III. PAUL'S SECOND TOUR (concluded) 15:36 - 18:22
M. The Arrival of Silas and Timothy, and a Breech with the Jews (vv. 5-11)
v.5 Silas and Timothy evidently brought money with them as Paul was now able to quit working so much and concentrate on his preaching. "Constrained"- urging to a work which would not be delayed. He was preaching to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.
v.6 The attitude of the Jews finally got so bad that Paul realized that he was wasting his time. "Shook out his raiment" is similar to Acts 13:51 and in accord with Jesus' instructions in Mt. 10:14. Paul had met his responsibilities, so now he turns to the Gentiles.
v.7 Paul did not go far upon leaving the synagogue, only next door to the home of Justus, a man who worshipped God. Was Justus a Christian?
v.8 It is notable that the ruler of the synagogue was converted. The plan of salvation is outlined in this verse, namely: hear, believe, and be baptized.
v.9 Paul receives direct encouragement from the Lord to keep preaching.
v.10 Paul would not come to harm in Corinth. The city of Corinth was ripe for the gospel as there were many prospective Christians. It is about this time that Paul writes the epistle of I Thess. (about AD 52)
v.11 Paul had already been at Corinth some days before the 1½ years begins. This is the longest period of time that Paul had stayed in any one place on his tours.
N. Paul arraigned before Gallio (vv. 12-17)
v.12,13 The Jews finally can take no more of Paul's teaching, they bring him before the ruler of the city and charge him with preaching a religion contrary to the Law. What law? Jewish or Roman?
v.14 Gallio dismissed the charge before Paul could speak. If Paul had broken the law then the charges would be heard, but if this were a religious argument Gallio would have nothing to do with it.
v.15 Gallio would not sit in judgement over Jewish hairsplitting. He looked on this matter as Paul being an upstart Jew, causing religious trouble, not civil trouble.
v.16,17 Gallio ordered the court to be cleared, the Jews removed. Exactly why the Gentiles beat Sosthenes is not clear, however we know that Gallio was not upset by the act. This is the only time in Paul's travels where we have a record of him receiving just treatment in a court of law. The second letter of Thessalonians was written about this time, before Paul and Silas depart company, II Thes. 1:1.
O. Paul's return to Antioch (vv. 18-22)
v.18 Even though Paul spent extra time at Corinth, it still would have many troubles in its spiritual future. (see I and II Cor.) To get a boat to Syria, Paul would have to go to the port of Cenchrea (10 miles). Paul concludes some vow he had taken and resumes shaving his head as was the custom. Was this the Nazarite vow? Num. 6:13-18. Priscilla and Aquila are now traveling with Paul.
v.19 Ephesus was the capital of Asia Minor, two days sailing to the east of Cenchrea. Paul leaves Priscilla and Aquila there and he makes a stop at the local synagogue before departing.
v.20,21 The Jews asked Paul to remain, but he said he must go and return later if "the Lord wills." (Acts 19:1) The trip from Ephesus to Caesarea would take about one month. "Keep this feast..." not found in the most reliable translations and manuscripts.
v.22 Upon arrival at Caesarea Paul goes up to Jerusalem for his fourth visit since his conversion and then returns to Antioch completing his second tour. Some commentators feel that Paul did not go up to Jerusalem, but saluted the church at Caesarea.
This concludes the second tour. Time: 3 years; Destinations: Asia Minor, Europe; Resistance: Jews, everywhere except Athens and Ephesus; Churches Organized: Galatia, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth.
IV. PAUL'S THIRD TOUR (18:23-21:16)
A. Second Visit to Galatia and Phrygia (18:23)
v.23 Luke takes care of a 600-mile journey in one sentence. Time: 54 AD Paul begins this journey without Barnabas or Silas.
B. Apollos in Ephesus and Achia (vv. 24-28)
v.24 Where is Alexandra? Apollos had much knowledge of the OT
v.25 Apollos had been instructed in the teaching of John the Baptist. He was probably still preaching that the Messiah was yet to come.
v.26 He begins speaking out in the synagogue, Priscilla and Aquila realize his ignorance concerning Jesus and take him aside and teach him further. This is an example of a woman teaching a man. How does this differ from a woman teaching this Bible study class? If there is no important difference between types of baptisms and reasons for being baptized, then why are Priscilla and Aquila bothering with Apollos?
v.27 Achia is due west of Ephesus across the Aegean Sea. Notice the letter of introduction that the brethren gave to Apollos. Did Paul need such a letter? Why did Apollos need one? 2 Cor. 3:1. Apollos was an asset to the church in Achia.
v.28 Three things made Apollos the right man for debating with
the Jews. 1) eloquent man, 2) mighty in the scriptures and 3)
had been taught the way of God more accurately. This is the next
to the last mention of Apollos. Tit. 3:13