_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 ]