…Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
Acts 18:1-17
Although we do not know whether or not a church was established in Athens, Luke writes of Paul leaving Athens to go to nearby Corinth where he meets Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish Christian husband and wife from Rome, who had been expelled by Caesar Claudius when he told all Jews to depart Rome. Aquila, Priscilla and, Paul were tent makers, a trade that provided a good income to anyone who was good at the trade. Paul used his craft to supplement his income so that he would not be a financial burden on any church he established. As usual, Paul “reasoned” with those who attended the synagogue on the Sabbath. After having a difficult time with the Jews there and with Silas and Timothy joining Paul in Corinth, Paul told the Jews who had rejected the gospel message, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” So, Paul goes next door to the house of Titius Justus, a Gentile God fearer. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue next door, becomes a Christian along with his household and many Corinthians also become Christians. That night, Paul had a vision from the Lord telling him, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 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.” Paul stayed 18 months in Corinth teaching the Word of God to the Christians there. The Jews who were against Paul and Christianity eventually came to stir up trouble in Corinth and Paul was brought before the Roman Proconsul for Achaia, Gallio. After the Jews presented their “case” against Paul, Gallio cut short the hearing telling the Jews that he will not deal with matters of one’s religion, only criminal charges. The angry Jews created a “scene” outside the hearing by beating Sosthenes, the newly converted leader of the synagogue, now the leader of the newly formed church in Corinth. The authorities who saw the event did nothing to the Jews who beat Sosthenes. Christians, in the world today, suffer for the faith they demonstrate in our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus told His disciples that the world hated Him and they will hate Christians. Despite suffering for our faith, we are to be witnesses to others of the Redemption found only in our Savior and Lord Jesus.
Source: S C Ball July 21, 2023
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