Beginning a ministry in Corinth

Acts 18, beginning of a ministry in Corinth

Verse 4: Here at Corinth, Paul follows his usual manner. He engages in weekly reasoning in the synagogue on the Sabbath day. “persuaded the Jews and the Greeks” In context, persuaded refers more to process rather than the results.

Verses 5-6: Silas and Timothy had stayed in Macedonia. See Acts 17:14.[1] Silas stayed at Berea. Timothy may have stayed at Berea – but possibly returned to Thessalonica, if the statement in I Thessalonians 3:1-2 refers to this period of time. Otherwise, I Thessalonians 3:1-2 could suggest that Timothy soon met Paul in Athens, and was then sent by Paul back to Thessalonica.[2] Either way, Silas and Timothy then together came from these nearby Macedonian towns to meet Paul in Corinth.[3] Now, joined by Silas and Timothy, Paul intensifies his witness to the Jews. It seems reasonable that reports from Timothy (and probably Silas as well) greatly encouraged him (I Thessalonians 3:6-9). Paul is “pressed in the spirit,” God’s Spirit witnessing to his spirit. Pressed, physically, is pushed upon or forced in a certain direction. Metaphorically, it is constrained or compelled. (Cf. II Corinthians 2:4: Romans 9:1-5; 10:1.)

“they opposed themselves” – This phrase means to set oneself (here, “themselves”) in opposition against something or someone. Compare Job 30:21, where Job feels that God is set in opposition to him. See also II Timothy 2:25. As Paul’s witness intensifies, so does the opposition of the Jews. They “blasphemed.” These were Jews who believed in God, so “blasphemed” evidently refers to their speaking impiously or irreverently of Jesus Christ as God, or in that manner toward the sacred message of God preached by Paul. He will now focus on the Gentiles.

“shook his raiment” The meaning and effect is akin to shaking dust off one’s feet (cf. Matthew 10:14; Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5; Acts 13:51; also Nehemiah 5:13). It may combine this idea (shaking off dust) with the mourning (Genesis 37:34; II Samuel 3:31) or horror (II Kings 18:37; Matthew 26:65; Acts 17:14) expressed by rending one’s garment. “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean…” Compare Acts 20:26-27 “I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” Declaring the counsel of God is the responsibility of the apostle (and by extension preachers and teachers). “Blood upon your heads” is an expression of accountability, culpability, and guilt. Compare Joshua 2:19; II Samuel 1:16; I Kings 2:32-33, 37; Ezekiel 33:4, for use of the expression.

---

[1] Luke seems to have stayed in Philippi (Acts 16:40; 17:1), and he returns to the group in Acts 20:1-5.
[2] “Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; and sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith…”
[3] This is the last time Silas is mentioned by name in the book of Acts.