_And after these things Paul departed_, &c. After having so unsuccessfully preached to the philosophers and others in Athens, the apostle judged it needless any longer to attempt the conversion of men so frivolous, easy, indolent, and wise in their own eyes. He therefore left them as incorrigible, a... [ Continue Reading ]
_And found a certain Jew_ Afterward converted to the faith of Christ, (Acts 18:26,) doubtless by the instrumentality of Paul; _born in Pontus_ A province of the Lesser Asia, not far from Galatia and Cappadocia; _lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla_ Who also became an eminent Christian; _... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he reasoned in the synagogue_, &c. The Jews being numerous in Corinth, Paul, according to his custom, began his ministry in the synagogue; _and persuaded_ That is, endeavoured to persuade; _the Jews and Greeks_ It is probable that most of these Greeks, since they attended the Jewish synagogue,... [ Continue Reading ]
_And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia_ Silas seems to have stayed a considerable time at Berea; but Timotheus, having come to the apostle while he was at Athens, and having been sent back by him to comfort and confirm the church at Thessalonica, now left that city to join Paul at Co... [ Continue Reading ]
_He entered into a man's house, named Justus_ A Gentile, but a worshipper of the true God: and he preached there, though probably he still lodged with Aquila. He the rather chose to preach in the house of this religious proselyte, because, as it was near the synagogue, such of the Jews as were of a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then spake the Lord_ The Lord Jesus; _in the night by a vision to Paul_ Who, probably, had been discouraged in view of the learning, politeness, and grandeur of many Gentile inhabitants of the city, to whom he was to speak, so that he was, as he himself expresses it, (1 Corinthians 2:3,) _among the... [ Continue Reading ]
_When Gallio was the deputy_ Greek, Γαλλιωνος ανθυπατευοντος, _Gallio being proconsul; of Achaia_ Of which Corinth was the chief city. This Gallio, the brother of the famous Seneca, is much commended both by him and by other writers, for the sweetness and generosity of his temper, and easiness of hi... [ Continue Reading ]
_And when Paul was now about to open his mouth_ To speak in his own defence; _Gallio_ Sensible of the futility of the charge; _said to the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong, or wicked lewdness_ With which you charged the person you have now brought before me: that is, If you accused this man of any... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then all the Greeks_ Who were present, perceiving how little favour the Jews found from the court, and displeased with them for their turbulent, persecuting spirit, perhaps, thinking that Paul was thus insulted for the regards he had expressed for the Gentiles; _took Sosthenes_ The successor of Cri... [ Continue Reading ]
_Paul after this_ After these tumultuous proceedings, and the opposition that was raised against him at Corinth by the Jews; _tarried there yet a good while_ Greek, ημερας ικανας, _many days_, after the year and six months, mentioned Acts 18:11, to confirm the brethren. _And then took his leave, and... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he came to Ephesus_ The ship in which they sailed probably having occasion to touch there. _And he entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews_ Upon whom his discourse made such an impression, that _they desired him to tarry longer with them_ However, as his vow made it necessary tha... [ Continue Reading ]
_And a certain Jew_, &c. While Paul was thus visiting the churches of Galatia and Phrygia, there came to Ephesus _a Jew, named Apollos_ A native of Alexandria in Egypt; _an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures_ Namely, those of the Old Testament. Observe, reader, every talent may be of use in... [ Continue Reading ]
_And when_ Having received this more perfect instruction in the Christian faith; _he was disposed to pass into Achaia_ That he might preach the word at Corinth, and other places in that province; _the brethren_ Of Ephesus; _wrote, exhorting the disciples_ there _to receive him_ With all affection an... [ Continue Reading ]