Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
v.3-4 Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.
v.5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching.
Some people make a lot of Paul's tentmaking activity but it doesn't seem to last very long.
v.3-4 Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.
v.5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching.
Some people make a lot of Paul's tentmaking activity but it doesn't seem to last very long.
v.24-25 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.
v.28 For he (Apollos) vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
Apollos had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures and taught what he knew. Priscilla and Aquila were able to share more truth with him and he received it. God has always got more truth for us if we will receive it.
v.24-25 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.
v.28 For he (Apollos) vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
Apollos had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures and taught what he knew. Priscilla and Aquila were able to share more truth with him and he received it. God has always got more truth for us if we will receive it.
v.9-10 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
It was interesting that God sent a vision at this time. Was he feeling afraid? discouraged?
He had waited in Athens for Silas and Timothy (17:15-16) but it seems he moved onto Corinth without them. He met Priscilla and Aquila because he went to see them (v.2). (Did he know them through mutual friends?) He stayed and worked with Priscilla and Aquila until Silas and Timothy arrived. Perhaps Paul had been feeling lonely and needed some encouragement and support from friends.
Even people like Paul need encouragement.
v.9-10 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
It was interesting that God sent a vision at this time. Was he feeling afraid? discouraged?
He had waited in Athens for Silas and Timothy (17:15-16) but it seems he moved onto Corinth without them. He met Priscilla and Aquila because he went to see them (v.2). (Did he know them through mutual friends?) He stayed and worked with Priscilla and Aquila until Silas and Timothy arrived. Perhaps Paul had been feeling lonely and needed some encouragement and support from friends.
Even people like Paul need encouragement.
v. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.
(From Constable’s Commentary) "Divine election is one of the greatest encouragements to the preaching of the Gospel. Because Paul knew that God already had people set apart for salvation, he stayed where he was and preached the Gospel with faith and courage. Paul's responsibility was to obey the commission; God's responsibility was to save sinners."
v. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.
(From Constable’s Commentary) "Divine election is one of the greatest encouragements to the preaching of the Gospel. Because Paul knew that God already had people set apart for salvation, he stayed where he was and preached the Gospel with faith and courage. Paul's responsibility was to obey the commission; God's responsibility was to save sinners."
v.18 Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.
(From Constable’s Commentary) "Under grace, friend, if you want to make a vow, you can make it. And if you do not want to make a vow, you don't have to. Paul didn't force anyone else to make a vow. In fact, he said emphatically that no one has to do that. But if Paul wants to make a vow, that is his business. That is the marvelous freedom that we have in the grace of God today."
v.18 Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.
(From Constable’s Commentary) "Under grace, friend, if you want to make a vow, you can make it. And if you do not want to make a vow, you don't have to. Paul didn't force anyone else to make a vow. In fact, he said emphatically that no one has to do that. But if Paul wants to make a vow, that is his business. That is the marvelous freedom that we have in the grace of God today."