Acts 18:18, commentary and pictures

Acts 18:18 belongs to Paul's work in Corinth in the first century, when Corinth was one of the leading cities not only of Greece but of the world, its streets thronged with Greeks, Jews, and Romans and with travelers from every land eagerly intent on business and pleasure, and as a great commercial center within easy access of all parts of the Roman Empire it was an important place in which to establish memorials for God and His truth. Paul stayed there a considerable time after the events in Corinth, and his continued presence gave the new converts protection and support, for had he been forced to leave then the Jews would have tried to destroy Christianity in the region. Aquila and Priscilla named in the verse were Jews who had taken up residence in Corinth, with whose character Paul became acquainted and with whom he lived, and who afterward became distinguished as earnest workers for Christ.

After staying a while, Paul left Corinth for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila accompanying him, on his return to Asia at the close of his second missionary journey while traveling toward Jerusalem. On the way he stopped at Ephesus, where his stay was brief, and reasoned with the Jews in the synagogue while on his way to Jerusalem for an approaching festival. When they asked him to stay longer his journey prevented him, but he promised to return if God willed, and he left Priscilla and Aquila there to continue the work he had begun among the Jews.

The verse thus places Priscilla and Aquila with Paul on the journey and so explains their presence in Ephesus, where they later taught Apollos the way of God more fully. Aquila and Priscilla were with Paul during his ministry in Ephesus, and their presence there is connected with his working at his trade during that ministry. The verse gives no explanation of Paul's vow or the shaving of his head in Cenchrea.