In Acts 18 we follow Paul and Silas from their time in Athens to the city of Corinth. Ancient Corinth (destroyed by an earthquake in 1858) was a busy city, strategically located at the narrowest point in the Greek peninsula and thus full of merchants, ships, commerce of all kinds, and people from many countries. Later the Apostle Paul would write two letters to the church in Corinth, which we will read soon.

As I read this chapter, I see the names of all the people who dedicated their lives to sharing the gospel and growing the church – Paul, Silas, Priscilla, Aquilla, and Apollos. As I think about them and their ministries, two things come to mind:

Paul needed reassurance. He started preaching in the synagogues of Corinth. Then the Jews there opposed him and became abusive. He shook out his own clothes in protest and said, “Your blood be on your own heads!” (Acts 18:5-6). Paul has already been in jail a few times and I don’t imagine he relished the thought of further conflict and beatings. Often, when the conflict grew too large, Paul would live a city and go to a new place that was more receptive and productive. (Makes sense to me – doing ministry in a conflict-ridden environment is so difficult!)

Paul was undoubtedly thinking about leaving Corinth when the Lord spoke to him. The Lord reassured Paul saying, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack or harm you, because I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-11) So Paul stayed 18 months in Corinth, discipling Christians and helping build the new church community.

Apollos needed redirection. Apollos came from the most-educated community of the ancient world; to be from Alexandria would be like saying he was a professor at Harvard. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the scriptures who spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately (Acts 18:24-25). But Apollos did not know about all the things that had happened recently with the Holy Spirit, and when he was gently corrected by Priscilla and Aquilla, he received this new information with humility. The professor, this powerful orator, received redirection and went on to be a great help to those who by grace had believed (Acts 18:26-28).

All of us who are committed to kingdom of God work and ministry can be encouraged by the example of these two men. Sometimes the Lord allows us to exit a difficult situation. Other times He explicitly encourages us to remain in it because He is at work and will protect us. Sometimes we receive new information we did not know previously – it might be theological or simply just new data points – and we can absorb it thoughtfully and be willing to learn and be redirected.

Are there areas of your life where you need reassurance to continue, even if it’s difficult? Ask the Lord to affirm that for you. Are there areas (even theologically) where you are hearing something new but don’t know what to make of it? Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and humility as you consider what you hear.

What stood out to you in Acts 18?