Chapter 18:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| McGarvey Pendleton
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 John Romans
Acts 18
Concise Complete
Paul at Corinth, with Aquila and Priscilla. (1-6) He
continues to preach at Corinth. (7-11) Paul before Gallio. (12-17) He visits
Jerusalem. (18-23) Apollos teaches at Ephesus and in Achaia. (24-28)
Verses 1-6 Though
Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted, and from the people
to whom he preached, yet he worked at his calling. An honest trade, by which a
man may get his bread, is not to be looked upon with contempt by any. It was the
custom of the Jews to bring up their children to some trade, though they gave
them learning or estates. Paul was careful to prevent prejudices, even the most
unreasonable. The love of Christ is the best bond of the saints; and the
communings of the saints with each other, sweeten labour, contempt, and even
persecution. Most of the Jews persisted in contradicting the gospel of Christ,
and blasphemed. They would not believe themselves, and did all they could to
keep others from believing. Paul hereupon left them. He did not give over his
work; for though Israel be not gathered, Christ and his gospel shall be
glorious. The Jews could not complain, for they had the first offer. When some
oppose the gospel, we must turn to others. Grief that many persist in unbelief
should not prevent gratitude for the conversion of some to Christ.
Verses 7-11 The
Lord knows those that are his, yea, and those that shall be his; for it is by
his work upon them that they become his. Let us not despair concerning any
place, when even in wicked Corinth Christ had much people. He will gather in his
chosen flock from the places where they are scattered Thus encouraged, the
apostle continued at Corinth, and a numerous and flourishing church grew up.
Verses 12-17 Paul
was about to show that he did not teach men to worship God contrary to law; but
the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him of what was not within his
office. It was right in Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in matters
relating to their religion, but yet would not let them, under pretence of that,
persecute another. But it was wrong to speak slightly of a law and religion
which he might have known to be of God, and which he ought to have acquainted
himself with. In what way God is to be worshipped, whether Jesus be the Messiah,
and whether the gospel be a Divine revelation, are not questions of words and
names, they are questions of vast importance. Gallio spoke as if he boasted of
his ignorance of the Scriptures, as if the law of God was beneath his notice.
Gallio cared for none of these things. If he cared not for the affronts of bad
men, it was commendable; but if he concerned not himself for the abuses done to
good men, his indifference was carried too far. And those who see and hear of
the sufferings of God's people, and have no feeling with them, or care for them,
who do not pity and pray for them, are of the same spirit as Gallio, who cared
for none of these things.
Verses 18-23 While
Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued labouring. Our times are in
God's hand; we purpose, but he disposes; therefore we must make all promises
with submission to the will of God; not only if providence permits, but if God
does not otherwise direct our motions. A very good refreshment it is to a
faithful minister, to have for awhile the society of his brethren. Disciples are
compassed about with infirmity; ministers must do what they can to strengthen
them, by directing them to Christ, who is their Strength. Let us earnestly seek,
in our several places, to promote the cause of Christ, forming plans that appear
to us most proper, but relying on the Lord to bring them to pass if he sees
good.
Verses 24-28
Apollos taught in the gospel of Christ, as far as John's ministry would carry
him, and no further. We cannot but think he had heard of Christ's death and
resurrection, but he was not informed as to the mystery of them. Though he had
not the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, as the apostles, he made use of the
gifts he had. The dispensation of the Spirit, whatever the measure of it may be,
is given to every man to profit withal. He was a lively, affectionate preacher;
fervent in spirit. He was full of zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of
precious souls. Here was a complete man of God, thoroughly furnished for his
work. Aquila and Priscilla encouraged his ministry, by attendance upon it. They
did not despise Apollos themselves, or undervalue him to others; but considered
the disadvantages he had laboured under. And having themselves got knowledge in
the truths of the gospel by their long intercourse with Paul, they told what
they knew to him. Young scholars may gain a great deal by converse with old
Christians. Those who do believe through grace, yet still need help. As long as
they are in this world, there are remainders of unbelief, and something lacking
in their faith to be perfected, and the work of faith to be fulfilled. If the
Jews were convinced that Jesus is Christ, even their own law would teach them to
hear him. The business of ministers is to preach Christ. Not only to preach the
truth, but to prove and defend it, with meekness, yet with power.
Chapter 18:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| McGarvey Pendleton
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 John Romans
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
