Timothy
c. A.D. 62–64
Paul likely wrote 1 Timothy during a fourth missionary journey not recorded in the book of Acts. Writing from an unknown location, Paul wrote to Timothy at Ephesus to instruct him on how to lead the church there. Ephesus was a wealthy and highly influential port city in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its temple of Artemis (Diana).
The Setting of 2 Timothy
c. A.D. 64–67
Paul probably wrote 2 Timothy during a second imprisonment in Rome following a fourth missionary journey that is not recorded in Acts. Expecting that death would come soon, Paul wrote this “farewell” letter to Timothy, who was at Ephesus, urging him to stand firm and asking him to come for one final visit.
The Setting of Titus
c. A.D. 62–64
Paul likely wrote Titus during a fourth missionary journey not recorded in the book of Acts. Writing from an unknown location, he instructed Titus in how to lead the churches on the island of Crete. The churches there had apparently been founded by Paul.
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:22–21:17)
c. A.D. 52–57
Paul’s third missionary journey traversed much the same ground as his second (see map). Passing through Galatia and Phrygia, he proceeded directly to the great port city of Ephesus. After three years of preaching and teaching there, Paul traveled again through Macedonia and Achaia, strengthening the believers, and then finished with a visit to Jerusalem.
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36–18:22)
c. A.D. 49–51
Paul and Silas revisited the places in Asia Minor where Paul had preached on his first journey (see map), while Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Paul and Silas visited Derbe, Lystra, and Antioch in Pisidia. From there Paul and Silas traveled to Troas, where Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia calling to them. Crossing into Europe, they passed through several towns along the Egnatian Way and traveled to the cities of Athens and Corinth in southern Greece. Then, sailing to Ephesus and Caesarea, they visited the church in Jerusalem before returning to Antioch of Syria.
The Setting of Revelation
c. A.D. 95
John addressed the book of Revelation “to the seven churches that are in Asia,” namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, although there were undoubtedly other churches elsewhere in the province of Asia (e.g., Miletus and Colossae, see Acts 20:17; Col. 1:2). John had apparently been exiled from Ephesus to the island of Patmos, southwest of Ephesus, and it was probably there that he recorded his visions.
The Setting of Romans
c. A.D. 57
Paul probably wrote Romans from Corinth during his third missionary journey (Acts 20:2–3). Rome was the epicenter of the powerful Roman Empire, ruling over many of the great ancient centers of Western civilization. Paul had established the church at Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–11).
The Setting of 1 Corinthians
c. A.D. 53–55
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians during his third missionary journey, near the end of his three-year ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:21–22). Both Corinth and Ephesus were wealthy port cities steeped in pagan idolatry and philosophy. Corinth benefited both militarily and economically from its strategic location at one end of the isthmus that connected the southern Greek peninsula to the mainland.
New Testament Timeline
The following chart provides a detailed New Testament timeline. Most of the dates can be determined precisely by correlating biblical events with extensive historical documents and archaeological evidence. Dates with an asterisk denote approximate or alternative dates. The extensive external confirmation of New Testament dates and events encourages great confidence in the truth and historicity of both the Old and New Testaments.
| 5 B.C.* | Jesus is born in Bethlehem. |
| 4 B.C. | Jesus’ family flees to Egypt to escape from Herod’s plan to kill Jesus (Matt. 2:13–18); Herod dies; Judas (of Sepphoris) and others rebel, requiring the Syrian Governor Varus to intervene throughout Palestine; Sepphoris, a city four miles from Nazareth, is destroyed by Roman soldiers; Judea, Samaria, and Idumea are given to Herod’s son, Archelaus; Galilee and Perea are given to his son Antipas; Jesus’ family, after returning from Egypt, resides in Nazareth (Matt. 2:19–23), a small village in southern Galilee. |
| A.D. 6 | Archelaus is exiled for incompetence; Judea becomes a Roman province; Judas the Galilean (of Gamla) leads a revolt against the tax census; the governor of Syria, Quirinius (A.D. 6–7), appoints Annas high priest (6–15). |
| 8* | Jesus (age 12) interacts with the teachers in the temple (Luke 2:41–50). |
| 8*–28/30 | Jesus works as a carpenter in Nazareth (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3) and probably in neighboring villages and Sepphoris, which was being rebuilt. |
| 28–29* | John the Baptist begins his ministry around the Jordan River (John 1:19). |
| 28–30* | Jesus begins his ministry in Judea, but soon focuses his efforts in Galilee. In Jerusalem, Pharisees (like Gamaliel) train disciples (like Paul) in their tradition. They send a delegation to Galilee, but the delegation rejects Jesus’ teaching. In Alexandria, Philo (20 B.C.–A.D. 50) attempts to unify Greek philosophy with Hebrew Scripture. |
| 33 (or 30) | Jesus returns to Judea, is crucified, and resurrected. James the brother of Jesus becomes a believer after witnessing the resurrected Jesus (1 Cor. 15:7; Acts 12:17). Jesus ascends to the Father’s right hand (Acts 1). Jesus’ first followers receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and begin to proclaim the gospel (Acts 2). |
| 33/34* | Paul witnesses the resurrected Lord on the way to Damascus and is commissioned as an apostle to the nations (Acts 9; Gal. 1:15–16). |
| 34–37 | Paul ministers in Damascus and Arabia (Acts 9:19–22; 26:20; Gal. 1:16–18). |
| 36 | Pilate loses his position for incompetence. |
| 36/37* | Paul meets with Peter in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18). |
| 37–45 | Paul ministers in Syria, Tarsus, and Cilicia (Acts 9:30; Gal. 1:21). |
| 38* | Peter witnesses to Cornelius (Acts 10). |
| 39 | Antipas is exiled. |
| 40–45* | James writes his letter to believers outside Palestine (see James 1:1). |
| 41–44 | Agrippa, Herod the Great’s grandson, rules Palestine; he kills James the brother of John (Acts 12:2) and imprisons Peter (Acts 12:3). |
| 42–44 | Paul receives his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7). |
| 44 | Peter leaves Jerusalem; Agrippa is killed by an “angel of the Lord” (Acts 12:23). |
| 44–46 | Theudas persuades many Jews to sell their possessions and follow him into the wilderness where he claimed he would miraculously divide the Jordan River; Roman procurator Fadus dispatches his cavalry and beheads the would-be messiah. |
| 44–47* | Paul’s Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10). |
| 46–47 | Paul’s First Missionary Journey (with Barnabas) from Antioch to Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra (Acts 13:4–14:26). |
| 46–48 | Roman procurator Tiberius Alexander crucifies two sons (Jacob and Simon) of Judas the Galilean. |
| 48* | Paul writes Galatians, perhaps from Antioch (see Acts 14:26–28). |
| 48–49* | Paul and Peter return to Jerusalem for the Apostolic Council, which, with the assistance of James, frees Gentile believers from the requirement of circumcision in opposition to Pharisaic believers (Acts 15:1–29); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30) but split over a dispute about John Mark (Acts 15:36–40). |
| 48/49–51* | Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (with Silas) from Antioch to Syria, Cilicia, southern Galatia, Macedonia, notably Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea; and then on to Achaia, notably Athens and Corinth (Acts 15:36–18:22). |
| 49 | Claudius expels Jews from Rome because of conflicts about Jesus (Acts 18:2); Paul befriends two refugees, Priscilla and Aquila, in Corinth (Acts 18:2–3). |
| 49–51* | Paul writes 1–2 Thessalonians from Corinth (Acts 18:1, 11; also compare Acts 18:5 with 1 Thess. 1:8). |
| 51 | Paul appears before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia (Acts 18:12–17). |
| 50–54* | Peter comes to Rome. |
| 52–57* | Paul’s Third Missionary Journey from Antioch to Galatia, Phrygia, Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece (Acts 18:23–21:17). |
| 52–55 | Paul ministers in Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20). |
| 53–55* | Mark writes his Gospel, containing Peter’s memories of Jesus; perhaps within a decade, Matthew publishes his Gospel, which relies on Mark and other sources. Paul writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus (Acts 19:10). |
| 54 | Claudius dies (edict exiling Jews repealed); Priscilla and Aquila return to Rome and host a church in their home (see Rom. 16:3–5). |
| 54–68 | Nero reigns. |
| 55–56* | Paul writes 2 Corinthians from Macedonia (Acts 20:1, 3; 2 Cor. 1:16; 2:13; 7:5; 8:1; 9:2, 4; see 1 Cor. 16:5). |
| 57* | Paul winters in Corinth and writes Romans (Acts 20:3; see Rom. 16:1–2; also see Rom. 16:23 with 1 Cor. 1:14); travels to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1–16), visits with James the brother of Jesus (Acts 21:17–26), and is arrested (Acts 21:27–36; 22:22–29). |
| 57–59 | Paul is imprisoned and transferred to Caesarea (Acts 23:23–24, 33–34). |
| 60 | Paul begins voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1–2); he is shipwrecked for three months on the island of Malta (Acts 27:39–28:10). |
| 60–70* | Letter to the Hebrews is written. |
| 62 | James the brother of the Lord is executed by the Sadducean high priest Ananus. |
| 62–63* | Peter writes his first letter (1 Peter) from Rome (1 Pet. 5:13). |
| 62* | Paul arrives in Rome and remains under house arrest (Acts 28:16–31); he writes Ephesians (see verses for Colossians), Philippians (Phil. 1:7, 13, 17; 4:22), Colossians (Col. 4:3, 10, 18; see Acts 27:2 with Col. 4:10), Philemon (see Philem. 23 with Col. 1:7; Philem. 2 with Col. 4:17; Philem. 24 with Col. 4:10; also see Col. 4:9). Luke, Paul’s physician and companion (see Col. 4:14), writes Luke and Acts. |
| 62–64 | Paul is released, extends his mission (probably reaching Spain), writes 1 Timothy from Macedonia (see 1 Tim. 1:3) and Titus from Nicopolis (Titus 3:12); he is rearrested in Rome (2 Tim. 1:16–17). |
| 63–64 | Work on the temple complex is completed. |
| 64 (July 19) | Fire in Rome; Nero blames and kills many Christians. |
| 64–67* | Peter writes his second letter ( 2 Peter). Jude writes his letter. Paul writes 2 Timothy (see 2 Tim. 4:6–8). Paul and Peter are martyred in Rome. |
| 66 | First Jewish-Roman War begins with a riot between Greeks and Jews at Caesarea; Roman procurator Gesius Florus (A.D. 64–66) is murdered and a Roman garrison wiped out; Menahem, son or grandson of Judas the Galilean, murders the high priest Ananias and seizes control of the temple; Nero dispatches Vespasian with three legions. |
| 67* | Romans destroy the Qumran community, who beforehand hid the so-called Dead Sea Scrolls in nearby caves; the church in Jerusalem flees to Pella (Matt. 24:15–16; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20–22); John migrates to Ephesus with Mary, Jesus’ mother. |
| 68 | Nero commits suicide; year of the three emperors. |
| 69 | Rebellion quelled in Galilee and Samaria; Vespasian summoned back to Rome to become emperor. |
| 70 (Aug. 30) | Titus, Vespasian’s son, after a five-month siege of Jerusalem, destroys the temple after desecrating it; the temple’s menorah, Torah, and veil are removed and later put on display in a victory parade in Rome; the influence of the Sadducees ends; the Pharisee Johanan ben Zakkai escapes and convinces the Romans to allow him and others to settle in Jamnia, where they found a school. |
| 73 (May 2)* | Before Roman general Silva breaches the fortress atop Masada following a two-year siege, 936 Jewish rebels commit suicide. |
| 75 | Titus has an affair with the Jewish princess Berenice, sister of Agrippa II (Acts 25:13, 23), whom he later abandons because of the scandal. |
| 77 | Pliny the Elder writes Natural History. |
| 77–78 | Josephus publishes Jewish War in Rome. |
| 79 | Pompeii and Herculaneum are destroyed by eruption of Vesuvius; Pliny the Elder dies attempting to investigate. |
| 81 | The Arch of Titus, celebrating his destruction of the temple, is erected in Rome. |
| 81–96 | Domitian, Titus’s brother, persecutes Christians among the Roman nobility, including his own relatives Clemens and Domitilla. |
| 85–95* | John writes his letters (1–3 John), probably in Ephesus. |
| 89–95* | John writes his Gospel, probably in Ephesus. |
| 93–94 | Josephus publishes Jewish Antiquities in Rome. |
| 94 | Domitian exiles philosophers from Rome. |
| 95* | Amidst persecution, Clement, a leader in the Roman church, writes his Letter to the Corinthians (1 Clement) appealing for peace between the young men and elders. |
| 95–96* | Exiled by Domitian to Patmos, John writes Revelation (Rev. 1:9). |
| 96–98 | Nerva, the first of five “good” emperors, ends official persecution. |
* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or
Parallels in the Ministries of Jesus, Peter, and Paul in Luke–Acts
Luke shows Peter and Paul continuing the ministry of Jesus in the book of Acts. Representative examples are cited on the chart below.
| Type of Ministry | Jesus | Peter | Paul |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preaching that the OT is fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah | Luke 4; 24 | Acts 2; 3 | Acts 13; 17 |
| Casting out unclean spirits | Luke 4:31–37 | Acts 5:16 | Acts 16:16–18 |
| Healing the lame | Luke 6:6–11 | Acts 3:1–10 | Acts 14:8–10 |
| Raising the dead | Luke 7:11–17 | Acts 9:36–43 | Acts 20:7–12 |
| Healing by a touch, a shadow, or cloths | Luke 8:42–48 | Acts 5:15 | Acts 19:11–12 |
God’s Sovereignty in Salvation as Seen in Acts
| God ordained the cross | God calls, adds, and appoints many to eternal life | God gives faith and repentance; God cleanses and opens hearts |
|---|---|---|
|
2:23 “Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God”
3:18 “what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled” 4:27–28 “there were gathered together . . . Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, to do whatever your hand . . . had predestined to take place” |
2:39 “the promise is to . . . everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself ”
2:41 “there were added that day about three thousand souls” 2:47 “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” 5:14 “believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women” 11:24 “a great many people were added to the Lord” 13:48 “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” |
3:16 “the faith that is through Jesus”
5:31 “God exalted him . . . to give repentance to Israel” 11:18 “to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” 15:8–9 “God . . . having cleansed their hearts by faith” 16:14 “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” 18:27 “those who through grace had believed” |
Major Sermons in Acts
| Speaker | Text | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Peter | 2:14–36 | Jews in Jerusalem |
| 3:11–26 | Jews in Jerusalem | |
| 10:34–43 | Cornelius’s household | |
| Stephen | 7:1–53 | Jews in Jerusalem |
| Paul | 13:16–47 | Jews in Pisidian Antioch |
| 17:22–31 | Greeks in Athens | |
| 20:18–35 | Church elders in Ephesus | |
| 22:1–21 | Jews in Jerusalem | |
| 24:10–21 | Felix and his court | |
| 26:1–29 | Agrippa and his court |
Major Events in the Life of the Apostle Paul
| A.D. 5–10? | Born in Tarsus, an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin and a Roman citizen (Acts 22:3, 28; Rom. 11:1; Phil. 3:5); raised in either Jerusalem (Acts 22:3?) or Tarsus |
| 15–20? | Trained as a Pharisee by Gamaliel I (Acts 22:3; 26:5; Gal. 1:14; Phil. 3:5–6) |
| 30/33? | Death, resurrection of Christ |
| 31–34 | Present at Stephen’s stoning; persecuted Christians (Acts 7:58; 8:1; 22:4a; 26:9–11; 1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13; Phil. 3:6) |
| 33/34* | Converted, called, and commissioned on the way to Damascus (Acts 9:1–19; 22:6–11; 26:12–18; Gal. 1:15–16) |
| 33/34–36/37 | Stays in Damascus a short time (Acts 9:19b); leaves for Arabia (2 Cor. 11:32; Gal. 1:17); returns to Damascus (Gal. 1:17; Acts 9:20–22?); escapes through city wall to avoid arrest (Acts 9:23–24; 2 Cor. 11:32–33) |
| 36/37* | Meets with Peter, sees James, in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18) Hellenists seek to kill him; flees to Tarsus (Acts 9:28–30; Gal. 1:21) |
| 37–45 | Ministers in Syria/Cilicia (2 Cor. 11:22–27?) |
| 44–47* | Ministers with Barnabas in Antioch (Acts 11:25–26) Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10) |
| 46–47 | First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:4–14:26): 1.5 years? |
| 48* | With Barnabas, spends “no little time” in Antioch (Acts 14:28; Gal. 2:11–14); writes Galatians |
| 48–49* | Returns to Jerusalem for the apostolic council (Acts 15); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30–33), but dispute over John Mark causes them to part ways (Acts 15:36–41) |
| 48/49–51* | Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36–18:22): 2.5 years? |
| 49 | Paul and Silas travel to southern Galatia through Asia Minor, on to Macedonia (Philippi [1 Thess. 2:2]); Thessalonica [1 Thess. 2:2; Phil. 4:15–16]; and Berea [Acts 17:10–15]), and then to Achaia (Athens [1 Thess. 3:1] and Corinth [2 Cor. 11:7–9]) |
| 49–51* | Spends 1.5 years in Corinth (Acts 18:11); appears before Gallio (Acts 18:12–17); writes 1 and 2 Thessalonians |
| 51 | Returns to Jerusalem? (Acts 18:22) |
| 52–57* | Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23–21:17): 5 years? |
| 52 | Travels to Antioch, spends “some time”; travels through Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:23) |
| 52–55 | Arrives in Ephesus (Acts 19:1; 1 Cor. 16:8); ministers for three years (Acts 20:31) and writes 1 Corinthians; makes brief, “painful visit” to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:1), then returns to Ephesus and writes “severe letter” (now lost) to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:3–4; 7:8–16) |
| 55–56* | Travels north to Macedonia, meets Titus (Acts 20:1; 2 Cor. 2:12–13); writes 2 Corinthians |
| 57* | Winters in Corinth (Acts 20:2–3; 2 Cor. 9:4), writes to the Romans from Corinth; travels to Jerusalem; is arrested (Acts 21:27–36) |
| 57–59 | Transferred as prisoner to Caesarea, stays for two years (Acts 24:27) |
| 60* | Voyage to Rome; shipwrecked, spends three months on Malta (Acts 28:11); finally arrives in Rome |
| 62* | Under house-arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30–31), writes Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon |
| 62–67 | Released from house-arrest in Rome, travels to Spain (?), writes 1 Timothy (from Macedonia?) and Titus (from Nicopolis); is rearrested, writes 2 Timothy from Rome, is martyred |
* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or
Itinerary of Paul’s Third Journey
| City/Island | Province/Region | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Antioch | Syria | 18:22 |
| Galatia | 18:23 | |
| Asia (region of Phrygia) | 18:23 | |
| Ephesus | Asia | 19:1–40 |
| Macedonia | 20:1–2 | |
| Corinth? | Achaia | 20:2–3 |
| Macedonia | 20:3 | |
| Philippi | Macedonia | 20:6 |
| Troas | Asia | 20:6–12 |
| Assos | Asia | 20:13–14 |
| Mitylene | Asia | 20:14 |
| Chios/Samos | Asia | 20:15 |
| Miletus | Asia | 20:15–38 |
| Cos | Asia | 21:1 |
| Rhodes | Rhodes | 21:1 |
| Patara | Lycia | 21:1 |
| Tyre | Syria | 21:3–6 |
| Ptolemais | Syria | 21:7 |
| Caesarea | Palestine | 21:8–14 |
| Jerusalem | Palestine | 21:15–17 |
Itinerary of Paul’s Second Journey
| City | Province/Region | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Antioch | Syria | 15:35 |
| Cilicia | 15:41 | |
| Derbe | Galatia (region of Lycaonia) | 16:1 |
| Lystra | Galatia (region of Lycaonia) | 16:1–5 |
| Asia (region of Phrygia) | 16:6 | |
| Galatia | 16:6 | |
| Troas | Asia (region of Mysia) | 16:7–10 |
| Samothrace | Thrace | 16:11 |
| Neapolis | Macedonia | 16:11 |
| Philippi | Macedonia | 16:12–40 |
| Amphipolis | Macedonia | 17:1 |
| Apollonia | Macedonia | 17:1 |
| Thessalonica | Macedonia | 17:1–9 |
| Berea | Macedonia | 17:10–14 |
| Athens | Achaia | 17:15–32 |
| Corinth | Achaia | 18:1–17 |
| Cenchreae | Achaia | 18:18 |
| Ephesus | Asia | 18:19–21 |
| Caesarea | Palestine | 18:22 |
| Jerusalem? | Palestine | 18:22 |
| Antioch | Syria | 18:22 |
Luke
Luke was a doctor (Col. 4:14) and a faithful companion of Paul, accompanying him on several journeys. He was with Paul throughout his two-year imprisonments in both Caesarea and Rome. He is the author of the Gospel bearing his name and the book of Acts, where he records his travels with Paul. Little else is known about Luke. Most scholars believe that he was a Gentile. This is based in part on the fact that Paul does not include Luke among the “men of the circumcision” who were his fellow workers (Col. 4:10–11). How Luke came to know Christ is not revealed, though his thorough acquaintance with the OT suggests that he may have been a “God-fearer” like Cornelius before becoming a Christian. (Acts 21:1–8)
Aquila and his wife, Priscilla
Aquila and his wife, Priscilla (also called Prisca), were close friends and coworkers with the apostle Paul. Forced from Rome by the emperor Claudius, they fled to Corinth (18:1–2). Like Paul, who stayed in their home, they were tentmakers by trade. On his way back to Antioch, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus to establish the church in that city. There the godly couple taught the Christian way “more accurately” to a gifted Alexandrian disciple named Apollos (18:26). They were eventually able to return to Rome, where the church met in their home (Rom. 16:3–5). Paul’s deep love and respect for Aquila and Priscilla is obvious in his letter to the Romans, where he declares that the couple “risked their necks” for his life (Rom. 16:3). (Romans 16:3–5)
Acts 18:1 Corinth was 46 miles (74 km) west of Athens. It was a Roman colony and the most influential city of the province of Achaia.
Acts 18:2 Claudius’s expulsion of the Jews from Rome in A.D. 49 seems to have resulted from trouble in the synagogues created by the Christian message. Aquila and Priscilla were possibly already Christians when they fled from Rome.
Aquila and his wife, Priscilla
Aquila and his wife, Priscilla (also called Prisca), were close friends and coworkers with the apostle Paul. Forced from Rome by the emperor Claudius, they fled to Corinth (18:1–2). Like Paul, who stayed in their home, they were tentmakers by trade. On his way back to Antioch, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus to establish the church in that city. There the godly couple taught the Christian way “more accurately” to a gifted Alexandrian disciple named Apollos (18:26). They were eventually able to return to Rome, where the church met in their home (Rom. 16:3–5). Paul’s deep love and respect for Aquila and Priscilla is obvious in his letter to the Romans, where he declares that the couple “risked their necks” for his life (Rom. 16:3). (Romans 16:3–5)
Fact: Preaching for free
Preaching for free. Some traveling teachers in Paul’s day accepted money from their listeners, but Paul worked as a tentmaker to support himself (Acts 18:3; see 1 Cor. 9:4–18). Churches also supported his missions financially (2 Cor. 11:9).
Acts 18:4 Greeks. God-fearers.
Acts 18:5 Paul apparently had sent Silas and Timothy from Athens to visit the Macedonian churches (see note on 17:15). When they rejoined Paul in Corinth, they probably brought a contribution for Paul’s ministry from the Macedonian churches (see 2 Cor. 11:9).
Acts 18:6 shook out his garments. A gesture of rejection, much like shaking the dust from one’s feet (compare 13:51; and note on Matt. 10:14). Your blood be on your own heads. Paul has told them the truth. It is not his fault if they reject it.
Acts 18:7 Paul did not completely give up on witnessing to the Jews of Corinth, as his relocating next door to the synagogue indicates.
Acts 18:8 Crispus. See 1 Cor. 1:14. believed and were baptized. Baptism seems to have occurred soon after each person’s profession of faith.
Acts 18:9–11 The Lord assured Paul that, “I have many in this city who are my people,” meaning that many in Corinth would come to faith in Christ. Yet Paul did not conclude that his work in Corinth was done. Rather, he stayed a year and six months (c. A.D. 49–51, during which time he wrote 1–2 Thessalonians), longer than in any other city except Ephesus.
The Setting of Romans
c. A.D. 57
Paul probably wrote Romans from Corinth during his third missionary journey (Acts 20:2–3). Rome was the epicenter of the powerful Roman Empire, ruling over many of the great ancient centers of Western civilization. Paul had established the church at Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–11).
Acts 18:12 The proconsul of a province was its chief judicial officer. Gallio served in this role A.D. 51–52. This provides one of the keys for determining the dates of Paul’s missionary journeys. The tribunal was the proconsul’s judgment seat in the marketplace.
Acts 18:14 Gallio’s decision that the Jewish accusations against the Christians concerned only matters of their own religion established the important legal precedent that Christians were not violating Roman law when merely teaching Christian doctrine. A similar judgment comes later, in 25:19.
Acts 18:17 Sosthenes may have been a Jewish convert to Christianity. Paul mentions someone by that name as his “coauthor” in 1 Cor. 1:1. In Acts 18:8, Crispus is called “the ruler of the synagogue.” Sosthenes may have succeeded him when Crispus became a Christian, or there may have been more than one person with this office in that synagogue.
Acts 18:18 The many days longer that Paul continued in Corinth seems to be in addition to the 18 months noted in v. 11. Syria refers to his sponsoring church of Antioch in Syria. Cenchreae was about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) east of Corinth and was Corinth’s main port to the Aegean Sea. The cutting of Paul’s hair probably indicates he had completed a vow (see Num. 6:1–21; Acts 21:20–24). One took a vow to seek divine blessing or to express thanksgiving.
Acts 18:21 will return . . . if God wills. Paul’s brief appearance in the synagogue prepared the way for his later ministry in Ephesus (ch. 19) during his third missionary journey.
Acts 15:36–18:22 The Witness in Greece. Paul’s second missionary journey centered on the cities of the Greek provinces of Macedonia and Achaia, including Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. This second journey probably began in A.D. 48 or 49 and ended in 51.
Acts 18:1–22 Corinth was Paul’s last major place of witness on his second journey.
Acts 18:22 Leaving from the main Palestinian port of Caesarea in the spring of A.D. 51, Paul went up and greeted the church (in Jerusalem). Then Paul went down (from Jerusalem) to Antioch (see note on 11:19).
Itinerary of Paul’s Second Journey
| City | Province/Region | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Antioch | Syria | 15:35 |
| Cilicia | 15:41 | |
| Derbe | Galatia (region of Lycaonia) | 16:1 |
| Lystra | Galatia (region of Lycaonia) | 16:1–5 |
| Asia (region of Phrygia) | 16:6 | |
| Galatia | 16:6 | |
| Troas | Asia (region of Mysia) | 16:7–10 |
| Samothrace | Thrace | 16:11 |
| Neapolis | Macedonia | 16:11 |
| Philippi | Macedonia | 16:12–40 |
| Amphipolis | Macedonia | 17:1 |
| Apollonia | Macedonia | 17:1 |
| Thessalonica | Macedonia | 17:1–9 |
| Berea | Macedonia | 17:10–14 |
| Athens | Achaia | 17:15–32 |
| Corinth | Achaia | 18:1–17 |
| Cenchreae | Achaia | 18:18 |
| Ephesus | Asia | 18:19–21 |
| Caesarea | Palestine | 18:22 |
| Jerusalem? | Palestine | 18:22 |
| Antioch | Syria | 18:22 |
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36–18:22)
c. A.D. 49–51
Paul and Silas revisited the places in Asia Minor where Paul had preached on his first journey (see map), while Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Paul and Silas visited Derbe, Lystra, and Antioch in Pisidia. From there Paul and Silas traveled to Troas, where Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia calling to them. Crossing into Europe, they passed through several towns along the Egnatian Way and traveled to the cities of Athens and Corinth in southern Greece. Then, sailing to Ephesus and Caesarea, they visited the church in Jerusalem before returning to Antioch of Syria.
Acts 18:23 Again sponsored by the church in Antioch of Syria, Paul began his third missionary journey in the spring of A.D. 52. He traveled by foot through the region of his first mission on into Galatia and Phrygia. On the second missionary journey the Spirit had prevented him from continuing west into Asia (16:6). This time Paul headed directly west toward Ephesus.
Acts 18:24 Alexandria was an intellectual center in Egypt with a world-famous library.
Fact: Apollos
Apollos (1:12) was a Jew from the city of Alexandria. He was “an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). At Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla helped Apollos to better understand the gospel. From Ephesus he traveled on to Corinth, where the church benefited greatly from his teaching (1 Cor. 3:6).
Acts 18:25 Apollos knew only the baptism of John. This suggests that he had not heard about the baptism that Jesus commanded after his resurrection (see Matt. 28:19). Apollos taught accurately the things concerning Jesus as far as he knew them. He certainly knew about Jesus’ life and teachings. He may not have known about Jesus’ death and resurrection, or about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Acts 18:26 Presumably Priscilla and Aquila . . . explained the things about Jesus that Apollos did not yet know (see note on v. 25). It is noteworthy that both of them “explained” to Apollos the way of God more accurately. This supports the idea that both men and women can explain God’s Word to each other in private or informal settings (such as personal conversation or a small group Bible study) without violating 1 Tim. 2:12. they took him aside. They corrected him in private (compare Mark 8:32).
Aquila and his wife, Priscilla
Aquila and his wife, Priscilla (also called Prisca), were close friends and coworkers with the apostle Paul. Forced from Rome by the emperor Claudius, they fled to Corinth (18:1–2). Like Paul, who stayed in their home, they were tentmakers by trade. On his way back to Antioch, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus to establish the church in that city. There the godly couple taught the Christian way “more accurately” to a gifted Alexandrian disciple named Apollos (18:26). They were eventually able to return to Rome, where the church met in their home (Rom. 16:3–5). Paul’s deep love and respect for Aquila and Priscilla is obvious in his letter to the Romans, where he declares that the couple “risked their necks” for his life (Rom. 16:3). (Romans 16:3–5)
Acts 18:27 Achaia refers particularly to Corinth (in the province of Achaia), where Paul had already established a church. Aquila and Priscilla were well known there, so a letter from them on Apollos’s behalf would carry great weight. Later, Paul acknowledged Apollos’s ministry in Corinth (1 Cor. 1:12; 3:4–6, 22). Apollos evidently returned to Ephesus after his time at Corinth. He was with Paul in Ephesus when Paul wrote 1 Corinthians (Acts 19:1–20:1; 1 Cor. 16:12).
Fact: Gallio
Gallio was proconsul of Achaia from A.D. 51–52, when Paul was in Corinth, the major city of that province. He was the brother of Seneca, the famous Roman philosopher. The dates of his time in office, known from extrabiblical sources, have given Bible scholars a valuable tool for determining the dates of Paul’s missionary journeys.
Acts 19:6 the Holy Spirit came on them. They received the new covenant presence and power of the Holy Spirit, as on the day of Pentecost (see notes on 1:8; 2:4). Their speaking in tongues and prophesying was an outward demonstration and verification of their receiving the Spirit. (See note on 1 Cor. 12:10 and notes elsewhere on 1 Corinthians 12–14.)
Acts 19:10 Paul ministered in Ephesus for about three years (c. A.D. 52–55; see 20:31). That he reached all the residents of Asia reflects his missionary strategy. He started in the major cities and then sent coworkers into the surrounding area to establish churches.
Acts 19:12 handkerchiefs or aprons. These were not magical objects. Rather, the Holy Spirit’s presence sometimes remained evident in connection with objects that Paul had touched (see note on 5:15).
Acts 19:13 itinerant Jewish exorcists. These persons used extensive ceremonies and spoken formulas to try to free people from the influence of evil spirits.
Acts 19:15–16 Using the name of Jesus was not enough to cast out evil spirits. True faith in Jesus was also necessary.
Acts 19:19 The Greco-Roman world believed in magical incantations and spells (see note on 13:6). They often collected them into books that sold for large sums. Pieces of silver probably refers to the Greek drachma, which represented a laborer’s average daily wage.
Acts 19:21 Macedonia included the churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Achaia included the church in Corinth. This verse provides an outline for the rest of Acts (see 20:1–2; 21:17; 28:14).
Acts 19:22 having sent into Macedonia . . . Timothy and Erastus. Paul apparently wrote 1 Corinthians during the springtime, near the end of his time in Ephesus (see Acts 19:21; also 1 Cor. 16:5–10). Paul sent the letter to Corinth with Timothy and Erastus (see 1 Cor. 16:10). Later he left Ephesus to go to Corinth (see Acts 20:1–2; 1 Cor. 16:5). Erastus was a Corinthian and is included in Paul’s greetings in Rom. 16:23 and 2 Tim. 4:20.
The Setting of 1 Corinthians
c. A.D. 53–55
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians during his third missionary journey, near the end of his three-year ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:21–22). Both Corinth and Ephesus were wealthy port cities steeped in pagan idolatry and philosophy. Corinth benefited both militarily and economically from its strategic location at one end of the isthmus that connected the southern Greek peninsula to the mainland.
Acts 19:23 The Way refers to followers of Christ. See note on 9:1–2.
Acts 19:24 Silver shrines were replicas of the temple of Artemis. These were used for home altars or as offerings to be presented to the goddess.
Acts 19:28 Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Civic and religious pride led to the riot.
Acts 19:29 The theater had a capacity of more than 20,000 in Paul’s time. It was the place people gathered for town business meetings. Gaius and Aristarchus were eventually released. Aristarchus reappears later as Paul’s companion (see 20:4; 27:2; Col. 4:10; Philem. 24).
Acts 19:31 The Asiarchs were the keepers of the imperial Roman cult in Asia. They were concerned about the safety of their fellow citizen Paul.
Acts 19:33–34 The role of the Jew Alexander is unclear. Perhaps he wished to separate the Jews from the Christians in the crowd’s minds.
Acts 19:35 The town clerk was the chief administrative officer of the city. The sacred stone that fell from the sky probably refers to a meteorite. Meteorites were associated with Artemis worship.
Acts 19:38–40 the courts are open. Courts conducted by the Roman proconsul to settle disputes as well as the scheduled meetings of the town assembly. there are proconsuls. A “proconsul” was the head of government in a Roman province (see 13:7; 18:12). The town clerk’s reasoning shows the Christian gospel was not contrary to Roman law and did not disrupt public order.
Fact: Magic
In the Greco-Roman world, many used magic to heal, to curse, or to control evil spirits. Paul encountered such magicians on his missionary journeys (8:9–24; 13:6–12). He showed how Jesus’ power greatly surpasses any magical spells, and many former magicians became believers (19:17–20).
Acts 20:1 In the final days of his Ephesian ministry, after writing 1 Corinthians (see note on Acts 19:22), Paul had considerable conflict with the Corinthian church. He made a “painful” visit to them. He also wrote a “tearful” letter upon his return to Ephesus (2 Cor. 2:1–4). As his time in Ephesus neared its completion, Paul sent Titus ahead to Corinth. Upon leaving Ephesus (Acts 20:1), Paul first went north. He visited Christian communities along the way and hoped to meet Titus returning from Corinth (2 Cor. 2:12–13). In Macedonia Titus finally joined him. Titus brought the good news that the Corinthian church had repented of its opposition to Paul’s leadership (2 Cor. 7:5–16). Paul then wrote 2 Corinthians.
Acts 20:2 Greece is another name for the province of Achaia, where Corinth was located.
Acts 20:3 Paul stayed at Corinth for three months, likely the winter months (see 1 Cor. 16:6). Sea travel was more dangerous then. Syria. Paul’s goal was to sail to a Syrian port, with Jerusalem as the final destination (Acts 19:21). Paul wrote Romans (c. A.D. 57) during this final Corinthian visit (see note on Rom. 16:1–23). In Romans he explained that he went to Jerusalem to deliver a collection from Gentile churches for needy Christians there (Rom. 15:22–29; see Acts 24:17). he decided to return through Macedonia. This took Paul back to the churches of Berea, Thessalonica, and Philippi.
The Setting of Romans
c. A.D. 57
Paul probably wrote Romans from Corinth during his third missionary journey (Acts 20:2–3). Rome was the epicenter of the powerful Roman Empire, ruling over many of the great ancient centers of Western civilization. Paul had established the church at Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–11).
Acts 20:4 accompanied him. In 1 Cor. 16:1–4, Paul noted that official representatives from the various churches of his ministry would travel with him. They protected the offering from robbers. They also guaranteed Paul’s integrity in handling the funds. Aristarchus. See note on Acts 19:29.
Acts 20:15 Chios was the birthplace of Homer. Samos was the birthplace of the mathematician Pythagoras. Miletus was a major Aegean harbor in the province of Asia in Paul’s day.
Acts 20:17 The Ephesian church leaders are called elders. In v. 28 they are addressed as “overseers” (sometimes translated “bishops”) who are to “care for” (or “shepherd”) “the flock” (the role of pastors). “Elders” and “overseers” likely refer to the same office.
The Setting of Revelation
c. A.D. 95
John addressed the book of Revelation “to the seven churches that are in Asia,” namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, although there were undoubtedly other churches elsewhere in the province of Asia (e.g., Miletus and Colossae, see Acts 20:17; Col. 1:2). John had apparently been exiled from Ephesus to the island of Patmos, southwest of Ephesus, and it was probably there that he recorded his visions.
Acts 20:20 did not shrink. See note on vv. 26–27.
Acts 20:22–23 Constrained indicates the Holy Spirit prompted Paul to go quickly and directly to Jerusalem. the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city. Probably through Christian prophets (see 21:11) and direct revelation from the Holy Spirit.
Acts 20:24 Compare 2 Cor. 4:7–12; 12:9–10; Phil. 1:20–21; 3:8; Col. 1:24. In 2 Tim. 4:7 he used the same expression of finishing his course (or “race”).
Acts 20:26–27 For Paul’s claim to be innocent of their blood, compare Ezek. 33:1–6 and see note on Acts 18:6. Paul is not responsible for any future doctrinal or moral error in the Ephesian church, for he did not shrink from declaring any part of the teaching of the Word of God. whole counsel of God. The entirety of God’s redemptive plan presented in Scripture.
Acts 20:28 the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. The last part of this phrase refers to Christ’s atoning death on the cross (see Rom. 5:9). The first part of this phrase (“the church of God”) most likely refers to Christ (“God the Son”) as the head of the church. The phrase could also be translated to refer to the blood of God’s “own,” that is, of “God’s own Son.” (See also ESV footnote.)
Acts 20:29–30 Paul showed remarkable insight into the future situation of the Ephesian church (probably through a revelation from the Holy Spirit). Paul’s letters to Timothy, who served Ephesus a decade or so later, mention false teachers who were using the church for their own gain. These persons came from within the church, in fact, from among the elders (from among your own selves). (See 1 Tim. 4:1–3; 2 Tim. 2:17–18; 3:1–9.)
Acts 20:31–32 Three years included the “three months” and the “two years” in Ephesus that Luke mentioned earlier (see 19:8, 10). inheritance. Salvation. sanctified. Made holy in heart and life by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 20:17–35 Paul’s Miletus address is the only example in Acts of a major speech to Christians. Of all Paul’s speeches in Acts, it has the most in common with his letters, which were addressed to Christians.
Acts 20:35 the words of the Lord Jesus. This saying from Jesus is not recorded in the Gospels. Jesus did many things that are not recorded in Scripture (see John 21:25). This saying was probably passed on to Paul by those who heard Jesus teach. give. On Christian generosity, see 2 Cor. 8:9–15.
Acts 20:38 sorrowful. Paul’s churches had deep affection for him.
Fact: Elders and overseers
Elders and overseers (20:17, 28) are probably two different terms for the same kind of church leader. In first-century Israel, an elder would have been an older, more mature person to whom people looked for leadership. An overseer would have been someone who was responsible for people or property. Both words describe a person who takes good care of someone or something.
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Listen NowDive Deeper | Acts 18-20
Have you ever wondered why your pastor emphasizes how important it is to learn about God by reading the Bible and hearing the Word preached?
Other than job security, Acts 18-20 puts one reason to the fore: if we let our focus wander from the Word of God, we will be casualties to the word of the world.
In the digital age, words are cheaper than ever to produce and consume. An endless army of outlets and influencers are fighting for your attention on a daily basis with one goal: influence.
Things weren't so different in Paul's context. In Acts 18-20, the war of the words reached a crescendo in Ephesus. Paul's preaching of the Word was the swell heralding a wave of miracles that swept through the city, and the spark that ignited the fire that swallowed the converts' forsaken tomes of dark magic (50,000 pieces of silver worth!).
In contrast, the world challenged the gospel with its own word and brought ruin. When a silversmith preached a gospel of greed and false gods, there were no miracles or converts to speak of; only destruction and unwitting manics.
The word of the world proved powerless against the gospel and fell on the sword of its own entropy, while "the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily" (Acts 19:20).
I don't mean to throw Eutychus under the bus for dozing off as Paul's sermon stretched to midnight. In light of the drama that accompanied the somnolent sermon in the upper room, ask yourself what you can do to prepare yourself every Sunday to not be distracted by worldly concerns and to be attentive to the preaching of the Word. After all, even if preaching in your city doesn't cause a riot, the eternal stakes are still as high as they get.
Stay alert, pay attention, and don't grow weary of seeking what God has for you in his Word. By staying focused on the Word and regularly engaging with it, we shield ourselves against the world's propaganda and arm ourselves with the strength to overcome its influence.
This month's memory verse
"There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
– Romans 3:22b-24
Discussion Questions
1. Do you think you spend more time every week taking in the word of the world or the Word of God?
2. Do you ever feel after your "quiet time" that you didn't get anything from it? In those moments, what do you think is keeping you from experiencing the impact of the Word?
3. Instead of having time in the Word only in the morning or evening, have you ever considered incorporating reading and meditating on the Word into the rhythm of your day? What are some practical ways you can immerse yourself in the Word more throughout the day?
4. Is there anything keeping you from being fully focused during sermons or Bible studies at your church (phone notifications, work emails, exhaustion)? What's one small step you can take to eliminate one of those barriers?